WHAREROA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 25 June 1928, Page 8

WHAREROA.

FAREWELL GA9THEH ING (Eroni Our Own Gorrespoiiden.t.) A large crowd ojf settlers met at the Whareroa. Halil on Thursday evening to bid farewell to a number of families who .are leaving the district; and to welcome the new people who. have taken their places. In all eight families were farewelled, i.e., Air .and Airs Packman and family, Air and Airs Lament and family, Mr and Air® Benton .and family, Mr and Airs Williams and family, Air and Mrs Geo. Luseombe and family, Mr and. Airs Eaves and family, Air and Airis Jacks and family, and the M-axsted brothers. A very enjoyable evening was .spent in dancing and cards interspersed with songs and speeches. Air R. Hicks, on behalf of the local residents, expressed the regret felt by all at the departure of so many esteemed friends and neighbours. He said it was quite unusual to have such a genoral exodus and all at the same time. Soane of tlio families had lived in the district for many yeans; Mr and Airs Blackman and Air and Airs Laurent for over twenty years and the others for lesser periods. All had -at various periods taken an active interest- in our public life and. would be greatly missed. Air Hacks concluded by wishing tine departing guests every success in their new homes.

He then extended a hearty welcome to the new settlers, Air and Aim George and family and Air and Airs Aberley and family, and hoped they would never regret corning to Whareroa. Air Reynolds, president of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, and Air A. E. Death also spoke, paying tributes to the departing guests. Messrs Packman, Laurent, Benton, Williams, Jiack, and Alaxsted all thanked the various speakers fo.r the many kind things which bail been said, and done to. them.

During the evening musical items were given by Air Ashby, a visitor staying with Air and Airs Benton, who. delighted everyone- with his humorous songs, for which lie was thrice encored. Misses McPhee. and Stone and Messrs Jack and Hawthorne also contributed songs which were much appreciated. The singing was ably accompanied by Aliss G. Benton and Aliss Butler. The latter also played for the dances. During the evening a euchre- tourney was held . The following were the winners : Ladies, Airs R. Hicks 1, Airs Foreman 2. Airs Hine (consolation prize) 3; men. Air Death 1. Air J. Foreman 2. Mr Jacks (consolation prize). The Monte Carlo waltz was won by Aliss B. Stone and Air G. Malcolm.