POPULAR FARMER

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32706, 29 April 1946, Page 5

POPULAR FARMER

LEAVING FOR IRELAND

MR J. DEACON HONOURED

FAREWELL AT KOPUARAHI

A very enjoyable evening was, held at the residence of Mr and Mrs “Bun” Miller, Kopuai'ahi, to bid farewell to one of the best-known farmers of the district, Mi' John Deacon, who will leave shortly for Ireland for a holiday.

Mr Deacon has been a prominent farmer for about' 23 years, and a large gathering' was present. Mr E. o’iCarroll and Mr L. James paid tributes to the popularity of Mr Deacon and the high esteem in which he was held by the community. Mr T. O’Carroll made a presentation of a leather suitcase, and an illuminated address.

Before making the presentation, Mr O’Carrol apologised for the absence of Miss T. White, who had co-oper-ated in a very practical way with the organisation of the function, as she had made the leather folder which contained the address, and worked an appropriate Irish insignia—a shamrock in a green circle with the letters “J.D.” superimposed. Expressions of Goodwill The words of the address, said Mr 'O’Carrol, were just a condensed form of' the collection of expressions of goodwill so spontaneously manifest that evening. residents of Kopuarahi,” read the address, “'wish to honour you, one of our most distinguished and respected citizens, on the eve of your departure from our district. We are asking you to accept this gift which carries with it the high esteem in which you are held by each and every one of us. 'By your originality and truly Irish characteristics you have endeared yourself to us, one and al 1 - We will retain and cherish happy memories of your association with us, Paddy, individually, and collectively. Activity for Church '“'it is our earnest wish that you may be long spared to reciprocate bur sentiments. You possess many sterling qualities,, being a God-fearing and practical churchman, and' your posifioii here in the district as a pillar of th'e 'Church will be hard to fill.

“It has been our privilege to observe the many steps -forward you have, taken toward the fulfilment of a most'-useful life. Most of these steps have; been pleasant and happy ones, other’s hiave been the reverse, but we have feelingly with you in your joys and; sorrows. “tf is with a feeling of regret, , and gladness, too, that we salute- you on the eye of your departure deaf old, Ireland. You may rest assured that while you are away, the name Paddy Deacon will remain -evergreen in Kopuarahi and' surrounding dis-tricts.-until it is our pleasure to welcome you back again from the happy hbliday,you so richly deserve. q, We now join in wishing ..you bon voyage, God-speed and a safe return to God’s ' own country. Au revoir, Paddy.” ' .Much credit for the success of the function was due to Mr and Mrs Miller, who opened their house to the party. Music was provided by Mesd'aines' M. Bush, C. Elliott, Miss N. Miller and. Mr .Smith. .Misses Beverley ■ and. Gorrie Miller entertained the company with dances.