Mr and Mrs A Stevens

Northland Age, Volume 28, Issue 52, 20 June 1928, Page 4

Mr and Mrs A Stevens

Farewelled B; Friends

Gathering at Fairburn

Fitting Valedidory

A very large crowd of relatives nd triends of Mr and Mrs Arnose Stevens assembled in the

?airburns-Kaiaka Hall on Friday evening last for the purpose of bidding tarcwell to two of the most popular people in the North.

Coming here over 28 years ago, Mr and Mrs Stevens have won for themselves, the esteem of everyone in the North, and now that they feel the time has come when they are able to lay aside the trowel so to speak, there is general regret at their departure for Auckland where they will be surrounded by their children. The weather on Friday evening was anything but favourable for a function such as that arranged in honour of Mr and Mrs Stevens, but this did not deter people from all parts of the county from attending and participating in the expressions of goodwill and esteem manifested towards the guests ot the evening. It was really a revelation to those who did not know that the name ot Mr and Mrs Stevens is a household word in the North. A very excellent programme was arranged, a feature of which was the action song by several little girls from the FairburnKaiaka School who had been trained by Miss Cowdeli. The item was entitled “Drifting and Dreaming” and little Miss Joyce Christensen was the soloist, while Miss E Christensen presided at the piano. The voices ot the

youngsters blended beautifully and this was really a splendid number. Solos were contributed by Mr Platten and Mr D Archibald Senr., while elocutionary items were given by Mr C J Poison and by Miss Stone, and Mrs Glynan’s Orchestra played a number of selections.

Mr Hoskin, who presided, presented Mr and Mrs Stevens with two beautifully upholstered chairs but by way of a preliminary to this fitting tribute to the guests of the evening little Miss Lorna Tracey handed Mis Stevens a beautiful bouquet. Mr Hoskin announced that apologies had been received from all parts of the County from people who had not'been able to attend the function. He said ihat the esteem in which their guests were held was manifested by' the very large attendance. Mr and Mrs Stevens had,during their 28 years residence in the district, have done their best in every way to promote the interests of the place. In church matters and socially they had been moving spirits for the advancement of every progressive enterprise. They were now on the eve of leaving the district and he was sure the people would all agree that it would be a difficult matter to fill their place in the community. Mr Stevens had been closely associated with the early pioneering in connection with the dairying industry and for many years was a director and also chairman of directors and had been largely responsible for the success achieved. It difficult to say what would have been the fate of the district had Mr Stevens not been here to help in developing this industry. General regret was felt that Mr and Mrs Stevens were going away and the place would scarcely be the same without them. (Applause), “We wish you joy

and happiness in your new home” said Mr Hoskin addressing Mr and Mrs Stevens, “and we trust that you will carry away with you happy recollections of this evening.” (Applause) Mr D Archibald Senr. referred to the excellent work done by Mr Stevens in connection with Church matters. “It will be a difficult matter to fill the gajf created by the departure of Mr and Mrs , Stevens.” (Hear! Hear!) Their association with the Northland was marked in many ways and the traces of their activities would remain throughout time. Mr Archibald read a poem which he dedicated to Mr and Mrs Stevens, and which we publish in another column. Addresses were also delivered by the Rev Grice ana Messrs J P Coulter, J M Dawson, C Parker Senr., H Parker, E C Matthews and A M Shugar. Ihe latter apologised for the absence cf Mr T S Houston and Mr T H Kenny. On rising to respond Mr Stevens was accorded an ovation. He said: “The way you have turned out to-night completely overwhelms me. We have been in this district for 28 years, and before coming here I had a commercial training. Like most young fellow's I took unto myself a wife, and we started out farming in this little district of Fairburns, when you young men and women here to-night were children. The people rallied around us, and we have along ever since. We have tried to do our best but anything I have done would not have been possible but for the backing the settlers gave me. I a n going away feeling that in everyone of you I have a friend. 1 have been so closely associated with vou that I cannot help|feeling reluctant at leaving the district. However, our children are all away from us and it was becoming more difficult for Mrs Stevens and mvself to carry on alone. For the words of appreciation spoken by the chair- ■ man regarding my efforts, I am thankful and I thank you all very much for the spirit which prompted the presentation which you have made to us to-night.” Loud applause and the singing “For ’ they are jolly goodfellows,” and “Auld Lang Syne,” followed Mr Stevens response.

Supper was handed round and afterwards the hall was cleared, and dancing to music supplied by Mrs Glynan’s Orchestra indulged