HIKURANGI NEWS

Northern Advocate, 9 April 1943, Page 5

HIKURANGI NEWS

VALEDICTORY

„A bright and happy event took place in the Criterion Theatre recently, when a large muster of residents of Hikurangi assembled to farewell Mr. and Mrs. J. Clark, until recently host and hostess of the Hikurangi Hotel. The function took the form of a social and dance, and the hall was literally packed for the occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Clark and their small daughter, Judith, have moved to reside in Auckland, where Mr. Clark has taken over the management of the Shamrock Hotel. The respect and esteem in which the Clark family were held during their two years’ stay in Hikurangi were amply demonstrated by the nature of the handsome gift thc-v received from the townsfolk. This was a magnificent chromium-plated dinner waggon with a black ebonv tray suitably inscribed. The presentation was made on behalf of the people by the chairman of the town board (Mr. D. H. Cochrane), who expressed warm sentiments towards the recipients and wished them well in their new sphere. Mr. Clark suitably acknowledged the presentation. DOCTOR AND WIFE FAREWF.LLED On the eve of .their departure -to take up residence in "Whangarei. Dr. D. and Mrs. L. Armstrong were the guests at a farewell gathering recently held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Wood, of Park Street. Hikurangi. A number of friends gathered for the occasion and a delightful evening resulted. Supper was served by the hostess, after which Mr. Wood, on behalf of the company, in a happy speech, presented the guests of honour with a handsome smoker's stand.

Mr. Wood paid tribute io the qualities of both Dr. and Mrs. Armstrong as he had known them during their stay in Hikurangi. and he expressed regret at losing them both from the town. He said he particularly admired the doctor for the friendly interest lie took in the backblock settlers. Those requiring his services were never let down. He would answer a call ai any hour of the day or night, in fair weather or foul, and "that was indeed a worthy effort. Mrs. Armstrong, said Mr. Wood, besides being an enthusiastic patriotic worker, had taken an active interest in the welfare of other organisations, and he felt that her friendly association would be greatly missed by all with whom she had worked. A SEND-OFF

As is the custom of Hikurangi residents to give a social evening to any of thennumber joining the forces, another such gathering was held on Monday evening last, when a presentation was made to Mr J. Marsh, of Waro. Mr. D. li. Cochrane, on behalf of the townsfolk, requested his acceptance of a small gift, and at the same time wished him good fortune during his career in the forces. The evening was spent in dancing to the music of a military band.

PATRIOTIC At a recent meeting of the Hikurangi Patriotic Committee, methods of conducting future activities were discussed, and various proposals for raising funds were put forward, amongst them being a monster ball to be held in Hikurangi prior to Easter. The committee appointed to organise the event has already got the preliminary arrangements under way. It is expected that this function will prove a remunerative source of revenue.