Aorangi Surprise Party

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 68, 22 March 1935, Page 3

Aorangi Surprise Party

MR AND MRS MASON DURIE honoured. Mr and Mrs Mason Durio and their family were given a surprise party on Wednesday evening by the settlers of Aorangi in appreciation of the help so cheerfully given at all times, especially in connection with Anglican church work. The party was held in the meeting house which had been pleasingly decorated with cornflowers, marigolds, and berries, and a number of visitors from Fcilding supported the local residents. Mrs H. Brandt who organised the function acted as hostess. A most enjoyable musical programme was carried out the items of which were as follows: —Song, Airs A. W. musical monologue, Miss V. Barltrop; song, Miss G. M. Taylor; Song, Miss A. James; musical medley, Air Wood, ihc accompanistes were Airs AI. Barker and Alisses AI. Alorphy and Al. Armour, and competition games added interest to the occasion. The daintiest possible home-made supper was provided by the ladies and during the supper interval Air G. J. Fitzpatrick (superintendent) of the Aorangißoys’ Bible Class) speaking for tin: people of the district explained that this gathering had been arranged by the neighbours of the Dunes to mark their sense of appreciation of tho help and fine example set by the Durio family in all ood works. Air and Airs Durio were a noble example of a noble race, and, the speaker added, when Lord Blcdisloc described the New Zealanders as a most lovable people ho must have been thinking particularly of the Maoris. Mr Fitzpatrick went on to say that ho had never scon a Maori with a frown on his face nor had he even come into contact with a discontented or grumbling Maori. And the Durio family in all good works. Air examples of the best qualities of their own people. On behalf of the settlers Air Fitzpatrick presented Mrs Durie with a beautiful silver cake dish. This was offered as a tangible token of good feeling anrl the ' donors hoped Airs Durie w-ould accept it and use it as a lasting expression of the sentiments which had taken this form. Tho speaker also referred to tho cheerfulness and willingness to help always of tho members of the Durio family, tho character of the parents could always be discovered by tho lives of their children and Air and Airs Durie had every reason in the world to be satisfied arid proud of theirs. Air Durie’s late father was held in tho highest possible respect by Alaori and pakeha aliko throughout, tho district. Air Mason Durie enjoyed a similar regard and there was every evidence that his children would retain and uphold the high traditions of the family. In acknowledging tho gift, Air Durie thanked the people of the settlement most profusely for the party which his wife, family and he himself had appreciated and enjoyed very much indeed. He considered it an honour to be well regarded by neighbours and fc.lt that to have that regard was something worth living for. He had always tricri to tako an interest in and to help with church work, the chief reason being that his late father had on his deathbed impressed upon him tho necessity and value of assisting his church in every wav. He had endeavoured to do that and would be happy indeed in continuing to do so. Air Fitzpatrick had referred to tho good qualities of the Afaori people and he himself desired to say very sincerely that tho Alaoris in their turn recognised and admired tho good qualities of the pakclias. The British people had been very kind to tho Alaoris and in recognition of this the speaker said that on his visits to various parts of New Zealand, Lord Blcdisloc had been particularly- warmly welcomed by the Alaoris. Air Durie in thanking the Aorangi people for their beautiful gift to his wifesaid it would ever be one of the most valued treasures within the walls of their home. A very happy evening ended with the assemblage joining hands to sing "They are Jolly Good Fellows.”