RUATORIA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19379, 17 July 1937, Page 12

RUATORIA NEWS

FAREWELL DANCE POPI!LAR BANK OFFICER. (Herald Correspondent.) A merry farewell dance held in the Gaiety Hall, Ruatoria, last Wednesday evening, successfully concealed a general feeling of regret at tlje departure of Mr. Gordon Duff, of the Bank of New South Wales’ staff, who leaves next week on transfer to Masterton.

Torrential rain prevailed, which prevented all station folk from attending owing to the uncertainty of the condition of the river, and the cloak-rooms with an array of gum-boots and sou’-westers were in themselves a tribute to Mr. Duff’s popularity in that so many would challenge the elements to be present in his honour. The Night Owl orchestra contributed the dance music, which was suspended whilst Miss Dorothry Sharpe, accompanied by Miss Kura Beale at the piano, gave charming renderings of the songs “Here’s to Love” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” A party of Maori girls, headed by Miss R. Tuhoe, presented two graceful action songs. Mr. Duff was the recipient of various presentations. Mr. W. W. Ludbrook, in presenting Mr. Duff with a dressing gown, set of brushes, razor and cheque, suitably expressed the regret of the residents at losing such a popular member of the community. He recalled that Mr. Duff had played an important part in all the activities of the district and that he had readily won his way to the esteem of the people by his personality and friendliness to both Maori and pakeha. The feelings of the residents were undoubtedly that Ruatoria was suffering a big loss in the departure of Mr. Duff, though they were pleased to know of his promotion, Mr. Wi Tawaho farewelled Mr. Duff on behalf of the Maori residents and presented him with a beautifully carved walking stick and bread board. He stated that Mr. Duff had played his games side by side with his Maori friends and had shown a true spirit of co-operation. On behalf of the members of the City Football Club, Mr. H. Kunioka made a presentation of a fountain pen to the guest of honour, who had played for the team for some years. In replying, Mr. Duff sincerely thanked the residents for their kind words and useful gifts. In thanking Mr. Wi Tawaho and the Maori people, Mr. Duff said that to have worked and played side by side with the Maori people had been one of his greatest pleasures.

The supper tabes, which had been daintily adorned with bowls of spring Powers by Mrs. P. G. Burton and Miss Kura Beale, gave pride of place to a beautifully iced cake, the gift of the staff of the Manutahi Hotel. At the conclusion of a most successful evening Mr. Duff was acorded musical honours. Mr. W. McCulloch acted as M.C.

Among a representative gathering of the Maori and European population of the district were Mesdames P. G. Burton, J. G. Russell, E. Evans, W. Hogan, J. W. Birch, K. W. Parker, J. Rawlinson, H. Lunken, T. Williams, J. M. Penfold, and W. McCulloch; Misses B. Ludbrook, H. Haig, K. Beale, 1. Smythe, G. Dunne, R. McCarthy, D. Hickey, B. Ferguson, A. Cooke, D. Smith, J. Chipchase, Osborne, D. Smith, and R. Manuel.

A pleasing function took place at the Ruatoria Post Office last Wednesday afternoon, when the staff farewelled one of their number, Mr. C. W. Bolt, on the eve of his departure on promotion to Ngongotaha. Mr. J. G. Russell, postmaster, in presenting Mr. Bptt with an extension motor car lamp, wished him “bon voyage” and all success in his position as postmaster at Ngongotaha. Mr. Bott suitably responded. Mr. A. R. Ferguson, Raurimu, has arrived to take up a position in the Ruatoria Post Office in succession to Mr. Bott. —Miss •Joyce Wicksteed is on a short visit to Gisborne. —Mr. and Mrs. H. Thatcher recently returned to Ruatoria after a motor tour of the North Island.—Miss M. Bousfield, Gisborne, is a guest at the Manutahi Hotel for a few days.