POPULAR RESIDENTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32903, 1 September 1947, Page 3

POPULAR RESIDENTS

DEPARTURE FROM ‘ MATATOKI MR AND MRS L. COWARD The esteem in which Mr and Mrs Leonard Coward are held by residents of the district was shown by the very large attendance of settlers of Matatoki, with many visitors, who attended the farewell to them. Mr and Mrs Coward are leaving to take up residence in Auckland. Mr Edgar Clark, on behalf of the settlers, presented them with a hanging - mirror, a silver teapot and a tea set, all handsome articles. In doing so, he recalled incidents, some of which had happened-some 30 years ago when Mr Coward, then a young returned soldier, with his wife and young family arrived to take up land. Supporter of Rugby He further praised Mr and Mrs Coward for their sterling qualities as farmers, and the capacity to take the good as well as the bad times that came and went during the long years they had lived in the district. Mr Clark also mentioned Mr Coward’s long association with the Ramblers’ Football Club in particular, and said that the club was losing a staunch and loyal supporter. In conclusion, the speaker paid a high tribute to the splendid work both Mr and Mrs Coward had rendered to all patriotic efforts in the district. No one, he claimed, could have done more for the overseas men. The audience heartily endorsed these remarks. Mr Coward’s Assistance Mr Coward, in reply, paid a tribute to his wife’s great' efforts in their mutual struggles. He said it was largely due to her striving that they were able to retire. IJe hoped to return at intervals and see a great deal of his old fiuends. Mr Coward’s son, also a returned soldier of the recent ’ war, will take over his father’s farm. The master of ceremonies was Mr Rex Woods and Herb. Walker’s orchestra played the music. The Monte Carlo was- won by Mr and Mrs Ernest Clark, and the spot waltz by Mr Eric and Miss Joan Verran. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne concluded a most successful evening.