COROMANDEL NEWS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 32516, 13 December 1944, Page 8

COROMANDEL NEWS

WELL ATTENDED FAREWELL FUNCTION EVENING IN COROMANDEL MR AND MRS C. RAE HONOURED A very well-attended social and dance was held in St. George’s Hall, Coromandel, on Friday, December 1, the occasion being a farewell to Mr and Mrs Rae who are leaving Coromandel to reside in Auckland. The music for the dancing was (provided by Mrs D. Stewart and Mr Eric Gamble acted as M.C.

A dainty -supper was served by a committee of ladies.

Mr J. H. Lucas said that the attendance testified to -the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Rae have been held during their sojourn in Coromandel over a period of some years.

“During the past six years,” Mr Lucas continued, “I have been closely associated with Mr Rae we have got to know each other very well while ■he has been county chairman. These partings always have their regrets. I wish to express the hope that Mr and Mrs Rae will look back on their time in Coromandel as some of their happiest recollections. lam sure Mr Rae will be a good envoy for Coromandel up in Auckland. We wish you Godspeed and a long life and a happy one.”

Mr McKenzie, in the absence of the president, spoke on behalf of the Coromandel Band. He said that like most organisations, the Coromandel iSilver Band had passed through various phases, sometimes at a low ebb, and it was at one of these times that the band was given fresh impetus by ■ the interest and helpfulness of Mr Rae. iOn behalf of the band,” went on Mr McKenzie, “I wish to extend a word- of appreciation to Mi' Rae and to wish him and Mrs Rae very well on their going away to Auckland.” Mr 'Scott Ward spoke on behalf of the Coromandel Patriotic Committee. He said the committee appreciated Mr Rae’s help while he was associated with them, and that he had been a very generous friend to the patriotic committees' in -Coromandel. He has officiated at many farewells in this hall and we wish them all the best and -the compliments of the season. Mr J. G. Strongman prefaced his remarks by making apologies for -Crs. Jackson and A. Watkins and past Crs iC. S. A. Geard and E. M. Mini-fie who were unable to attend this function. “As a past councillor myself,” he continued, “I thought very much of our chairman. He has always done his best for Coromandel. I have -much pleasure in presenting him with a cheque from the citizens of Coromandel and expressing the hope that we will see him back again some day.” “For They Are Jolly Good 'Fellows,” was followed by three hearty cheers. Mr -Rae in reply said that when he heard the eulogistic remarks so warmly and sincerely spoken of Mrs Rae and- himself it made him proud of the marvellous • friendships they had made.

“After a. residence of so long’ a period-, it -makes a rent to move on, hut these things happen. It is our intention to be back -in -Coromandel in about two years hence. It is a wonderful place—peaceful and quiet, lacking many amenities—but it rests with you and with us,” continued Mr Rae. “This part of the Peninsula has wonderful scenic attractions which are being sought after by the advent of a number of visitors which is increasing every year.

“I am very much moved by the remarks that have been -made. I consider I only did Iby duty Iby trying to be civic minded as -we all must be if Coromandel is to be the place it should be. Improved wharf facilities-, a new boat which Mr S. Strongman is having built and the electric light -which Mr Jack Strongman is endeavouring to supply- will do wonders in helping to bring the place more than ever to the notice of people who are looking for somewhere to -go for their holidays. The Strongman Brothers are -progressive and every encouragement should be given them -by a civicminded people here.

“I say now—get behind the county council and push for all your might. I shall do all I can to be an ambassador for Coromandel and the county. Again thanking you all for the kind words and the attendance of everyone here to-night to bid us farewell,” This brought the valedictory part of the evening to a close. Dancing continued till midnight when the National Anthem was played.