RONGOTEA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1678, 27 April 1904, Page 24

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A farewell social and presentation to Mr and Airs V. O. Ransom was held on Thursday night, and the gathering was worthy of the occasion. Friends came from all parts of the surrounding district, and the Coronation Hail was filled to overflowing with a sympathetic gathering. Speeches were delivered by Messrs Tobeck, B. B. McKenzie, T. Masters, J. Glover, W. Darragh and J. Penney. Apologies were received and read from Messrs J. G. Wilson, T. Clark and J. Bowater.

During the evening Mr Tobeck presented to Air Ransom a beautifully illuminated address bearing these word's — To Air Vincent C- Ransom. Dear Sir.—On behalf of the settlers of Rongotea and surrounding districts we take this opportunity of presenting you with this token of our esteem and appreciation of yotulr valuable service during your twenty years' residence in the district. You have taken a leading part in promoting its welfare, and we feel that much of its success is duo to your efforts. You, were - one of the principal promoters of the local dairy factory, and as chairman for many years you spared neither time or trouble to ensure its success. You have also held prominent positions on the County Council, Licensing Committee and School Committee, each of which positions was filled to your credit and our benefit . \ou and your .steemed wife have laboured amongst us for God, for borne and humanity. We sincerely regret your departure from the district, and pray that your remaining years may he crowned with peace and blessedness.-—Signed on behalf of yo/ur well-wishers. J. Tobeck (chairman), H. H. Hunt, W. Darragh, J. Bleakley, J. Broadbelt, J. Sanson, A. Petrason, James Penncv- Secretary of Committee.

Mrs J. Penney, on behalf of the la,diets of the district, presented l Airs Ransom with, a beautiful silver tea-pot, sugar and cream jug, also a silver salver.

Mr Ransom suitably responded on behalf of himself and Mrs Ransom, and gave a short resume of the early history of Rongotea. A sumptuous tsjupper was handed round by the iadiete, and the ladies’ committee, consisting of Alesdam.es Thompson, Meirretfc, Penney, Broadbelt, Sanson, Glover and Darragh deserves high pia/se for the manner with which the sup pur was arranged and served up.