VALEDICTORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 December 1934, Page 5

VALEDICTORY

MR AITKEN, OF ROTO MANU. Last Saturday evening-, the residents pt Roto Mann and a large number of visitors from neighbouring districts, assembled in the Public'Hall, where a social and dance were held, to farewell Mr Aitken, schoolmaster, i who is leaving the district, on promotion, for Kirwee. The large number who attended give testimony to his popularity. Among those present were the majority of his pupils. During the evening Mr John Ryan presented Mr Aitken with an address signed by all the householders of Roto Manu, and he was also the recipient of a travelling rug and suitcase, given in token of appreciation and esteem. On behalf of the Roto Mann Tennis Club, the President, Mr Ryan, asked Mr Aitken to accept a smoked mother-of-pearl shaving set as their parting gift.

The company rose and sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” which was followed by three rousing cheers. Mr Aitken said that he felt like the man who rose to make an afterdinner speech and said.. “I have been waiting all the evening Tor something to happen.” Just then the firebell rang, and he was the first man out of the room. But, unfortunately for him, (Mr Aitken), nothing, like that had happened. He hopedall those present would be . in the same fix r some day; then .he would get/, -hfe own .1 back. Continuing, he thanked the people fbr their hospitality, saying their kindness had .made life a little more happy, not meaning that life was miserable, and it was owing to this kindness that he felt it hard to say good-bye, and that after having spent six years in a place it was not so easy to say good-bye, and to all those whom he had not had the opportunity of speaking he bid good-bye. In conclusion, he wished everyone good luck and the compliments of the season.

Musical items were rendered by Messrs McKc.nzie, Maughan, Keating and Maxwell. Little Miss Mavis Joseph sang. The Bai Jove Dance Band supplied delightful music for the dance, and Miss A. Curtis played several extras. Supper was then partaken of, served by a willing band of helpers. The joining of hands and the singing of Auld Lang Syne brought an enjoyable and pleasant evening to a ilasn. '