TE ROTI.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 23 May 1925, Page 7

TE ROTI.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

FARIS WELI > SOCJ AI

THE- CLEAVER FAMILY

Friends from all parts of Taranaki gathered together at the Te Roti hall on Tuesday evening Last to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. E. Cleaver and family, of Mountain Road, who are shortly taking up their residence jn Palmerston .North. Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver have been in our midst thirteen years, and during that time they have by their sterling qualities earned the respect of all. After a bounteous supper had been partaken of, Mr. Bluett, jn a few wellchosen words, eulogised Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver’s services to the district, and expressed the sorrow of all at their departure. He then called 'on Mr. B. Hibson to make the presentation. Mr. Gibson, .in presenting Mr. and Mrs. Gibson with a silver afternoon tea service, a silver-mounted oak tray, and a Morris chair, spoke in glowing terms of their qualities as neighbours and settlers. Mr. ( leaver was a splendid farmer, ari enthusiastic advocate of the district, and an outstandingly good fellow. If a neighbour had a job to do, Mr. Cleaver would be there to lend a hand, and as a farmer he was an example for all. If lie did anything he did it well —had a place for everything and everything m its place; a time for everything and everything up to time. As for Mrs. Cleaver, she had been a fitting helpmate for her husband, a valued friend of all. and the generous, kind-hearted type of woman who helped to make New Zealand the glorious country ft is to-day.

Mr. Cleaver, on behalf of his wife and family, thanked all for the beautiful presents aiid extended an invitation to everyone to visit them in their new home, where they would do their best to make their friends welcome.

At this stage Miss Mary Cockerton presented Mrs. Cleaver with a beautiful bouquet. Several other friends endorsed the remarks of Mr. Bluett and Mr. Gibson. Mr. Peebles, on behalf of his staff and himself, presented the guests of the evening with an afternoon tea set.

Mr. Bluett also presented the following: To Miss 15. Cleaver, a halt mirror; to Miss 1). Cleaver, a marble clock; to Mass C. Cleaver, a silver manicure set; and to Miss M. Cleaver a suede handbag. The music supplied by MacDonald’s orchestra was all that could he desired; the floor, as usual, was in perfect condition, and this combination so enticed dancing that at times the floor was literally packed. Items that made the evening more enjoyable were given b.v the following: Recitations, Miss Burrows, Mr. R. Vivian, and Mr. Leo Quin ; songs, Mrs. 15. Hurley, Mrs. P. Maichant, Miss T. Gibson, and Messrs Leo Quin, P. MacDonald,- and B. MacDonald; fancy dances, Miss Gwen Harcourt. The function was continued until, the small hours of the morning, and when the last ear had started homewards the thought uppermost in the minds of all was, “We have farewelled our valued friends in a most fitting manner.” MR. AND MRS. A3TKEN.

On Tuesday evening, the 12th inst.. the residents of Te Roti and surrounding districts gathered at the local hall to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. T. Aitken and family, Mr. Aitken, our local stationmaster, having been transferred to Manakau.

During his seven years of office in Te Roti, Mr. Aitken has endeared himself to all by his unfailing courtesy and Iris willingness to oblige, and the great number of friends who gathered together on the evening stated gave conclusive evidence of his widespread popularity. The music supplied by Mrs. Bennett, of Nornianby, was in itself an incentive to dance, and young and old alike tripped the light fantastic until the small hours of the morning. During .the evening Mr. if. Bluett, on behalf of the residents of Te Roti, Kapuni, and Matapu. expressed regret at losing the valuable services of Mr. Aitken, and conveyed to him and his family their friends’ unanimous wish for their future good health and prosperity. He then presented Mr. Aitken with a purse of bank notes. Mr. B. Gibson, on behalf of the Norman by .Horticultural Society, eulogised Mr. Aitken’s services as a member, and said that if all members were as keen as Mr. Aitken for the society’s welfare the future of the society would be one of continued progress. Mr. Aitken, on behalf of his wife and family, expressed thanks for the gift, and said he was very sorry indeed to lie leaving here, and the memories of his seven years’ residence in Te Roti would always he pleasant ones. Regarding his association with the Nornianby Horticultural Society, it was a labour of love, and his hope was that the society would have continued prosperity and also continue to be a useful adjunct to the district. Vocal items were contributed by Mr. I’. Aitken and Mr. Martin, of Stratford, both of whom were enthusiastically received. Altogether it was a myst successful evening and a fitting farewell to our late stationuiaster.