PATEA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 June 1924, Page 3

PATEA

WORTHY CITIZENS. FAREWELL AND PRESENTATION. (From Our Own Correspondent. A: representative gathering of town and country residents assembled in the Borough Council Chambers on Thursday evening to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson, on the eve of their departure for New Plymouth, where their future home will be. Mis Worship the Mayor (Mr. Finlayson) presided at the gathering. A beautiful bouquet wa s presented by the Mayoress to Mrs. Stephenson on her arrival. Apologies were read from a number of persons unable to be present. A representative member from each of the different societies and sports clubs to which Mr. and Mrs. Stefthenson had belonged spoke in turn, each paying a welldeserved tribute to the good work done bv both Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson, and the great kindness extended by them to one and all at all times, and the general regret felt at their departure from our midst, and wishing them every happiness in their future. Mr. Finlay spoke on behalf of the bankers, and at the conclusion of his speech extended a hearty welcome to Mr. . Stephenson’s successor, Mr. Dela rgey, as manager of the Patea branch of the Bank of New Zealand.

His Worship the Mayor then asked Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson to accept from their many friends a well-filled wallet as a small token of the esteem felt for them by all, and wished them every happiness in the future. Mr. Stephenson, iu reply, said they were sorry to leave Patea. as they had made many friends during their ten years’ stay. He thanked them for the handsome present and the expressions of goodwill, which money could not buy and which were among the things which made life worth while. He said they would never forget the many kindnesses to Mrs. Stephenson and his family during their stay in Patea. The. gathering then sang “For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” followed by hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Stephenson and family.

After a vote of thanks to the chairman the gathering dispersed.