MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 23 February 1929, Page 7

MANAIA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) VALEDICTORY. A very large and representative gathering of ladies and friends assembled at the Manaia Hibernian Hall last evening to bid farewell and to make a presentation to Mrs J. E. Ward, wife of the popular postmaster of Manaia op the eve of their departure from the district to Tauranga, to where Mr Ward has been transferred an promotion. A splendid time was spent, and an excellent programme was submitted comprising vocal items by Mesdame-s G. Burke, A. McCracken and Mr J. A. G. Cosgrove, while the card tables were fully occupied. Supper was provided by the ladies. During the eyemng Mr E. Long addressed the. assembly, saying that they had met to bid farewel to Mrs Ward on her departure from the district after four years’ residence in Manaia. He eulogised the splendid work done by the guest during that period in connection with the church and school matters, and sincerely regretted her leaving the work she had started for the church and new School, and the parishioners of Manaia regretted very much her departure from the district. Mr Long 'apologised for the absence through illness of Rev. Father O’Dwyer. The speaker also congratulated Mr Ward upon his promotion. Mr J. J. Meldon also spoke of the departing guest and enumerated her many fine qualities and generosity since coming to Manaia. The speaker wished Mr and Mrs Ward every happiness in their new home, concluding his remarks by offering his congratulations to Mr Ward on his promotion. Mr J. A. G. Cosgrove also eulogised the great work done by Mrs Ward during her sojourn in Manaia with regard to her assistance for the school funds and church matters generally, and concluded his remarks by stating, that Manaia’s loss wan Tauranga’s gain. Mr Vernor, who 1 knew the guests of the evening for many years prior to coming to Manaia, also offered his felicitations, and on behalf of his wife and self wished Mr and Mrs Ward good luck and happiness in Tauranga. Mr J. Landers also spoke and endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. At the conclusion of the several speeches, Mr E. Long called on Mrs H. Sutton to make the presentation to Mrs Ward of a gold wristlet watch and a silver mounted salad bowl. In doing so, Mrs Sutton on behalf of the Catholic ladies and friends of Manaia, extended to the departing guest their very best wishes for happiness and prosperity in her new home, and expressed regret at her departure from the district. “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was heartily sung by the large assemblage. , Mr J. E. Ward responded on behalf of Mrs Ward and heartily thanked the Catholic ladies and friends for the handsome tribute extended to his Avife, and stated that they had thoroughly enjoyed their sojourn in Manaia. They fully appreciated the generosity of the people of the Waimate Plains, and they would always have pleasant recollections of their many friends in Manaia. The little work Ms Avife had done in connection with the school and church matters had been a labour of love, and she wished to express her thanks to the ladies of Manaia for the gift Avhich she Avould always cherish as a souvenir to remind her of the many friends she was leaving behind in the Waimate Plains. He thanked all the speakers for their expressions of goodwill towards his wife and self. Three cheers were given for the departing guests, and the function ended with the singing of “Auld Lang Saoio. ’ ’