Farewell to Mr. Rowe.

Northland Age, Volume VI, Issue 3, 6 September 1909, Page 5

Farewell to Mr. Rowe.

Oruru Dairy Co.’s Appreciation of Faithful Servant. A largn and representative (fathering assembled in Jecentho's ball, Peria, on .Wednesday evening last on the occasion im)t the farewell social tendered to Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Rowe. Dancing, interspersed with songs and other musical items, occupied the evening until eleven o'clock, when supper was served. Those contributing towards the programme were Mias Beryl Wilkinson, piano solo; Mrs. Berry, song ; and Messrs. H. H. White, C. Ballance, J. Garton and J. T. Howe, eaoh of whom favoured the company with a song. Mr. W. A. Wilton supplied the dance music and accompaniments. After supper Mr. Geo. Wilkiuson claimed the attention of those present in order to give expression to the feelings which hsid prompted the promoters of the social. He said that be did this with mingled feelings of pleasure, regret and embarassment—pleasure because so many had assembled to do honor to their guest, and regret that the district was about to lose a good man. His embarassment arose through the non-arrival of the steamer whioh was carrying a trophy which it had beenintended to present that evening. He mentioned that the trophy was in the nature of a gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, and it was the wish of the donors that Mr. Rowe should retain this as a family heirloom, passing it on to his J eldest son when he himself should pass J away, which unhappy event all sincerely I hoped would be long delayed. The d ladies also had decided to present Mrs. \ Rowe with a set of solid silver spoons and forks, and they wished these to be passed on in like manner to the eldest daughter of the family. The speaker paid a high tribute of praise to Mr. Rowe as a faithful and competent servant of the OruruFairbum Dairy Coy. for some seven . years, and said the district was losing as • good a man socially as the Company was a manager. He could assure Mr. Rowe that if at any time Oruru factory wanted a manager and he cared to return to the position be would be accorded a warm welcome.

Mr. Ambrose Stevens, on behalf of Fairborn settlers, paid a tribute of praise to Mr. Rowe and his wife. In his remarks the speaker highly eulogised the capacity and fidelity of their guest as butter factory manager, and said that socially his genial presence bad been like a ray of sunshine in their midst. Mr. John Garton, speaking aB a director of the Oruru-Fairbum Dairy Com- ' pany, said that Mr Rowe had come to them when dairying matters had not seemed too bright and that the Company was now in a good position was largely due to the whole-hearted energy Mr. Rowe bad displayed and the unselfish manner in which he had fallen in with the ideas of the Directors regarding home separation. He (the Bpeaker) thought that their loss socially was greater than otherwise because they could always get another manager, but it was not always possible to get a thorough white man. At the conclusion of Mr. Garton’s remarks the campany joined in singing “ For he’s a jolly good fellow,” after which Mr. Wilkinson briefly welcomod the new factory manager, Mr. Voider, and returned thanks to Mr. Jecentho who had kindly placed his fine hall at their disposal free of charge. Musical honors were accorded Mr. Jecentho. Mr. Rowe received a great ovation when he rose to respond to the many expressions of goodwill he had heard that night, and in a brief speech he thanked one and all for their gifts and for the spirit which had prompted such. He had always done his best and was very glad to know that his small efforts had been appreciated. He and his wife would always treasure the trophies for the sentiments which accompanied them, and the wishes of the donors in respect of same would be conscientiously observed. All present then joined hands in singing " Auld Lang Syne.”