KUMARA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1942, Page 7

KUMARA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent! One of the largest gatherings here for many years tendered a public farewell on Friday evening at the Memorial Hall to Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Rooney! The social comprised a varied programme of songs, a play, and dancing, while a presentation was made with eulogistic references by representative citizens to the guests of the evening. Songs were given by Mrs. W. McNabb and Messrs Taylor and Thwaites, and a Tap Dance by Miss Fay Calder, the accompanist being Mrs. F. Wise; and a short play by members of the Women’s Institute. Mesdames W. McNabb and A. Fensom, the “Crystal Gazer” proved pleasant and interesting. The latter part of the evening was devoted to dancing, the musicians being Mr. and Mrs. McNabb (violin and piano). Extras were played by Mrs. Hemera and Miss Fay Calder. A very line supper was provided by the ladies of the Red Cross Committee. A- small charge for admission totalled over £lO, which will be donated to the Patriotic Committee. At 10 p.m., the Mayor (Mr. A. B. Spiers), called the guests of the evening and representative citizens to the stage. The Mayor said that the very large attendance was a testimony to the popularity of Mr. Rooney as Postmaster here for the past nine years, and to Mrs. Rooney,'in recognition of her activities in social and patriotic work. Mr. Rooney had won the esteem of all, and ‘particularly the workers and coqptry people, by his willingness to do business at all hours. Rev. Father Healy spoke of Mr. Rooney as a good citizen and referred to' his willingness to oblige people in his official capacity. His was an all round job which required him to be conversant with all branches of postal and telegraph work. Unlike larger offices, where each department had its own officers, Mr. Rooney had to do everything from selling a postage stamp, to the work of Deputy Fuel Controller in all more than 101 jobs. All this had to be done in the cramped space of about three feet of a “hole in the wall.” Kumara had not been considered in the Government’s building programme, and the old out of date office, was a bugbear to people doing business, and inconvenient to the office staff. However, Mr. Rooney had done well for the Department under all circumstances. Mrs. Rooney too had identified herself with the social activities of the town. He wished them every success in the future. Rev. R. P. Taylor (Vicar), said he was practically a new-comer to the district but had already experienced the courtesy of the Postmaster, ana the large attendance was a very fine tribute to his past services to the town. Mr. Jas. Murphy (Deputy Mayor), said that it was quite evident that the work of Mr. and Mrs. Rooney in their midst had met with the approval of citizens. He wished them happiness and prosperity in the future. Mr. L. J. Thwaites said that, as Secretary of the Red Cross, he could testify to the assistance rendered by the guests of the evening. The very representative attendance was a very pleasing tribute to them. Mr. H. Hamer said the occasion was a rare opportunity to express public appreciation of a good public servant, who was always courteous and willing to help those doing business at the Post Office. During his 40 years in business he had always had good service from postal officials. He referred to the kindly and cheerful way that _ Mr. Rooney spoke to his junior officers and taught them in the various duties of the service. Mrs. Rooney had been a good member of the Women’s Institute, Red Cross, Plunket Society, Patriotic Society and old Medical Committee. Her qualiilcai tions as a nurse, had often been sought, and she had always responded to the call for help in cases of sickness or accident. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Rooney and family the best of luck. Mr. Geo. McEnaney said ■that the Kumara Fire Brigade had always had financial and moral support from Mr. Rooney. Mr. J. F. Gilbert (Secretary of the Racing Club), apologised for the unavoidable absence of the President and Vice President, and expressed their cordial thanks to Mr. Rooney for the over-time work he had done to meet the late closing hour of nominations and acceptances for the Club’s meetings, and also for other help freely and voluntarily given. The Mayor read a letter from the Chief Postmaster of Greymouth in reply to an invitation extended to the staff of that office. Fie regretted inability to attend owing to petrol restrictions and other reasons, and stated that Mr. Rooney was a capable and conscientious officer who would do Well in the service. The Mayor said that people of the town and district had subscribed very liberally, and on their behalf he was pleased to present Mr. Rooney with a' well filled wallet, with the compliments of goodwill and gratitude of the donors. On rising to reply, Mr. Rooney was greeted by the assemblage, singing “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” after which he expressed on behalf of Mrs. Rooney and himself sincere gratitude for the social in their honour and thanks for the gift. He was pleased that his work as a public servant had met with public approval. The Mayoress (Mrs. Spiers), m a few well chosen words, handed Mrs. Rooney a gift from the Ladies’ Committee,' and trusted that it would be a keepsake and pleasant reminder of her many friends in Kumara. Mrs. Rooney, in reply, said that anything she had done for the public had been a pleasure to her. Rev. Father M. Murphy, recently I paid a brief visit to Kumara, looking up relatives and friends who were pleased to meet and greet him..