VALEDICTORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 August 1928, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

MR AND MRS MICHELL. (Our Own Correspondent.) IKAMATUA, August 10. On Tuesday evening there assembled at the Ikamatua Hall, one of the largest crowds ever seen, the occasion being a send-off to Mr and Mrs Michell and son, who are leaving for Geelong, after sixteen years sojourn in this district. The floor was in the capable charge of Mr G. Murtha, while Misses Walshe and McEwan supplied the music. During the evening vocal items were rendered by Miss Chisnall and Mi’ Henry (Duet), Misses Walshe, McEwan, Mr Murtha, and Mr Green. Before the supper adjournment Mr A. Doig, Chairman of the Hall Committee, said he was pleased to see such a. lot of people attend this function to pay homage to the Michell family, and not let them depart from their midst without showing the esteem in which they were held. As workers for the Hall Fund, the Michells were whole-hearted and free givers and could not do enough to assist in any worthy cause. On behalf of the Hall Committee he wished them health, wealth, and prosperity in their future sphere. Mr W. Clayton, Chairman Inangahua County Council, said it gave him great pleasure to be present on this occasion, and he heartily endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. He had to voice the regret of the people of Ikamatua and surrounding districts at .the departure of such worthy citizens and hoped they would return to Ikamatua, as he was sure they were bitten by the “West Coast Bug” and would not be long before they were back again in our midst. He concluded by wishing them good luck and a prosperous future. Mr Byrne said he could not say enough about the good qualities of the Michells, who had done all in their power to further the interests of the district. Mr Michell’s success had been due to nothing but hard work and straightforwardness in his business as blacksmith in the village. Ho then called upon Mr Michell to come forward and accept a well-filled wallet as a small token of esteem in which they were held by the community, who wished them every success in Geelong. \

Mr J. Walters, on behalf of the Ikamatua and Ahaura Gun Clubs, said it was not necessary to say what good sports the Michells were or to say what they had done for the gun clubs and the districts. The clubs were losing really good members and they would be sorely missed. The whole district regretted their departure, and on behalf the two chibs he had much pleasure in presenting Mrs Michell with a manicure set, Mr Michell wiEh. a case of pipes, and their son Ventress with a cigarette holder. Mr D. Michell (“Doc,” as he is familiarly known), on rising to respond, was greeted with prolonged applause and cheers, and said he was pleased to see such a crowd present, as it showed that he was held in high esteem. He said he had only done what lie thought was his'duty, and hardly merited the good remarks about himself and family. It gave him pleasure on leaving to think he had been such a good fellow. He regretted leaving such a lot of pals, but they would not be forgotten. He thanked the people most kindly for their valuable presents to himself, wile and son, also for the good things said about them. It had always been a pleasure for them to assist in furthering the interest of the Gun Clubs, Hall funds and assist in any capacity at any function. Before concluding he wished to again thank them one and all for their kindness, and said they would always have the interests of Ikamatua at heart. The assembly then arose and sang “For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” followed by three hearty cheers for the Michells. Supper was then handed round .and dancing resumed. The proceedings terminated in the wee sma’ hours with “Auld Lang Syne.” So ended one of the most pleasant functions evbr held at Ikamatua. Among the dresses worn were: — Mrs. Michell, bilack satin sequin overdress; Mrs. Chisnail, geranium glassy; Mrs. Teasdale, blue georgette; Mrs. Benfell, black georgette; Mrs. Cuff, black georgette; Mrs Jenkins, blue georgette; Mrs. P. Pendergast, pink marocain radium lace; Mrs. H. Hannah, black georgette; Mrs. G. Hahn, pink crepe de chine; Mrs. Clayton (Ahaura) fawn taffeta; Mrs. Sullivan, floral crepe de chine; Mrs. Mitchell, black georgette; Mrs. Doig, black charmalone; Mrs. L Ward, red celanese; Mrs J. Ward, brown marocain; Mrs W. H. Ward, (Ahaura) black ■georgette; Mrs Pahl, fawn marocain; Mrs. Berti (Reefton) blue satin; Mrs. Barnes, grey crepe de chine; Misses Rooney, green georgette; Treacy, pink georgette; Palmer, floral silk; Mertheus, green repe; P. Gardiner, floral georgette; D. Gardiner, green satin; Williams, red crepe de chine; Howell, blue satin; Cliisnall, biscuit c’-epe de chine; McEwan, shell pink georgette; G. Bellamy, violet crepe de chine; Doogue, apricot taffeta; Patterson pink georgette; Hardie, cherry georgette; Kidd, black satin; Walsh, Apricot crepe de chine; A. Hannah, red velvet and lace; Higson, blue crepe de chine; McVicar, black crepe de chine; Clayton, cream georgette.

MR J. F. DOWNEY. (Our Own Correspondent.) REEFTON, August 11. Last evening at the Consolidated Staff Club Rooms, a number of mining and financial representatives met for the purpose of bidding goodbye to Mr Jno. F. Downey, who is leaving on transfer to Waihi on Tuesday morning next. Mr W. B. Auld presided, and there were some twenty gentlemen present. After the loyal toast, the Chairman, in proposing the guest, voiced the opinion of those present that in losing Mr Downey they were losing one who had carried out his duties with tact and as little irritation to those concerned and compatible with his official position as far as possible. He had endeavoured to foster genuine prospecting, and had brought, to his position a. lengthy Australian experience and his knowledge .and advice wore used at all times to further the industry rather than retard it. He was in charge of a very ,big district, and-he trusted the transi for to Waihi would lighten his labours and he wished both their guest and Mrs Downey the best of good health and prosperity.

Mr E. W. Spencer, General Manager Blackwater Mines, referred in complimentary terms to the association of their office with Mr Downey’s, and also to the help rendered in the opening up of the Wealth of Nations Mine by Mr Downey, more especially in their association with the Mines

Department in the matter of subsidies towards helping that property along. Their requests had always received a fair and attentive hearing and although not getting all they asked for, they had always been treated fairly. In his opinion the Mining Act was sadly in need of revision. There was a good deal in it that could be scrapped, but in its administration their guest had treated everyone fairly and with unfailing courtesy. Mr R. Stewart, Manager of the Blackwater Mines, spoke in complimentary terms of the guest of the evening and considered that he had always tactfully carried out his duties. There were times when he could have asserted himself, but he always suggested rather than dominated, and they had always endeavoured to meet the Inspector’s requests. Mr J. B. Auld referred to Mr Downey’s assistance to the opening up and development of the Alexander Mines and his efforts to obtain better access to that locality, and his help at all times to tihe prospector. Mr Lawn, Mr T. R. Hogg and Mr J. B. McEwin, mill superintendent Blackwater Mines, also spoke in complimentary terms of their relations with Mr Downey in his official capacity. Mr E. W. Spencer, on behalf of the gathering, presented Mr Downey with a handsome Loewe pipe and asked him when it was charged and he had a little leisure to have a kindly thought to those “whom he was leaving in the Reefton district.

Mr Downey (who was greeted with applause) regretted that eloquence had not been one of the gifts bestowed on him, but he thanked them all for their kindness and good wishes. He preferred when carrying out his duties to suggest rather than compel those with whom he came in contact to accede to his wishes, and in the main his instructions were carried out. The main point in the administration of an Inspector’s duties was the safety ami health of the men engaged in the industry, and he was gratified that he was leaving so many friends behind him in the Reefton district. He thanked them for their gift and good wishes. He regretted the decline oi. tihe industry, and it was always his aim to help the genuine prospector. Mr W. F. Brett proposed the toast of the Mining Industry, to which Messrs J. B. Auld, R. Mclntosh and A. R. Watson responded. Mr. W. Gore Porter, on behalf of the gathering, proposed the health of Mr. E. J. Scoble, the newly appointed Inspector, and welcomed him to Reefton.

Mr. Scoble, in reply, said he recognised that he would have some difficulty in successfully following in Mr. Downey’s footsteps, but he was out to help, rather than hinder, the industry, and he would at all times try and assist the genuine prospector.

Mr. W. Gore Porter proposed the Banking interests, ami voiced the opinion that Reefton had been fortunate in having as managers those who had, and were, filling the positions at present.

Mr. E. McPhail, Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, and Mr. Rea, Manager of the local branch of the National Bank, responded. Mr. Thos. Phillips proposed the toast of “The Press,’ ’to which Mr. R. McIntosh and Mr. N. Lawn replied. \ very pleasant evening concluded with Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.

REV. FATHER HERRING (Our Own Correspondent.) REEFTON, Aug. 11. On Friday afternoon the pupils of Reefton Convent School primary section, assembled in the Social Hall for the purpose of making a presentation to Rev Father Herring and to bid him bon voyage previous to his leaving for the forthcoming Eucharistic Conference at Sydney for which citylie leaves on Monday next. A short musical programme was rendered by the school children. Items were given by Master Jno Crowley (piano solo), choruses by the school children, recitations by Dick Chettle, Kitty Turner (piano solo), vocal duet by Olga Pascoe and N. Flannigan; piano solo, Joan Gebbie, vocal solo by K. Coghlan. W. Pennington, W. White and little Patricia Heslop presented Father Herring with a suitcase and .fountain pen and in a neat speech the former wished the recipient a safe journey and good health.

Father Herring thanked the children for the concert that they had provided, and it gave him very great pleasure to be with them. He was afraid they did not hear the children as often as they should. He hoped to hear the’ children of Australia at the conference singing the chant, he would think of the children of Reefton and although they were making progress he hoped they would persevere and later on attain proficiency in the Church chants.

He hoped they would remember him in their prayers and it was a great privilege to attend the Conference at Sydney. It might be a century before such a gathering took place in Australasia again as the world was wide. He hoped the Conference would be of pleasure and profit. He thanked them all for their useful present and realised their sacrifice. They would be always kept with him as a token of their regard for him. Auld Lang Syne and cheers for Father Herring concluded the function. The senior pupils after the primary school’s function tendered a short concert at which Choruses were rendered by the senior class. Monologue by N. O’Brien, Rose Ballet Dance by Misses Walsh, pianoforte solo, Miss B. Langley, violin solo, Miss O. Fryer, Irish Jig by Misses M. and N. Walsh, piano solo, “The Sea. Rowley” G. Magee, recitation, “Two Frogs,” Miss May Woods.

Miss Marie August presented Father Herring on behalf of the senior pupils with a. wallet and half-dozen white silk handkerchiefs. Father Herring thanked them all for their kindness and for their useful present on the occasion of his departure. It was the desire of the Pope to mark the passing of a century by holding a conference where once the whole of the Universal Church would bo represented. There, not only members of their own faith but. those who were sympathetic would see the progress made by the church, where once it was treated with disrespect, f'rtio privilege of attending was a great' honour, and he would remember them in his prayers, as he asked for their while he was away. He hoped that, under the providence of God no barm would befal while he was away. Cheers for Father Herring concluded a very pleasant gathering.