AUROA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 July 1924, Page 5

AUROA.

FARMERS’ UNION. MEMBER FAREWELLED. The Auroa branch of .the Farmers’ Union tendered a. public farewell in the hall on Saturday evening to Mr. F. and Mrs. Barlow, who are leaving for Te Aroha in the near future. The usual monthly meeting was held eariief in the evening, but beyond formal business matters no discussion took place, the meeting being adjourned to enable members to be present at the farewell function, which took the form of a social and dance. A fully representative gathering of district residents attended, the popularity of the guests of the evening being demonstrated by the cordiaL wishes for, their future happiness which were extended, together with the expressions of regret over their departure.

A well-arranged dance programme rendered the occasion an enjoyable one, additional pleasure being afforded by some well-received vocal items Contributed by Mesdames Williams and McCook.

During an interval in the dance programme Mr. R. Lyndon (president), on. behalf of the branch members and other residents; presented Mr. and Mrs. Barlow with two handsome pieces of Doulton china, and Mr. T. Ross, on behalf of the Bowling Club, presented Mrs. Barlow with a Doulton china teapot au d Mr. Barlow .with a set of military hairbrushes.

Mi-. Lyndon explained that it had been considered fitting that on the eve of the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Barlow a gathering should be organised in order to give the people of the district the opportunity of 'publicly expressing the esteem in which*they held Mr. and Mrs. Barlow, and of wishing them success in their new sphere. After referring to Mr. Barlow’s activities in football and the enthusiastic support lie had accorded to athletic sports during his stay in the district, Mr. Lyndon stated that Mr. Barlow, although not a farmer, had been one of the most active members of the Auroa branch of the Farmers’ Union. He had been regularly in attendance at the meet-: ings, and had taken an intelligent and helpful part in their discussions It was keenly regretted that the branch was losing him. Together with Mrs. Barlow he had taken a prominent part in social events organised by the union, and both Mr., and Mrs. Barlow had always been willing to lend their assistl ance in all matters affecting the welfare of thg community. Chi behalf of the Farmers’ Union and the people of the district the sneaker requested Mr. and Mrs. Barlow to accept the present, ation as a memento of the esteem in which they vere held. In presenting the gifts, Mr. Lyndon wished the recipients every happiness in their new home and assured them that a cordial welcome would await them should they ever return to Auroa.

Speaking on behalf of the Bowling Club, Mr. Ross paid a tribute to Mr. Barlow’s popularity, stating' that though one of the .youngest he was one of the most enthusiastic of their members. The club was indebted to Mrs. Barlow for her assistance in entertaining visiting bowlers, and-the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Barlow entailed a loss which would be greatly felt. On behalf of the club he wished them all future success, and asked them to accept the presentation as a memento of the goodwill of club members' and their appreciation, of assistance rendered.

Mr. H. Buxton also added a tribute in appreciation of the services rendered to the district bv the guests of the evening, and wished Mr. and Mrs. Barlow every success and happiness in their new home, stating that he hoped they would find as many friends in T© Aroha as they were leaving in Auroa. In a fitting response Mr.*’Barlow expressed his and Mrs. Barlow’s appreciation of the honour conferred upon them by the gathering, and thanked the speakers for their courteous remarks and the Farmers’ Union and, the Bowling Club for their handsome gifts, which would always serve as pleasant reminders of the happy days spent in Auroa and the friendship formed there. In conclusion Mr. Lyndon thanked those who had contributed items and all who had assisted in the organisation of the function. A dainty supper was provided and dancing was continued till midnight, when the gathering disoersed after the customary musical honours. Dance music was rendered by Mrs. Evans’ orchestra. Messrs T. Ross, J. Hartley, and J Deegan officiated as M.p.’s.