DISTRICT NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 20499, 30 May 1928, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS

FAREWELL AT WAIKAKA. WATT FAMILY HONOURED. Prior to leaving the district to take up his residence at Invercargill, Mr J. Watt was entertained at a smoke social in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday evening. Mr W. Dripps occupied the chair, and a good representative gathering was present to honour the departing guest. After the usual toasts were honoured the chairman in presenting Mr Watt with a solid leather suitcase, spoke in appreciative terms of the guest’s good qualities during his 11 years’ residence at Waikaka. Mr T. Keating endorsed the chairman’s remarks, mentioning Mr Watt’s efficiency as secretary of the local School Committee. Mr A. Corcoran thanked Mr Watt for his kindly interest in the Football Club. Mr R. Rankin spoke of Mr and Mrs Watt as being good neighbours and wished them prosperity in their new home. Other speakers were Messrs S. Donaldson, J. Rankin and W. Harper. In replying, Mr Watt thanked one and all for the kind remarks and the handsome present. During the evening several songs and recitations were rendered, and a very pleasant evening terminated about 11 p.m. with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” • At a special meeting of the School Committee on Saturday night Mr Watt was the recipient of a fountain pen from the members. Mention was made of the cour teous manner in which he had carried out his duties as secretary for the past number of years. On Thursday afternoon about 30 ladies met at the hall to say farewell to Mrs Watt. A very pleasant time was spent in games and music, the following contributing items : Pianoforte solo, Miss Cummings; recitations, Mesdames Ramsay and Styles; solos by Meddames McQueen, Rennie, L. Turnbull and Miss Dripps. After a delicious afternoon tea Mrs Ramsay with a few well-chosen remarks, asked Mrs Watt’s acceptance of a beautiful handbag and a box of handker chiefs as a token of the esteem in which she is held. The boys, Jack and Andrew, each received a book as a parting gift. Mesdames McEwan, Dripps, L. Turnbull and Miss McEwan also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mrs Watt as a friend and neighbour. Mrs Watt feelingly replied, and “Auld Lang Syne” terminated a very enjoyable afternoon. ____