TE ARAROA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18545, 3 November 1934, Page 16

TE ARAROA NEWS

VALEDICTORY A POPULAR RESIDENT In the departure of Mr. William Fagan, Te Araroa lost one of its old identities and one of its most popuiar residents. Both Europeans and Maoris united in bidding farewell lust Sunday to one from whom they were loth to part. In observance of the sacred day, the natives in large numbers attended Divine service conducted by the Rev. R. T. Kohere. After the service, Maoris and Europeans gathered at the Jlinerupe marae, where two tables bad been laid, and loaded with good things, which were enjoyed by the large garnering. Mr. R. T. Koliero then took charge ol matters, and briefly referred to the pending departure of one whom everybody knew, and learned to respect. Mr. Fagan was probably, Mr. Koliere continued, tlu* most familiar figure in their little settlement. After being with them for over 20 years, Mr. Fagan had decided to end his days in the Waikato, his old home. Mr. Hori Kiiigi, on behalf of the natives, recalled the day Mr. Fagan appeared on the scene over 20 years ago, when he was a young man, but their friend was then well on in years. Today, he himself was an old man, but Mr. Fagan seemed never to have grown old. Mr. Fagan was the friend of everybody, and all were sincerely sorry to hear lie was leaving them for good. On behalf of the people of Hicks Bay, Mr. G. W. vStainton expressed regret that Mr. Fagan should be leaving them, lie had been a good citizen and had done much to encourage sport in their midst. He wished their friend happiness where he was going. Mr. Wiremu IVinana referred to the great interest Mr. Fagan showed in hockey. He had known their elders who had departed this life, and were they living now they would be saying good-bye to their guest. Mr. Matauru Wanoa thanked Mr. Fagan for his past services on behalf of the settlement and local tribe. There was never an occasion but Mr. Fagan would lend a. willing hand. lie had also been an enthusiastic supporter of the football sub-union. All the boys and girls regretted that Mr. Fagan was leaving them. Mr. Wi Taotu described their guest as one of the central figures of their marae. (>n behalf of his family he presented Mr. Fagan with a pretty kit. Mr. A. 0. Martin, apologising for the absence of Mr. S. Mill, referred to Mr. Fagan’s interest in cricket. Jlc was president of the City Football Club, in Helping which he spared no time nor effort, nor money. As a slight token of the club’s high regard for their departing friend, Mr. Martin presented Mr. Fagan with a rug.. On behalf of the Sports Club, the Domain Board, and the Tairavvhiti Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr. Tawliai Taiiiepo thanked Mr. Fagan for all he had done for these bodies. They would all miss him.

Mrs. Ema Maaka presented Mr. Fagan with a beautiful native kit.

In responding, Air. Fagan thanked those who had spoken for tho nice things said about him, and particularly for the presents, which he would treasure, lie thought anyone who knew the Maoris at all could not do anything else but like them. Some of the speakers referred to him as being good natured; he always held that to be happy in this world one must be friendly with everybody. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs. Kemp and A Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Cowan, and Mr. VV. Walters.

Amongst the large number who were present were: —Mr. and Mrs. Gudgeon, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Haliwell, Mr. and Mrs. A. 0: Martin, Mr. and Mrs. .S. F. Bass, Mr, and Mrs. 11. T. Kohere, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Nepia, Mr. and Mrs. M. Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. D. Haerewa, Mr. and Mrs. R. Hauiti, Mr. and Mrs. Pura Brown, Mr. and Mrs. K. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. H. Biown, Mr. and Mrs. Wi Taotu, Mr. and Mrs. I*. Paka, Mr. and Mrs. Taipari Brown, Mr. and Mrs. H. Puha, Mr. and Mrs. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. S. Mill, Mr. and Mrs. G. Iloerara, Mr. and Mrs. T. Tamepo; Mesdarnes 11. K. Ilovell, Nordberg, Ayson, Facoorey, Korohira, T). Waitoa, Sexton, Fox, E. Maaka, T. Puha, A. Boy, and Iloerara ; Misses C. Ilovell, L. Hitchcock, Abfa-, ham, M. Jackson, M. Brown, IT. Kaika, R. Ngatai, MeLachlan, 0. Bates, E. Fox, SchoSield, K. Ruwhiri, an<l K. Wanoa; Messrs..F. W. Metcalf, G. W. Stainton, Broomfield, Askew, Schoffield, B. Solomon, Turbott. McNaught, Barbara, W. Poutu, 0, and M. Chesley, 11. Ahuriri, T. and (!. Henderson, P. Ilcrewini, M. Wanoa, Walford, Peihana, Hon Kingi, T. Mahua, H. and S. Crawford.