M ATAKANA

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 8 July 1936, Page 5

M ATAKANA

(Own Correspondent)

Farewell,

Mr and Mrs A. Skinner, of Big Omaha, were tendered a farewell evening in the Whangateau Hall on Wednesday evening last. Mr Skinner has recently disposed of his property and intends to reside in Auckland for the future.

A very large crowd attended to bid Mr and Mrs Skinner farewell and to wish them success and happiness in their new home. Dancing occupied the evening, the music being provided by Mrs Eex. Collings. , After the "usual Dacre's supper," for the excellence of which this correspondent can vouch, several speakers eulogised Mr and Mrs Skinner's helpful services in district affairs.

Mrs Matheson, on behalf of the Omaha and Pakiri Women's Institute, referred to Mrs Skinner's assistance to that body during her residence among them, and presented her with a pale pink salad bowl. Mr "Laddie" Whitaker spoke in praise of Mr Skinner as a neighbour and also of their garden. Nobody who spent long in Big Omaha could Jail to hear of Mr Skinner's beautiful garden. Mr Brown mentioned his gratitude to Mrs Skinner for her kindness in acting as accompanist c to the Big Omaha school children in a recent concert. Every day for nearly a fortnight Mrs Skinner walked fully a mile to and from the school in order to help the children with their items. Mr* Skinner will be missed from the school committee of which he became a member in May last. Mr Murray Birdsall, the final speaker, remarked that the previous speakers had said all that there was to be said so there remained to him only the: pleasant duty of asking ,Mrs Skinner fco accept'-a three-tier pal;; cake-stand, Mr Blcinnec>Bt:'!-bi>i&f':|Mg,;'..aaiol their son, Alex., a book,, as^a token of the affection and esteem of their many friends. '''■'. '.'.'■/■'""!'■■.';: ;'• /• - -.■-■. Mr Skinner, in'rising to reply for his wife -: and- sp« ?; spoke of some of the humpi'ous. incidents - which he experienced when he first took on farming. •"••; He thanked .their many frienssj;oj'^ and hop ( ed fchatr'any of them- when irj town would call and see him. After further dancing the evening ended with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Card Party. A special card evening in aid of the Church of England was held in the Matakana Hall on Saturday evening. The points gained in this evening's' play will not count in the season's aggregate scores. Prize-winners were Mrs E. Y. Campbell and Mr D. G. Matthew, with Mrs Donald Jones and Mr Boss Jones runners-up and Mrs H^M. Smith and Mr Watson consolation prize-winners. Anglican Guild. The Ladies' Anglican Guild held held its usual monthly meeting on Thursday afternoon. A "bring and buy" stall was well patronised and the time was occupied with needle-, work. The hostesses were Mrs H. M. Smith and Mrs Tindall. Plunket Annual Meeting. - The annual meeting of the Matakana Branch of the Plunket Society disclosed a very sound financial position. A satisfactory year's work had been accomplished and the officers of last year were re-elected. These were: — President, Mrs Melville; vice-president, Mrs P. Smith ; secretary, Mrs E. Smith; committee, Mesdames Melville, P. Smith, E. Smith, -V. Meiklejohn, E.'Birdsall, P. Withers. Several affairs were discussed, chief among which were an impending afternoon on the 20th, and a bridge evening some time later.