SAYING GOODBYE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4362, 29 November 1950, Page 8

SAYING GOODBYE

A PUBLIC FAREWELL , LILLIS FAMILY LEAVES MANY PRESENTATIONS On Friday, November 24, the R.S.A. hall was the scene of a farewell social and dance tendered to Mr and Mrs T. M. Lillis and family, who are leaving to reside in Auckland. The Coromandel Bowling Club sponsored the function, which was well attended by a representative gathering of friends, and well wishers. Mr Lillis has been secretary of the bowling club for a number of years and his loss will be keenly felt by his fellow members. Dr A. A. Brockie, chairman of the local branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, in the course of a few introductory remarks said that Mr and Mrs Lillis had been in Coromandel such a long time, while he himself ' was practically a newcomer, but in the time he had been in Coromandel he had had a fairly good opportunity of getting to know Mr Lillis, both as coroner and as J.P., fortunately he had not had much to do with him (laughter). Mr Lillis, continued Dr Brockie, as they all knew had been a most public spirited citizen, being an officer in several organisations and a member of recreational clubs, such as yachting, bowling and football. Mr Lillis had never been content with mere nominal membership and he touched nothing he did not improve. His services to the people of Coromandel had been many, said Dr Brockie. To Mr and Mrs Lillis they also owed a debt of gratitude, for her ' kindly help and sympathy with her husband in his community efforts. As everyone knew the taking part in puolic life entailed much loyalty and self- * sacrifice by Mrs Lillis and it was with real regret that Coromandel saw them go and with them they took best wishes for their happiness in their new home. Dr Brockie then called on representatives from various organi- • sations. Mr D. C. Stewart, president of the bowling club, said there was no need to remind the public of the keen interest taken by Mr Lillis in the bowling club over a period of many years. His motto had not been “deeds not words,” but “deeds and words” and the club would miss him very much. In extending the club’s best wishes for a happy future in Auckland, Mr Stewart presented a handsome leather case, suitably inscribed on behalf of the members, together with the hope that he would carry his bowls back to Coromandel in the case for a game with members of his old club. Mrs M. Lynne, secretary of the New Zealand Labour Party, presented Mrs •Lillis with a bouquet of carnations, and said that in saying farewell to Mrs Lillis they knew that a new pattern was being created for him and Mrs Lillis, while they would carry on in the same old way. She referred, to the pleasant associations with Mr Lillis as a loyal member of the party and to the loyal support that he had given to the party over many years. As a token of appreciation for the friendliness and kindness shown by Mr and Mrs Lillis she handed them a travelling rug with the best wishes or his colleagues of the New Zealand Labour Party. Mr R. Pepper, president of the Coromandel Football Club said that the occasion meant that the football players would lose one of their best supporters. For many years Mr Lillis ~ bad fostered and encouraged the players and lately the junior players, and it was with regret that they had to say farewell. In handing Mr Lillis a fountain pen, Mr Pepper said he hoped the gift from the club would remind him of the very happy days spent in connection with Rugby in Coromandel. Mr F. Strongman spoke of the keen interest taken by Mr Lillis in the yacht races and because he was going to Auckland it did not mean he would lose interest in the races by any means. He referred to the help given at all times by Mr Lillis in connection with boating and yachting and as a token of the esteem in which he was held by the regatta committee Mr Strongman presented him with a pair of crystal vases together with their best wishes for happiness in the new home..

Mr Lillis in replying extended his

sincere thanks to the members of the organisations for the presents they - given him and he assured them that he* would always remember his associations with those organisations.

It was his pleasure, he said, to help all clubs and it was with pride, that in the 14 years as president of the local branch of the labour party he was able to say that he had made no enemy. He had many friends, in fact some of his best friends in Coromandel were members in the New Zealand National Party. They had always been hail fellows, well met and he was pleased to be going away with that, feeling. In conclusion, Mr Lillis wished all the clubs> success and said he would still continue to help all in his power and would return to Coromandel as often as he could. He thanked everyone for being present and on behalf of Mrs Lillis and himself he extended an invitation to anyone to call and see them in their new home. Representatives were present from all over the county, from the cape, Colville, Kennedy Bay and Whangapoua and he felt honoured to be bidden farewell by so many of the people of the district.

Musical honours were then conveyed in a very hearty manner, after which the supper waltz was announced. A very enjoyable supper was served by representatives of the various organisations taking part in the proceedings. Music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs E. M. Lucas and Mr W. Hart. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mr and Mrs W. Ewing.