Turanga-o-moana.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1140, 21 July 1930, Page 1

Turanga-o-moana.

Valedictory. On Tuesday the Turanga-o-moana Hall was crowded with residents and visitors from all parts of the Matamata district, when a social was held to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Harding and Miss Ann Harding, who are leaving the district, where they have resided for the past 25 years. Cards, and old-time and modern dancing and items formed the amusement programme. Mrs. Malligan (violin) and Mrs. T. Cotter (piano) provided the music for dancing, which pastime was much enjoyed by all present. Mrs. J. Montague played the, pianoforte accompaniments for the musical items, which included the following songs : “ Kerry Dancers,” Miss B. Kilbride ; “ Fireman’s Dream,” Rev. C. W. Turner (encored); “The Pipers of Love,” Miss Pedersen (encored); “A Chip off the Old Block,” Mr. T. Cotter (encored); “My Ships,” Mr. Cassin (encored) ; “ The Wedding of Lochie McGra,” Mr. Beagrie. Mr. W. Newsome, of Whharoa, recited “ The Pigtail of Lye Fang Fu ” (encored). Messrs. Mockeridge, Davison and Garland were M.’s C.

After supper Mr. C. W. Arnold, on behalf of those present, presented to Mrs. Harding a silver tea service, to Miss Harding a silver entree dish, and to Mr. Harding a solid leather suit case and a travelling rug. In doing so Mr. Arnold eulogised the popularity of the 'guests of honour, mentioning that he had known Mr. and Mrs. Harding from the pioneer days of Turanga-o-moana, when neither roads, school nor hall had been built, and that they had always been one of the first families to come forward to assist in the welfare of the district. In concluding Mr. Arnold said : “We are very sorry to lose such popular settlers, but one and all join in wishing you every happiness in your future life.”.

Mr. J. Pohlen, of Turanga-o-moana, said he had known the H. R. Hardings in the pioneer days, when in 1904 they bought land from the Government. Hard times, disadvantages and inconveniences had been experienced by all those pioneers, but it was only by and through their efforts that the district was as established as it is now.

Mr. Mockeridge, speaking for the later settlers of the last 10 years, endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, adding that in all social functions Mrs. Harding and Miss Harding had been to the fore, assisting at every opportunity. Mr. Harding, on behalf of his wife and daughter, replied suitably, saying how much they regretted leaving their old friends, but they hoped to meet them again in the near future. Before dispersing those present joined in singing “ For They Are Jolly Good Fellows ” and “ Auld Lang Syne.”