YOUNG VIOLINIST

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 97, 24 March 1939, Page 2

YOUNG VIOLINIST

ALAN LOVEDAY FAREWELLED.

Alan Loveday, the brilliant young Palmerston North violinist, who left this afternoon, with his mother, on the first stage ou his journey overseas to further his musical studies, was farewelled at a pleasant little function held in the Rosco tearooms this .morning. The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford), who is chairman of the committee which raised the fund to make the project possible, presided and at the outset apologised for the absence of a number of enthusiasts, including Dr. McDowall (president of the local branch of the British Music Society). Mr M. H. Oram. Mr B. J. Jacobs. Mrs Mansford. and Mrs R. Davis. He said that the day long looked forward to had arrived, and Mrs Loveday and her brilliant son were sailing for England next week. Palmerston North was proud of Alan Loveday, he added, and he fel t sure that the boy would do his best. He extended the best wishes of the citizens to Mrs Loveday and her son. and assured them of a right royal welcome on their return to this country. Mr J. P. MrDavitt (secretary of the committee) endorsed the remarks of the chairman and said it would be a happy day for Palmerston North when Alan Lovedav returned at the top of the tree. He thanked all who had assisted him in the organising work in connection with the campaign. Good wishes were also extended by Mr H. Pierard (representing the British Music Society), Miss E. Rawlins (representing the Girls’ Music Club and the Music Teachers’ Association) and Miss D. Southey Baker. The Mayor, at this stage, presented a. travelling bag to Mrs Loveday and a wristlet watch to her son. He said thev were tangible tokens of the' wishes of the committee. Mr Mansford mentioned the sacrifice Mr Loveday was making in allowing his wife and only son to go overseas, but fie felt, as they all did. that the sacrifice would tie worth while. Alan Loved. n -y was a credit to the Dominion and lie would bo an ambassador wherever be went. (Applause.) In 1919 his father had gone home and brought honour to this country bv winning the King’s Prize with the rifle; now his son was aiming at a target which was at the top of the tree in the re.s.lm of music. “Mav he be successful,” Mr Mansford concluded. . Mr L. G. Lovedav returned thanks on behalf of bis wife and son. Many bo vs bad been sent overseas, but he felt safe in saving that none hail gone away with such excellent arrangements Ttv.de for them. He could not find words to thank all who had assisted. If his son did not reach the top of the tree it would not be the fault of tbe peonle. Alan was a real New Zealander. His four grandparents had arrived in New Zealand m 18'0. and the speaker felt sure that the boy would act a« a true New Zealander overseas. (Applause.) The function concluded with cheers for Alan loveday.