FAREWELL TO CONSTABLE CALWELL.

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 30, 27 October 1921, Page 5

FAREWELL TO CONSTABLE CALWELL.

Before the Court resumed its usual business after the luncheon adjournment on Monday, Mr Levien, S. M., Members of the Bar,Police and local Justices of the Peace took the opportunity of saying farewell to Constable Calwell, who has been promoted to Sergeant, and is being transferred to Auckland, to do duty in the City. Mr Reynolds on behalf of the Bar spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Calwell’s good qualities during his stay in Kaitaia. Not only had Mr Calwell proved himself a capable and fair Police Officer, but he was also a good sportsman. He had been associated with Mr Calwell in Court and police business for some years past, and he stressed the fact that Mr Calwell had a knowledge of the North which very few men possess, and it would be very difficult to replace him in the various offices he has held.

During his concluding remarks, he presented Mr Calwell with a very handsome set of pipes and tobacco pouch as a token of esteem, and wished Mr Calwell every success in his new office and expressed the hope that some day Mr Calwell might be again called on to take up his duties in Kaitaia. Mr Levien, S. M., endorsed Mr Reynolds’ remarks, and stressed the fact that he was sorry to lose 1 such a conscientious and painstaking Officer as Mr Calwell; but it was for the best. In coupling Mrs Calwell’s name with that of her husband, he wished them evefy success as Mrs Calwell had assisted Mr Cal well very ably in connection with the various duties imposed uponhim, some of them very arduous and difficult ones too. He joined in wishing them every success in their new sphere of life. Others that spoke were Mr Miller, and Mr Wigley (representing the legal profession) and Mr Houston (representing the local Justices of the Peace and the Hospital Board. Mr Calwell, in rising to reply, expressed his embarrassment; he thanked the donors for their kind present, and for the kindly feeling displayed towards Mrs Calwell and himself. He emphasised the fact that although leaving behind them very dear friends; friends that they would never forget, and they felt it very much. He again thanked those present for the kindness shown, and the handsome present bestowed upon him. He would always look back to the very happy days spent in Kaitaia. FAREWELL SOCIAL AND DANCE TO MR. AND MRS. CALWELL. Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Calwell must have been a proud couple on the occasion of the Farewell Social and Dance tendered to them on Tuesday night in the Northland Hall. Visitors were present from almost all parts of the county, and the Hall was crowded. The arrangements were in the hands of a committee of citizens, of which Mr. W. N. Perkins was secretary. Messrs A. G. B. Price, C. R. Peterson and Cyril Switzer acted as Masters of Ceremonies, and Marshals, and by introducing strangers and generally attempting to make everybody feel at home, contributed very materially to the success of the evening. Misses Rowe and Woolhouse and Mrs. Calwell contributed vocal items. After supper a presentation was made to Mrs. Calwell. When Mr. and Mrs. Calwell appeared on the stage they were loudly cheered. The first speaker was Mr. Allen Bell who spoke of the high esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Calwell were held by the whole community. They had been good citizens and the friends of all. Mr. Calwell had been in the Far North for eight and a-half years. Whilst in Kaitaia he had done the work of two men, and had always been characterised by tact and ability. He extended heartiest good wishes for the future of their guests and wished them long life, health and prosperity. (Cheers).

Mr. T. S. Houston, representing the Mangonui Hospital, endorsed Mr. Bell’s remarks as to the popularity of Mr. and Mrs. Calwell, and the ability, tact and energy of Mr. Calwell. In connection with the Hospital Board they had received reports from him on many subjects and people, and never one of his reports had been turned down. He had never harmed the poor, but had safeguarded the county. Their guests were a great loss to the district, socially as well as otherwise. He took the opportunity of welcoming Mr. Bisset, Mr. Cal well’s successor. He wished the departing couple all kinds of good luck in their new sphere. (Cheers). As representing the local Justices of the Peace, Mr. L. H. Bell also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Calwell’s ability, and the assistance he had been to the local Justices. He had been fearless, but not duty struck. The turn-out in the Hall shewed the esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Calwell were held.

Mr Long, Countv Chairman, made a few brief remarks in endorsation of what

the previous speakers had said. Mr Calwell had filled a difficult task with infinite tact, and had earned the respect of all. Mr Allen Bell then presented Mrs Calwell with a pairof handsomeenlreedishcs, with an inscription "Presented to Mr a> <1 Mrs Calwell by the Residents of Kai 1 and District. October 1921.” Two hundred people in a few days, had subscribed to the purchase of these. He hoped they would always recall pleasant memories of Kaitaia and the Far North.

Mr Calwell, on rising to respond for Mrs Calwell and himself, was received with loud cheers. He thanked them for their send-off, and the handsome present that had been made to MrsCalwell. Some of the happiest days of his wife and him--self had been spent in Kaitaia. Whilst in the district he had tried to do his best,and had never been actuated by ill-will against anyone. He had to thank the various local bodies and institutions for their assistance an courtesy, as also the local Js. P. He put in a word for his successor, a man of strict integrity,andagood fellow. He feelingly thanked the gathering for the reception given to Mrs Calwell and himself, and assured those present that he would always have a soft spot in his heart for Kaitaia.

On the conclusion qf Mr Cal well’s response all rose and sang “For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” and gave three hearty cheers for the guests. Dancing was resumed, and at a little after twelve hands were joined round the room, “Auld Lang Syne” was sung, and the gathering officially closed. Dancing, however, was kept up for some time longer by some of the enthusiasts. *

Those responsible for the gathering are to be congratulated on their attempts to run it to timetable. ,