COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 18834, 29 May 1920, Page 10

COUNTRY NEWS

WAIANIWA. I’RESKN TATI ON TO MR G. F. GRIFFITHS. An interesting function took place in the Waianiwa hall on Thursday evening last, for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr George F. Griffiths, in recognition of his services as spciclary of the Waianiwa branch of (he War Funds Association now closed, when, notwithstanding the extreme roughness of (he weather, there was a large and representative attendance. The earlier part of the evening consisted of a programme of musical and other items of entertainment. This part of the proceeding was directed by Mr J. Fraser, chairman of (he association, who also presided at the later stage and made the presentation. Mr Fraser read a telegram of apology for absence and expressing good wishes from Mr Leslie Invin, of Woodlands, late vice-president, and also the following letter from the secretary of the Southland War Funds Association; — Dear Sir,- —The committee of the War Funds Association trust, that you will have a most enjoyable evening in honour of Mr George F. Griffiths, and along with the members of the committee, 1 join heartily in accord with all the kind things that will he said of your secretary'. Mr Griffiths’ relations with this office have been moat cordial at all times, and we fully appreciate the fart that your members are recognising his ability' and general courteouancss. I regret being unable to be present; will you please apologise for me. The chairman said that they had met to show their appreciation of the services of Mr Griffiths who acted as secretary of the association during the whole period of its existence, sparing no effort to secure its success. Both in canvassing anti collecting, in which they had been occupied together, and in the many other waVs that belonged to the secretaryship, Mr Griffiths had put in an immense amount of work anti had done it throughout with conspicuous ability and enthusiasm. lie was glad the district had agreed to recognise the services in a practical way, and he had much pleasure, in the name of the association and the subscribers, in asking Mr Griffiths to accept the roll-top desk present on the platform as a murk of their appreciation of the work he had done.

He called on the Rev. H. G. Gaut, who said that although he was not there during the war be had seen a good deal of Mr Griffiths’ work in the end of the association's duties and had heard a good deal more, and he wa-s glad to add anything he could in appreciation of his services to the district in this as well as many other ways. He knew something about of what belonged to a secretaryship of any war organisation and perhaps more than some did of the endless hours of labour that bad to be given to any work of this kind to make it as successful tts this association had evidently been. He could quite see the value to the district of a man so ready to work in all good causes as Mr. Griffiths was, and though this function wa’s intended to mark only o;\e aspect of this quality, it gave an opportunity of noting with appreciation Mr Griffiths’ work for the locality in all other good ways. Mr W. Young said that although there were many willing helpers in such a cause, everybody knew that the brunt of the work always fell on the secretary, and Mr Griffiths had spared no trouble in discharging the duties of that ollire. He hoped he would long he spared to use the desk they were asking him to receive. .Mr Rodger, of Thornhury, said he had come over to do honour to an old friend. He had known Mr Griffiths in a former place and knew that he had always hern energetic and enthusiastic in all ways of public service. He was glad the people of Waianiwa were showing their appreciation of his worth in the way they were doing. Mr Griffiths, who was received with applause, and accorded musical honours at the close of his address, said he first of all thanked the large number of people who were present for coming to the hall omsuch a night, and also the chairman and speakers for their references to his work. Hi had carried that work on sometimes under considerable difficulties but he was gratified that the result of their efforts was one ot which any district might he proud. They had made a record by the liberal way in which most of the people had given. A regular income of £43 a month indicated what the district could do if it would, and he should like to see a similar readiness to find the money for olhcr things that would improve the local conditions. He was proud that the Waianiwa district had so many men who had answered the call of duty, and he was more especially glad that he had had something to do with the welcome of an exceptionally large number they had had the pleasure of receiving back among them again. With reference to the gift, he had no thought of receiving anything of the kind. He had not been able to leave himself, and had readily accepted the post of secretary of the association, and hat! done all he could without thought of fee or reward. He was not the only one who counted; their work had been team work and he appreciated the help of all who had supported him as they had done. He accepted the present with a great amount of pleasure. A good deal of his time was spent at a desk of one sort or another and they could not have offered him anything he would find more useful. He highly appreciated this recognition of any service he had been able to give.

At this point refreshments were served, a liberal supply being provided by the ladies; this being followed by a dance. Mr Richard Burton who acted as secretary to the testimonial fund, was in charge of the general proceeding which were successful and enjoyable throughout.

MORTON MAINS. (From Our Own Correspondent). On the evening of Friday, the 14th, a number of Mr and Mrs Harvey’s neighbours a.nd friends assembled at their home to bid I them farewell prior to their departure for | Christchurch, Mr Harvey having sold his | farm to Mr Sutton, of Thombury. DancI ing, parlour games and card playing were | indulged in, Mr Fergis (violin) supplying [ the music for the dancing, while Mr George Fergie made a capable M.C., keeping things going right merrily throughout the evening. Mr Brown sang several songs at intervals, which wore highly appreciated. After supper had been dispensed, Mr George Fergie said that although short notice had been given of the impending removal from the district of Mr and Mrs Harvey, their friends felt they could not let them depart without some tangible token of the esteem in whiuh they were held. On behalf of those who were present, and also on behalf of some who were absent, he asked Mr and Mrs Harvey to. accept a travelling rug. Mr Harvey had served on the local school committee at various times and also had assisted socially. Mr and Mrs Harvey had come from Canterbury ten years ago, and during that time the district had, developed (so the speaker contended) into one of the most popular farming centres in Southland. He concluded by expressing the hope that the change would be of the greatest benefit to Mr and Mrs Harvey and family. Messrs W. Moore and Ji Keir supported the remarks of the previous speaker and wished Mr and Mrs Harvey and family the best of

luck in their new home. “For they arc jolly good fellows” was then sung, cheers being given for Mr and Mrs Harvey.

Mr Harvey briefly replied, thanking all for their handsome gift. An enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing, of "Auld Lang Sync.”

MABEL BUSH

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

•'From Our Own Correspondent.)

Mr and Mrs G. S. Clark and family were entertained by their Mabel Bush friends in the Hall on Wednesday evening. Owing to (lie ijoi teious weather there was a smaller, attendance than was anticipated. Mr Clark rius pt-en rtsiomg in the district for the last sixteen years, and has in every way proved hj .' •( f a true sport and keen enthusiast. He has held responsible positions in every i .n-tiiutioii, having been chairman of the Fanners' Onion, the school and hail comnuilccs, patriotic ami picnic committees, and also a director o'. the Mabel Dairy Factory 7 Company. His place will be hard to fill and his departure is much regretted. Mr and Mrs Clark have not enjoyed the best of health, and this compelled them to relinquish farming in the meantime. The evening was spent in dancing, a recitation being given uy .;r D. Clark, The chairman, Mr H. Robertson, asked Mr Clark, on behalf of the district, to accept a well-filled Morocco leather silver mounted purse suitably inscribed, as a slight recognition of the esteem in which he was held in Mabel, and tiusted that Mr and Mrs Clark tyould have a prosperous future and better health. Messrs J. Bridgman and R. Cloughly also spoke in'high terms of Mr and Mrs Clark. On rising to respond, Mr Clark was loudly' applauded, and “For they are jolly good fellows” was heartily sung. He feelingly tnanked the speakers for their kindly remarks, and also the people of the district for their handsome presentand said it always gave -him great pleasure to do anything for the welfare of the district, and he also thought it was his duty to do so. Supper was served by the ladies, and dancing was then resumed, excellent music being supplied by Messrs Moylan, Bridgman, Cloughly and Robertson (violins), Misses Wilson and Cloughly and Master Moylan (piano). The piano was kindly' lent by Mr Bridgman. Mr Cloughly gave some stirring selections on the pipes. Mr A, Swain made an efficient M.C., while the duties of secretary were ably carried out by' Mr J. F. Sinclair. The singing of "Auid Lang Syne” ended a most enjoyable evening.