PUBLIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4150, 22 June 1949, Page 8

PUBLIC FAREWELL

LARGE GATHERING

air & mrs c. ii. McKenzie LOSS TO COROMANDEL The re was a very large and representative gathering in St. George's hall. Coromandel, on the occasion of a public farewell to Mr and Mrs ('. 11. McKenzie.

The evening was a most enjoyable one and between dances the Browne sisters entertained the gathering with their popular items. In this instance following an action song, they gave as encores “ Now is the Hour,” " Silent Night " and a goodbye chorus, all of which were perfectly rendered and most enthusiastically encored. -A solo by the Rev. Leggott. ” When the Great Red Dawn is Shining," was well received, as were two solos, “ On the Road to Mandalay ” and “ So Deep is the Night,” sung by Mr G. Lang.

Music for the dancing was supplied -by Mrs D. Stewart, Mr W. Hart and a visitor to Coromandel. The programme presented was very much enjoyed by all, while Mr A. G. McNeil capably carried out the duties of M.C.

Just before supper, in the absence of Mr E. Deeble. chairman of the Coromandel County Council. the deputy chairman, Mr S. Strongman, on behalf of the citizens of Coromandel, presented Mr McKenzie with a letter of appreciation from the county council. The letter set out a resolution which had been passed to place on record the valuable services rendered to the community by Mr McKenzie whilst headmaster of the Coromandel school for nearly 10 years and particularly in regard to his work relative to Anzac Day services, chamber of commerce, and as a member of the research committee which had done so much to assist the council in regard to' abandoned lands. Mr McKenzie had also assisted with the compiling of the history of Coromandel, by no means a light task.

In conclusion Mr Strongman said he wished to thank Mr McKenzie for the services rendered to Coromandel, and wished him and Mis McKenzie and family good luck wherever they might go. Coromandel would always be pleased to welcome them back, said Mr Strongman, who then handed Mr»McKenzie a cheque with the best wishes of the citizens.

Mrs W. Dean, president of the Coromandel branch of the women’s division, then presented Mr McKenzie with a gift as a mark of appreciation from the members of the division for all the help and advice he had given members. Mrs Dean also handed Mrs McKenzie a lovely posy.

Mrs H. Ball, president of the Coromandel Women’s Institute, handed Mrs McKenzie a bouquet and on behalf of the institute extended best wishes for the future happiness of the McKenzie family.

Mr A. S. Tonkin, president of the Coromandel Chamber of Commerce, joined in the valedictory’ remarks which had been made. He referred to the excellent record of work for the chamber, held by Mr McKenzie, who had been president for one year, vice-

president for *<■' er:.l ytais. act.ng secretary for nine month* and member <>f the council.

Tile '-peaker referred to the compilation of the history of Coromandel which had been undertaken I>y Mr McKenzie. A> headmaster lie had followed the old saying of ‘ don’t, do as I say but do a.- I d >.' and he had set a splendid example of service to the community. .Mr Tonkin went on to say that the Browne sisteis had paid a great tribute to the McKenzie family when they sang " When you return you will find us waiting here." Mr T. Lilli s, on behalf of the Coromandel Bowling Club, endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and expressed the great regret of members at losing a very active member of the club. Mr McKenzie had held every office and had been runner-up in the New Zealand championship as well as excelling as a country player. The members of the club, said Mr Lillis, wished him good luck and God speed. Coromandel's loss was the gain of the Hunua district.

Mr H. V. Denize, chairman of the school committee, endorsed all that had been said by previous speakers, particularly in regard to the bowling club. He had worked and played with Mr McKenzie and whether digging out weeds or playing bowls, it was a pleasure to associate with him. On behalf of the school committee he thanked him for his co-operation, especially in the interest of the children, and for the sound advice he had always given the committee. It was largely due to Mr McKenzie’s efforts that the high school was now open once again in Coromandel. He concluded with best wishes to Mr and Mrs McKenzie in their new surroundings.

Mr McKenzie, in replying, thanked those responsible for the evening and also the large number present to give them such a fine farewell. He referred to the hand of friendship which had always been extended to him and said that wherever he went he felt sure that no greater friendship could be extended to them as a family. As to his activities in the community, Mr McKenzie said that he must have inherited that from his father, who was a great local body man. He himself had always felt it was his duty to help in community affairs. The speaker went on to say that as headmaster he wished to make an important point. A headmaster was only as good as two important parts —staff and the material to work with. He paid public tribute to his staff for the good work they did in the interests of the children. The staff did all the preparatory work and left the easy part to him.

Mr McKenzie paid a tribute to the school committee and thanked them for their loyalty and ,support. In conclusion he asked everyone to get behind the committee and help push for a new school.

“ All the good things you have said of us tonight are a reflection of what you yourselves are and we have lived amongst you,” said Mr McKenzie.

“ For he’s a Jolly good fellow ” was heartily sung and three cheers were sounded.

A very enjoyable supper was served, after which dancing continued into the early hours of the morning.