FAREWELL TO NOTED WAIROA PERSONALITY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22772, 19 October 1948, Page 4

FAREWELL TO NOTED WAIROA PERSONALITY

(S.R.)

WAIROA, Oct. 19.

Nearly 50 people attended the farewell tendered the retiring manager at Wairoa of Swift, N.Z., Ltd., Mr. J. de Gruchy, The gathering was arranged by the Wairoa A. and P. Society in conjunction with the Wairoa branch of Federated Farmers.

Mr. de Gruchy is leaving Wairoa at the end of the month to take over the managership of the Waipukurau branch of the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Co-op. Association. He will be succeeded at Wairoa by Mr. R. C. Ryman. The speakers at the farewell were Mr. A. L. McKinnon, president of Federated Farmers, Mr. R. C. Goldstone, president of the Wairoa A. and P. Society and Mr. Newton Alexander, the last-named representing the Young Farmers’ Clubs and the Nuhaka A. and P. Society. All expressed regret at the coming departure of Mr. de Gruchy who, at all times, had done liis utmost to assist local organisations and in acting in the chief executive position for his firm had proved most sympathetic in his considerations of the requirements of clients. The guest of the occasion was the recipient of a leather suitcase. In thanking those responsible for the gathering Mr. de Gruchy said he greatly appreciated the kind remarks of the speakers and also the splendid gift which would be a pleasing memento of the many happy years he bad spent in the Wairoa district. Pipe Band and Aero Club

At the annual meeting of the Wairoa Highland Pipe Band Society Mr. J. D. Osier was elected patron and Mr. D. Glengarry president. Mr. Mclntyre is to be the bon. secretary. The annual report indicated that the society had enjoyed a fairly successful year and it was hoped that the band would be present at public gatherings in the near future. There was a gooa attendance at a meeting of the Wairoa Aero Club and it was decided to cull a public meeting to ascertain the possible community interest in (lying. The co-operation of district bodies, such as the County and Borough Councils, Federated Farmers, is to be sought and it is hoped to hold the meeting early in the new year.

Few courts at the Wairoa Tennis Club's headquarters were unoccupied on Saturday last when the official, opening took place. The president, Mr. W Petchell, extended a welcome to former and new members and voiced wishes for an enjoyable season. Mrs. J. Joe is a Wairoa visitor to Wellington and Masterton. During the absence of Mr. L. A. Best, town clerk, on annual leave Mr. T. S. Crarer is in charge at the Wairoa Borough Council chambers.