OLD PEOPLE’S HOME

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 28 September 1933, Page 2

OLD PEOPLE’S HOME

SUPERINTENDENTS FAREWFILLED APPRECIATION OF SERVICES At the Ohl People’s Home in Hawera last, evening a largely attended farewell social and presentation arranged by the inmates, with the assistance of members of the Hawera Scottish Society and friends, was tendered to the master and matron (Mr and Mrs J. Mitchell) and to Miss Bridget Donaghy,- who are leaving to take up positions elsewhere. The opportunity also was afforded the inmates of welcoming M.r and Mrs P. Rastall, who are to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of Mr and Mrs Mitchell. Between 60 and 70 guests assembled in the main .social room. The entertainment programme in the hands of Mr D. G. Smart opened with the singing of popular old-time and modem numbers led by Air T. Pickering at the piano. Mr G. Walker contributed two violin solos. Mrs A. H. Gannaway and Mi- L. A. Taylor vocal duets, Mr J. A. Duffiir, Miss N. Davis and Messrs B. Malone, Hi. Webb. Pickering and F. Sherwood songs, and Messrs E. Ryan and A. El Johnston recitations. Hie Scottish Society Choir, conducted by Mr T. B. McConnell, also entertained with a number of selections. Pianoforte accompaniments were played by Airs Taylor and Mr Webb. During the course of the evening’s entertainment Air Johnston addressed the gathering, on behalf of the inmates and expressed pleasure at the large attendance. He explained that the social was in hofiour of Mr and Mrs Alitchell and Miss Donaghy and lie introduced the Mayor of Hawera (Mr J. E. Campbell), who was called upon to make two presentations. Mr Campbell .said lie was present at the express wish of the inmates and on their behalf to pay tribute to the guests of honour. For the past tw o years or <so Mr and Mrs Mitchell had ministered to the wants of the inmates but whilst they were regarded by the outside public “merely as superintendents of the institution, they had endeared themselves to the men and were looked upon as guide, philosopher and friend. The men were deeply grateful to Mr and Mrs Mitchell for their sympathy. and - understanding, and desired to express in tangible form their esteem and goodwill. In presenting Mr and Airs Mitchell with a china, tea set and crystal vase, Air Campbell .said be ■hoped that the gifts would serve to remind them of two happy years spent at the Old People’s Home. Air Campbell next expressed similar sentiments to Aliss Donaghy and, on behalf of the men, presented her with a oup, saucer and plate and a hand-painted vase. To Mr and Airs Rastall the Alayor extended a cordial welcome and expressed the hope that, with the loyal co-operation of the men, their stay would be a happy one. It had been a privilege to .superintend the institution and to care for the men during the past two years, .said Air Alitchell, in expressing thanks tor the compliments and the gifts bestowed upon Airs Alitchell and himself. There were times when the staff and inmates lived as one happy family and he hoped that Mr and Airs Rastall Would experience the .same pleasant association with the men. Mr ADtchell said he had endeavoured to. create a good spirit in the home and had had the generous assistance of the Church of England clergy and Roman Catholic priests, who had visited the men and chatted with them. He appealed to the public and to all the churches to take a greater interest in the Old People’s Home and thereby bring, contentment and spiritual comfort to the inmates. ' . ~ , Aliss Donaghy also expressed thanks to the men for the kind thoughts which had prompted their action. Air Rastall expressed pleasure at the attendance of such a large gathering and gave an assurance that his every endeavour would he to make the home a happy one and thereby earn the right to be treated by the men not as master but as friend. , Later in the evening Air Sherwood expressed appreciation of the kind tfttentioni given to the inmates by Air and Mrs Alitchell. , Supper was served by the ladies and further entertainment was concluded with the singing of “AuldLaiig Syne.