PRESENTATIONAT ATTE KOPURU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8681, 25 September 1891, Page 3

PRESENTATIONAT ATTE KOPURU.

Thursday, September 17, witnessed another of those gatherings which have been too frequent at Kopui'u. After a residence of 12, years at Kopuru, Mr. W. M. Woodhead is about to leave 119 to travel 011 behalf of the Kauri Timber Company. During this time lie has made a large circle of attached friends. During the latter wart of his sojourn here lie has been manager at Kopuru. He has been a most active member of cricket, lawn tennis, and rifle clubs, and has entered heartily, in fact, into all the social institutions of the place. He lias been chairman of the Hobson County Council, to which he has rendered excellent service. In recognition of the good wishes that have been showered upon him and Mrs. Woodhead, his numerous friends were invited to a farewell "At Home," on Thursday, in the Kopuru Hall, which was crowded. All Kopuru was present, whilst the s.s. Tangihua brought numerous visitors from the up-river settlements. Dancing was kept up with vigour till twelve o'clock. The catering was in 1 charge of Mrs. McCabe, and was admirable. Mr. and Mrs. Woodhead were indefatigable in looking after the pleasure of all. Daring an interval Mr. Woodhead was called forward, when ' Mr. A. Barclay, on behalf of a committee, addressed him, and laid special stress 011 the fact that throughout his long residence, during good and bad times alike, to all sorts and conditions of men, Mr. WoodI head had exhibited the same unvarying courtesy and kindness. During the greater part of his residence Mr. Woodhead had lived in bachelor hall, but latterly he had taken unto himself a helpmeet, and the committee desired to include her in, the sentiments he had expressed. On behalf of their numerous friends he begged their acceptance of a gold watch, suitably inscribed. Whereever their lot might be cast he wished them health, joy, and prosperity. Mr. Woodhead, in replying with some emotion, said this was one of those occasions when the lips refused to utter what the heart felt. He could not express his sense of the extreme kindness which had been showered upon his wife and self during the last few days, and in such overwhelming bulk that night. After a residence of 12 years in Kopuru it] was a proud moment, indeed, that a departure from their midst, which he so much regretted, should be smoothed by those hearty good which Mr. Barclay had expressed on behalf of so many friends. His residence here had been' a happy one. He had always received the greatest kindness, hospitality, and friendship from the Wairoa people. With regard to the handsome present they had been pleased to make, he could not sufficiently thank them on behalf of his wife and self, and it would always be treasured as the choicest possession. During his term of management he had seen and advocated the reduction of working hours, and the payment of wages in cash, and he was pleased to say that both these improvements on the old system had been a success, and the way in which accounts had been punctually paid by employees was a credit and honour to them. In conclusion he hoped that all those good wishes which had been so heartily rendered, might be as abundantly showered upon the donors as upon the humble recipients. The whole assemblage then joined in singing " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." During another interval, Mr. A. E. Harding said he wished to express the high sense the Hobson County Councillors had of the able, courteous, and impartial manner in which Mr. Woodhead had carried out the duties of chairman of the council, and of the valuable help he had rendered them. Mr. Woodhead said he left a successor behind him, in the person of Mr. Harding, who would be wise, prudent, and vigilant, and they would no doubt in a short time see the Council in a sound financial condition, and able to prosecute its legitimate work of roadmaking. At Mr. Woodhead's ball, Mr. A. Barclay, 011 behalf of a committee, presented Mr. F. Turner, sen. (who is about to leave Kopuru), with an illuminated address. He said Mr. Turner had always been to the fore in good works. He (Mr. Barclay) had never once presented a list to him without receiving substantial aid, Mr. Turner suitably replied. There is to be an election of councillor for the Kopuru riding, consequent on the resignation of Mr. Woodhead.—[Own Correspondent.]