SCOTTS GAP

Southland Times, Issue 20147, 6 April 1927, Page 11

SCOTTS GAP

FAREWELL SOCIAL. MR AND MRS J. G. PATERSON HONOURED. (From Our Correspondent.) On Friday evening the residents of Scott’s Gap turned out in large numbers to give a send-off to Mr and Mrs J. G. Paterson, who have been in the district for close on 30 years, and who are retiring to live in Otautau. Mr J. Evans officiated as chairman, and in his remarks expressed his pleasure at seeing such a concourse of people assembled to do honour to Mr and Mrs Paterson. They would all agree with him that the guests were entitled to a well-earned rest in the autumn of their days, after experiencing the strenuous times and hardships connected with pioneering work in New Zealand. They had known what it was to struggle against adversity, when good roads and motor transit were unknown, and when bullock drays were much in evidence; when good markets for produce were hard to find; when money was scarce; when tussocks had to be chipped off with a spade before the land could be ploughed, and draining, fencing and other hard work had to be done by hand. He always felt like taking off his hat to those pioneers who had strugglefl so hard to make New Zealand one of the finest countries in the world. He submitted that the present generation would be far better citizens if they had to start from the bottom rung of the ladder, as it would teach them the meaning of thrift. Besides doing all this strenuous work Mr Paterson was able to find time to devote to public and social life, and the speaker stated that the Paterson family had been the leading spirits in social functions held in Scott’s Gap, and they very often did the brunt of the work. Mr Paterson had been chairman of the School Committee for many years, was an Elder in the church, and secretary of the Farmers’ Union. He had always been willing to do his share for the progress and good of the community, and .it had always been said of the Paterson family that if they could not do you a good turn they would not do you a bad one. It was felt that the residents could not let Mr and Mrs Paterson depart from their midst without some tangible recognition of their citizenship, and evervone approached had been only too pleased to assist in making this function a success. Although their departure was a distinct loss to the district, it would be Otautau’s gain, and he was sure all present would join with him in wishing Mr and Mrs Paterson a long and happy life in their new home. He called upon the oldest resident in the Gap, Mr John Dickson, to make a presentation to the guests. In asking Mr and Mrs Paterson to accept a silver tea and coffee service and oak tray, inscribed “Presented to Mr and Mrs J. G. Paterson by the residents of Scott’s Gap and surrounding district, April 1, 1927,” Mr Dickson indulged in some reminiscences of the old pioneering days, and said their guests had made a smiling homestead out of rough tussock land. In handing over the gifts Mr Dickson trusted the recipients would long be spared to enjoy a rest. He also mentioned the good services the guests had rendered to the district in attending to the local post-office and telephone bureau.

On rising to thank the residents for their handsome gifts Mr Paterson was greeted with sustained applause. He stated that he

and Mrs Paterson had endeavoured to do their best for the good of the district, but after all they had only done their duty. He could recommend the Scott’s Gap people for hospitality, good neighbours, and real friends. The gathering that night made both Mrs Paterson and himself feel that they had made many friends whom they did not know personally. In conclusion he once again thanked them for their gifts and for the way in which they had been honoured. Progressive euchre was played, Mrs W. D. McCully being presented with a Doulton dish as the winner of the ladies’ prize, while Mr J. Hardy received a fountain pen for the gent’s prize. The consolation prizes were w r on by Mrs S. James (a tea strainer) and Mr Alex Stewart (a writing tablet). Music for the dance was supplied by Miss Brick, Mrs A. J. Whyte and Mr D. Macpherson, and Mr B. Paterson acted as M.C. Supper was handed round at a convenient interval.

Votes of thanks to the musicians and all >vho had contributed in any way to the success of the function, and the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne” terminated the proceed-