ARARATA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 11 August 1914, Page 4

ARARATA.

(Fkok Otjr Own Correspondent.)

A very enjoyable evening was spent at Messrs Larcom Bros., on Saturday, when the male residents of Ararata and surroundings districts met to say good-bye to Mr James Bell. After some good games of cribbage had been played and the usual toasts honoured; Mr J, Winks, in a complimentary speech presented Mr Bell with a travelling rug as a token of the esteem in which he was held. Several others also spoka on Mr Bell's good qualities, and wished him good luck in his new home in the Gisborne district. MiBell very feelingly thanked them for their present and words of good will, saying he was sorry to part from the Ararata boys after being with them so long. He very cordially extended to all a hearty welcome to visit, him in his new home, and hoped that he would have the pleasure of meeting them all up that way some time. Songs and recitations were given, and the evenings entertainment terminated with Auld Lang Syne. On Friday night the cribbage team, of which Mr Bell was one of the leading players, met and presented him with a pipe and wished him every success. 1 may say that Mr Bell has been one of the leading spirits in Ararata, and always ready to shoulder his share in connection with the local needs. We can ill afford to lose him,but as he is striking out on his own account we must not mourn his departure, but wish him every success and hanpiness in the future. I understand that he is leaving for his new home in a fortnight's time.