ARIA

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4953, 9 February 1937, Page 6

ARIA

FAREWELLS. MR. GEORGE PARKES. (Own Correspondent.) On Monday last a large gathering of settlers met in the Aria Hall to say farewell to Mr. George Parkes, who is leaving the district. In the absence of Mr. E. Tolme, who was detained in Auckland on business, Mr. Reeve-Smith was in the chair. After the Royal toast the chairman mac 3 the presentation to Mr. Parkes which consisted of a wallet cf r otes. He said that it was not a pleasant job to say good-bye to an old inhibitant who had lived in the Aria district for the past 33 years and said that although Aria was noted for the excellent work it made of farewells he doubted if there was quite sufficient charitable feeling towards fellow citizens whilst living and working in the district and that to be fully appreciated it was necessary 1 either to die or to leave Aria. He stressed Mr. Parkes’ public efforts and his ever-readiness to help on anything for Aria’s good. In conclusion he said that the presentation came from a large number of settlers and was not made up of a few large sums, thereby showing the universal popularity of the “Father of Aria,” and on behalf of the district wished Mr. Parkes health and happiness so long as he lived and a happy ending when it came as it undoubtedly must. The chairman’s l-emarks were supported by Messrs. R. Stuart, L. Meimberg,' R. P. Coburn, A. R. Keighley, Harold Bennett, and Mrs. Baverstock, most of whom told humoi’ous incidents of their connection with Mr. Parkes.

In reply, Mr. Parkes told of his landing- in New Zealand from a wrecked ship, his subsequent life in the South Island, his arrival at Aria, his life at Paraheka, and said that although life had been at times very hard it had always been worth while, and he had enjoyed it to the full. He thanked all his friends for their appreciation of himself and said that he hoped to see all of them quite a lot before his end came, although he was 89 years of age. The gathering gave George the heartiest toast ever heard in the Aria Hall, and it was a very happy meeting that closed about 11 p.m. Aria will not seem quite the same now George has gone, for whatever happened, from a dog fight to a funeral, he was bound to be mixed up in it. And so God-speed to another old pioneer. Rev. Mr. West. On Tuesday night the Aria Presbyterians met together, with a few friends of other religions, to make a farewell offering to the Rev. Mr. West who has been transferred to the Auckland district, about 40 people being present. Owing to Mr. Geo. F. Nelson being absent, due to the birth of another grandson, Mr. J. Monk made the presentation, which consisted of cutlery and silverware. He praised the work of Mr. West and offered him thanks for this and good wishes for the future. The Anglican clergyman, Rev. F. 0. Dawson, spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. West’s work in the service of his Master and mentioned the excellent way in which Mr. West and he had been able to serve a common end. Mr. and Mrs. West suitably responded, after which followed a song by Mrs. Dickenson, of Pio Pio, community singing and games. A most excellent supper was supplied under the management of Mrs. Reid, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Swensen and Mrs. Arneil.