TE KARAKA NEWS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20471, 4 February 1941, Page 5

TE KARAKA NEWS

PUBLIC, FAREWELL

WELL-KNOWN FAMILIES

WORK FOR COMMUNITY

(Herald Correspondent.)

The Waikohu Theatre, Te Karaka, was well filled with friends and wellwishers at the public farewell in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Mills and family and Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Burgess and family, both of whom are leaving to reside in Gisborne. The gathering was presided over by Mr. S. S. Smithers, who apologised for the unavoidable absence of thfe Rev. J. D. Hodgson, Mr. J. G. Appleton, and Mr. T. L. Earnshaw.

On behalf of the Te Karaka District High School Committee and of the Te Karaka dental clinic, Mr. J. W. Nisbett said that during his .16 years in the township Mr. Mills had served almost continuously on the school committee, first as a member and for many years since as chairman. Hi: work in this direction had been outstanding, and the gradual extension and improvement of school facilities had been brought about largely by his efforts. Mr. Burgess, who, except for the last two years, had lived outside the township area, nevertheless always had given material help. Mr. Mills’ services as a member of the Poverty Bay Electric-Power Board and the Gisborne Harbour Board were stressed by Mr. Myles Doyle, whe mentioned particularly liis efforts for the increase of power lines in country districts.

Tower of Strength to Sport

Mr. F. Hobbs voiced the deep regret of the sports clubs at the departure of two families who for a long time had proved a tower of strength a. their sports meetings. A presentation of a beautiful silver tea service to Mr. and Mrs. Mills and a handsome set of carvers to Mr. and Mrs. Burgess was made by Mr. S. S. Smithers, who spoke of the good citizenship which had been displayed by the guests of honour. Mr. Mills, who had been chairman of the Te Karaka Town Board and a member of the executive ol the Waikohu Returned Soldiers’ Association, had devoted £ great deal of time to the interests of the public and the welfare of the township, in which he always had the full co-operation of Mrs. Mills. To Mr. and Mrs. Burgess they owed a debt of gratitude lor their ready assistance in all matters affecting the district.

Mr. Mills and Mr. Burgess, in brief replies, expressed theiir appreciation of the gifts and their happy associations in Te Karaka.

A programme of dances was earned, out under the direction of Mr. J. V. Castles to music supplied by Miss L. Ruru, with extras contributed by Miss Nancy Coates. A dainty supper was served.