POPULAR SETTLERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 July 1924, Page 5

POPULAR SETTLERS.

FAREWELLING AIR AND AIRS R. J. LINN. The Noimanby Town Hall was taxed to its utmost to hold the host of friend* who foregathered to bid adieu to Air and Mrs R. J. Linn on the eve of their departure for New Plymouth. i Y r /*- H-. Clement was in the chair, and alter briefly expressing his pleasure at seeing so many present read apologies from Ales,sis J. R. Corrigan and O. Haviken, M.P.’s. He then announced that there would first be a programme ot vocal and elocutionary numbers and fancy nances. The artists who took part were Mrs McEwen, Miss Eranklyo. Air Galloway (songs), Air and Airs McEwen (duet), Alisses Bennett and Hoperort (dances), Air Ballantine, Air Ait ken (2) (recitations), and Alias Iviivmgtoii (piano solo), while the accompannnents were capably played bv Miss Jvuvmgton and Air Howe-Giles. All the items were enthusiastically received. The chairman then called on Air S. lin ner to address the gathering. Mr Turner, in opening, paid an eloquent tribute to Air Linn, whom lie had knowm for 14 years, and said that if in iaraiiaki there had been 250 men like Mr Li mi Taranaki would have been probably more prosperous to-day, for he did not believe in any but the soundest schemes for solid progress. In all his dealings Air Linn was know-n as a man who stood for uprightness and fair p!ay a great ideal in life. He believed in the old proverbs—“A still tongue makes a wise head” and “Let every cobbler stick to his last,” Air Linn had been a pioneer in the breeding of pedigree J'ersoys, and had aetually made a hobby of this business, winning scores of cups, medals and certificates! PLe lefened to the sane business enterprise of Air Linn, and said he had been an ideal farmer. He was sure all were genuinely, sorry Air and Airs Linn were going out of South Taranaki, for they w-ere universally respected and admire“• expressed the deep appreciation ot all for the Linn family, and said that they were glad to know that Air Linn’s stalwart sons were to be left to carry on the great traditions left by their parents. Air Linn had been successful and helpful in his life here, and all would wish him well in his new sphere m New Plymouth.

Air Clement briefly spoke of the great work done by Air Linn in the Horticultural Society, how be had been able during his tenure as president in reviving the work of the society and putting it on a solid foundation.* He hoped that Mr Linn’s successor would maintain the good reputation made by him and continue to push forward the interests of the society. He paid a cordial tribute to the valuable and selfdenying work of Airs Linn, and added that the Linn brothers were carrying on in the steps of their father. On behalf of Normanby friends Air Clement then asked Mr Linn to accent a beautiful travelling rug as a slight token of esteem.

Air B. C. Gibson briefly spoke, saying how sorry all were at Air Linn’s departure, and mentioned the many avenues of work in which Air. Linn had helped and how hard it would be to fill his place. He hoped Air and Mrs Linn would long enjoy the leisure thev so well deserved. Air Linn, who on rising was greeted with loud applause, said that he could hardly express all he felt, and added that as regards the Horticultural Society the success had been largely due to his excellent committees. AVherever he could he was going to still help the society. He honed that their friends would all at some time pay him a visit at New Plymouth, whe’re they would be sure of a* warm welcome. He thanked all most heartily for their very thoughtful kindness at all times, and assured them it would never he forgotten . After refreshments had been served the floor was cleared, and dancing continued to the excellent music of Air Coburn. The evening was voted by all a most thorough and complete success in every way.