VALEDICTORY

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1938, Page 4

VALEDICTORY

MR. AND MRS. HUGHIE O’DONNELL, BRUNNERTON. A most successful gathering for the purpose of farewelling and making a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Hughie O’Donnell, of Kiwi, was held in the Wallsend Public Hall on Saturday evening. The esteem in which the aged couple are held by all was evident by the large crowd present, the capacity of the hall being taxed to its utmost. After having resided in Brunner for well nigh sixty-four years, they being the oldest residents of the district, Mr. and Mrs. O’Donnell have left to take up their residence in Hokitika. Mr. Morgan caked upon the Mayor, Mr. J. Smeaton, to express the sentiments of the residents on the occasion. In making the presentation of two beautiful arm-chairs, with hearthrug to tone and a handbag for Mrs. O’Donnell, Mr. Smeaton made eulogistic reference to the many fine qualities of the guests, who had been residents of the Brunner district since 1874. The people of the uistrict had gathered in full force, in order to take leave of the two oldest residents, pioneers whom the community were •loathe to lose. The exceptionally large number present testified the high esteem in which the guests were held It was owing to road improvements, the over-head bridge at Kiwi, to eliminate the dangerous railway crossing, that had forced Mr. and Mrs. O’Donnell to leave their old home, tne land being required for the road. Mr. Smeaton read a telegram received from Hon. P. C. Webb, M.P., regretting his not being able to be present, and conveying his best wishes to the guests for the future. Other speakers were: Messrs R. Fordham, W. Carse; T. Harper, Jnr., T. Harper, Snr. (whose late wife attended school with Mr. O’Donnell in the Old Country), R. Boustridge and T. Morgan, all of whom referred in very eulogistic terms of Mr. and Mrs. O’Donnell and extended best wishes to them in the future. Mr. F. Creagh responded on behalf of the guests, stating that it was a wrench for them to be departing after having lived the greater part or their lifetime in the district. Mrs. O’Donnell was the recipient ol a beautiful autumn tinted boquet The old couple made a charming picture seated on the stage in their armchairs amidst some of their oldest friends. Items were rendered by: Master Frank Slater (song), Mr. J. Duffy (song), Miss C. Brown (song),, Miss R. McNeish (violin solo), Messrs Duffy and Airns (duet), Miss B. Dando (song), Mrs. J. Griffiths (song), Miss B. Bateman (song), Mr. Airns (song), Mr. J. McGuinness (song), Mr. T. Murphy (song), Miss U. Fentiman (song), Mr. J. Malligan (song), Mr. P Laffey (song), Mr. R. McNabb (pianoaccordeon solo). A very popular item was the song, “In Shadow of the Pines,” sung by Mr. Walter Cosgrove, an old resident, who was joined in the chorus by all present. Miss M. E. Watson and Mr. Patterson were the official accompanists for the evening Community singing, led by Mr. J Duffy, was most popular and entertaining. Supper was served and dancing was indulged in for the remainder of the evening. The lucky spot waltz was won by Mr. and Mrs. Adams, and the lucky one-step by Mrs. Roberts and Mr. A. Hoggarth. Miss E. Hallinan and Mr. J. Duffy occupied the lucky seats. An excellent supper was provided. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne’’ concluded a very happy gathering.