KAKARAMEA

Patea Mail, Volume L, 2 August 1929, Page 3

KAKARAMEA

VALEDICTORY,

ME. AND MRS. DUNN HONOURED

The Kakaramea Hall was filled to overflowing last evening with a representative gathering of settlers from all parts of the district, who were gathered to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn and family, the popular host and hostess of the Kakaramea Hotel, who are leaving the district after a residence of some six years.

The evening was spent in dancing, the night being an ideal one, the dancers having an enjoyable time to the music -supplied' (by Mr. (A. Gilmore (piano) and Mr. W. Matangi (saxophone). 1 ' ■ [,l if/

During the evening Mr. E. Watt, chairman of the committee, in a brief and feeling speech, said he felt sure he was voicing the feelings of residents when he said they all felt the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn and family. They had been worthy settlers and had always been to the fore in anything that had for its object the welfare of the district. They would bo greatly missed, in fact, ho felt that they would never get better settlers in Kakaramea. He would not weary them with a long speech, but would ask Mr. Eamsbottoxn, Mayor of Patea, to make a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn on behalf of the settlers. Mr. Ramsbottom, who was present with Mrs. Ramsbottom, then presented the departing guests on behalf of the settlers, with the following gifts: To Mr. and Mrs. Dunn an aneroid barometer suitably engraved; Mrs. Dunn gold wristlet watch; Mr. Dunn, gold albert; Master D. Dunn, solid leather travelling bag; Master J. Dunn, Ivai- « apoi rug. * In making the presentation Mr. Ramsbottom expressed the regret felt by one and all at the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn and family from the district. He felt he was trespass ing on the preserves of the chairman of the County Council, but he understood he was out of the district, so he had agreed to come forward and take his place. They were losing some of the best settlers Kakaramea had ever had, and the presents that evening testified to the high esteem they were held in by the settlers. Not long ago he had heard from a young man who had fallen off his bicycle, and who had said that in his opinion Mr. and Mrs. Dunn were heroes. When ho had gone into the hotel and asked for a drink of water after his accident they had not only given him this but had put him to bed and had kept him' there till he was all right again. (Applause.) He would not weary them with a long speech, but would ask Mr. and Mrs. Dunn to come forward and receive the gifts already mentioned. The audience then rose and sang “For They Arc Jolly Good Fellows,” cheering Mr. and Mrs. Dunn again and again. Mr. F. S. Tarrant, president of the Kakarainca Sports Association, express-, ed regret at Mr. and Mrs. Dunn’s departure. They had always done their best for sport in the district, and he sincerely hoped that in their future home they would have long life and happiness. (Applause.) Mr. D. Chamberlain also expressed regret at the departure of their guests. He felt he could -not put his feelings into words. They were losing the most popular family in Kakaramea. They were losing friends in Mr. and Mrs. Dunn who possessed charming per- . sonalities. Mr. Dunn had always been willing to do anyone a good turn. Mrs. Dunn had always been -willing to do what she could freely and ungrudg--ingly for anything for the welfare of the district. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Dunn every good wish for the future, and hoped they would have long life and prosperity in their new home.

Mr. Dunn said on ,behalf of 1 Mrs. Dunn and himself he wished to thank them one and all for the beautiful gifts they had given them that night, and the speakers for their very, kind remarks. He could not say any more. :The audience again sang “For They Arc Jolly Good Fellows” and cheered the departing guests again and again. A bountiful and dainty supper provided by Mr. 11. L. Thomas, Patea, was then handed round, after which dancing was resumed and kept up till an early hour. During the evening vocal items were rendered by Messrs. Lints and Carey and greatly enjoyed.