VALEDICTORY

Southland Times, Issue 17620, 7 April 1914, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

SOCIAB AT Tl’SHOt’K CKKKK

< Kront our own Correspondent.)

When it became known that Mr ami •Mrs .lames Fraser were about to leave Die district a large number of pooide assembled a I the Tussock Creek Hall on Friday evening to say farewell to tbeir departing friends. The climatic- conditions were not very favourable for the occasion, nevertheless, people came from far and near. The function took the form of a social and dance. Much credit is duo to (be committee of management for tin- manner in which everything wa.s conducted, anil special praise is due to the chairman. Mr I lonald Shaw. Dancing was indulged in with a lively spirit during the evening. At an opportune lime during the evening the chairman, after paying a high word of praise to Miami .Mrs Fraser, called upon Mr Xorrnan Mclntyre to make the* presentation. In doing so Mr Mclntyre spoke of the long acquaintance between Mr Fraser and himself. He alluded to Mr Fraser's farming ability and bow lie had converted a wilderness into a model farm. He bad nol known Mrs I'raser for so long a period, but she had been a good right band supporter in helping Mr Fraser to better his position. Me then presented Mr Fraser with a handsome gold albert, and to Mrs Fraser a beautiful gold brooch. Mr Gavin Amos said that be bad not known Mr and Mrs I'raser lor so long a period, but be bad always known them to be workers. Tie referred to the neighbourly qualities of the guests of the evening, and said that they would Vie missed because of the kindly consideration which they extended to all who came in contact with them. Me spoke at length on the high price of land and how the district was improving. Mr A. Mclntyre made eulogistic reference to Mr Fraser as a farmer. He had always taken a keen interest in' seiiool itffairs, and had been chairman of several committees. The speaker bad bad a long acquaintance with Mr I'raser and always found him willing to assist bis neighbours, this being an excellent trait in a farmer.

Mr 1-1. Tobin said lie had known their guests for thirty years and had been his immediate neighbour for a long time. He had sat with Mr Fraser on the school committee and hail found him to lie a worker in that direction. Mr Tobin also spoke of Mr Fraser's successors —Messrs t'amphell and Might - foot. These gentlemen had a thorough knowledge of the farm they had just purchased, and the speaker congratulated tile purchasers on their choice, and that before long they would have more Ilian a model farm.

Mi- Fraser. on rising to respoml. was cheered. He said that tlicy were very sorry to leave the district where they had spent so many happy days, and lie acknowledged the kindness of ttie people in making his wife and himself the presentation. He outlined briefly the progress of the district during his long stay in it. and extended a hearty invitation to all to visit them in their new home. , ~ Several songs were- rendered during the evening by Miss Crowe and Mr X. -McIntyre. a recitation by Mr Mclntosh, and Highland dancing by Miss Mabel Clark, this young lady's dancing being worthy of special mention. The music for the dance was supplied by Miss Amos, piano, and Mr X. Mclntyre, violin. Mr Gavin ivmos controlled the floor In first-class stvle. The supper, supplied by the ladies of the district, was all that could he desired The function terminated in the' enrlv hours of the morning with the singing of Auld Hang Syne.