LOWGARTH.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 26 June 1930, Page 6

LOWGARTH.

POPULAR SETTLERS FAREWELLED. Each season about this time of the year there is generally a migration of BCttiers from one district to another. I.owgarth, in common with; others,, has its Jesses of useful settlers', and last night the people gathered <at the hall to say farewell to three families who are leaving. They were; given a very warm reception and were the recipients of gifts that expressed the high regard in which they are held in the c-|oan-munity.

Apologies' "were received from Messrs A. 13. Johnson and L. J. Taylor, who were at Hamilton. Speaking for the settlem, Mr A;. G Sulzberger said they had foregathered l to. bid adieu and Godspeed to three 'families who. had been in their midst for several years, and whom they were very sorry to lose. However, lie added, “our loss is certainly some other district’s gain.” Mr and Mr Burkett', said Mr SuCzl.orger, had been In the district 15 years, and bad proved worthy settlors, who had won the high regard and esteem of all good neighbours and firm friends, and had always been to the f are in'aim funct ion for the. good of the district. “One thing we shall miiss,” said the speaker, “is seeing Mr Burkett the earliest to arrive at the factory every morning.” He asked them to accept presents with the. hearty good wishes of all —a dinner rot for Mr and Mrs Burkett, a mirror, brush and comb for Miiss Elsie, and a. handbag for Miss Florence. He wished: them ail prosperity and happiness in their new home. Mr Burkett replied with a happy but brief speech, cordially thanking .all for their great kindness and assuring them this would never be forgotten. Mr A, A. Piper said, fie ill ad been deputed to express regret at fine departure of Mr and Mrs O. Ciotok, who wore going to Otakeho. He could assure them their going would he deeply regretted and this he knew full wef 1 because they had .been very good neighbours, and would be much missed. Mr Cook had been chairman of the Hall Committee, and had always done his best for the district, therefore it was fitting that the people should make a presentation as a token of regard during the years they had spent amongst them and a hcipe that they would have health, wealth and happiness wherever they might be. Mr Sulzberger then made the presentation of >a dinner set and toys for the children, which he said would be a token of esteem from the settler is. Ill* Cook expressed the great pleasure felt bv him and Mrs' Cook that they were so honoured by thie friends whom they were leaving, and added that they cent Id hardly thank them ail sufficiently for what had been done. _ “Anything we have done for the district has been very willingly done, because we realise that it is a duty as well as a pleasure to work for Lowgarth and its people. Better friends we could not find anywhere, and we are exceedingly sorry to be leaving you all. I thank you sincerely for all your thoughtful kindness to us.” »

In expressing farewell to Mr and Miiss Miskellv. who are leaving for Ireland, Mr P. C. Short said that he had known them a long time, and appreciated! their worth as settlers and friends. They were, he said, going to the dear Home Land, and would carry with them the heartiest good wishes of all. They had been highly regarded at Lowgarth. and also at Mata and Rawhitiroa during their many years’ residence', and would be much missed. 'On behalf of their friends, he wished than a good trip and luck wherever they might be. “In this,” he added. “I am voicing the opinion of all present.” Mr Carter added a tribute, having been a neighbour of Mu - Miskelliy for 20 years, and he presented a fine travelling rug to Mr Miskelly, and «, mirror, brash and comb to Miss Miskelly, with the hope that they would have a pleasant voyage and that the little present wo'illd carry many happy recoil lections of the time they had spent in the district.

Mr Miskellv, in expressing cordial thanks for the evening and. the presentations. said they would always value the gifts, as an expression of the friendship of the people amongst whom they had lived for many years. In humorous vein hie told of has arrival a.t Wellington 26 years previously, .and how ho had got a job in Christchurch at £1 a. Aveek on a place where, his hint was “open to the stars at night and where his only bed covering was a Colonial blanket. —three big sacks laid crosswise. And when I woke that first morning mv boots were frozen stiff.” He bad then moved to. Taranaki and bad been A r ery hlaippy in the 1 midst of the .people amongst whom he had lived at Mata and at Lowgarth. He said he and his daughter Avero very sorry to ho. leaving and would perhaps, oome back again to the Dominion in the .future. He thanked all Av'ho had promoted the farewell and made the mniohval'ued presentations, and assured them, this kindness Avould never be forgotten. The company then rose and sang “For They arc .Toll v Good 1 Fellows’ ’ and heart-v cheers concluded the. ceremony.

Dancing and snipper were enjoyed and thus the evening finished, having been voted by all a thorough success.