PUBLIC FAREWELL

Kaikoura Star, Volume LIV, Issue 52, 5 July 1934, Page 3

PUBLIC FAREWELL

MB AND MRS JAMES MURRAY

A public farewell was tendered to Mr and Mrs Janies Muri ay at the Picture Theatre on Tuesday night, when there was a large assemblage of citi-

zens, notwithstanding the severe, weather conditions, and the fact that a change had to be made at the last moment as to place of holding the function owing to the lighting service being out of action due to the snew storm. The early part of the evening was devoted. to dancing and vocal items, Mrs D. Jack, Misses E. a id M. Mackie and Mr F. 8. H. Warner playing the dance music. Vocal items were given by Miss A. Flower, Rev. E. Corney, and Mr W. E. Richardson, the items being much appreciated. The accompanistes were Misses E. Mackie and A. F’ower.

Mr F. J. Monk said they bad asesmbled to bid farewell to Mt and Mrs James Murray, and it was pleasing to see such a large gathering present, notwithstanding the unfavourable weather conditions. Mr Murray, who was being transferred to Wairoa, on promotion, had been with them upwards of ten years, and he considered he was only voicing the feelings of the people of the district, when he said his promotion was well-merited, and all would wish him every success and happiness in his new sphere of action. Mr Murray had had a difficult task to perform during a period of financial stress, but had held the happy medium between all. In boom times, when stock and land were at a high value, it was different, overdrafts were easy to obtain When a slump came a very different picture presented itself, and it was then that a bank manager had to prove his worth. Mr Murray had carried out his duties successfully, was held in the highest respect by the people in the county, and had upheld the dignity of his position as a bank manager. Regarding Mrs Murray, she had proved herself a wonderful hostess, and had endeavoured on all occasions to bring the people together as much as possible, and in this respect she had been most successful. She had also taken a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the district, and had carried out her duties as Child Welfare Officer with success. As president of the Women’s Institute she had been instrumental in securing and furrxsbmg the rest room at Takahanga Domain, and had also done good work in connection with the Women’s Division of the Farmer’s Union. At all times she was to the forefront in cases of sickness and distress, and she would be greatly missed by the people of Kaikoura. On behalf of those present and other friends he had pleasure in handing Mr Murrav a cheque with which to purchase a suitable article for their new home. With the gift went the best wishes of all for a happy future. Other speakers were Messrs J. Davidson (Bowling Club), W. A. Nelson (Orchestral Society), E. J. Watts (Golf Club), F. S. H. Warner (as a neighbour), and H. Wilson (representing the Bank staff), all of whom made eulogistic references to the guests of the evening. Mr Murray, in reply, said he had spent one-third of his bank life in Kaikoura. He had had a great time in the district, and was very grateful for the nice things said about him, and for the gift handed to him. Certainly he had been in the district in a troubled period, but he had always made it a practice to forget business wl en the bank doors were shut. He had been fortunate in having such an efficient staff which made his duties easier and he felt sure also, that matters would be made easier for his successor (Mr J. C. Smith). He had enjoyed his association with bowling and golf activities, and his time spent v> ith the Orchestral Socety, a most valued institution. On behalf of himself and Mrs Murray he thanked all for their kindness and wished them a very happy future. ~ “For They a Jolly Good Fellows was sung, and later all joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr Monk expressed thanks to Mr Hughes for placing the theatre at the disposal of the committee. Apologies for absence were received from Mr and Mrs F. H. Flower, Mr and Mrs T. H. Knight, Mr and Mi's A. W. Ball, and Mr and Mrs J. Me-G-ivern (Biccarton), and Mr and Mrs J. A. Borthwick.