WYNDHAM NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 20662, 18 April 1929, Page 9

WYNDHAM NEWS

(From Our Correspondent.) A very enjoyable evening was held on Friday night at “Littlebush," Mokorita, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Foster and family, when residents of the valley gathered to commemorate their silver wedding. • Dancing was indulged in by both young and old, interspersed with musical numbers. Mr. John Craig, who acted as chairman, called upon Mr. Win. Murray to present to Mr. and Mrs. Foster a silver mounted oak tray together with a set of crystals, as a small token of esteem in which they were held by the Valley residents. Mr. Murray referred to his early and long association with Mr. Foster, his many fine qualities, his willingness at all times to help others and the friendly relationships that had always existed. The speaker mentioned some of the hardships and trials early settlers had to face and paid a glowing tribute to the splendid and valuable work accomplished by Mr. Foster in the advancements of the district. Comment was passed on his cheery disposition and humorously accounted for by Mr. G. F. Mcßae by the blending of Eng-

lish and Irish. From the English Mr. Foster had inherited the fine upright standards summed up in “the word of an Englishman,” and from the Irish the rollicking, genial humour, which made association with him such a pleasure, lie had much pleasure in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Foster, long life, prosperity and every happiness. Endorsing remarks were added by Messrs. K. E. McDonald, G. Anderson, J. B. Taylor, W. G. Jefferis, T. Parratt, T. Robinson, W. Craig, and Mrs. T. Robinson. Mr. Foster, on rising to respond, Was greeted with applause. On behalf of Mrs. Foster and himself, he returned thanks for the handsome gifts. With regard to his disposition he claimed that that was due to his long and close association with Highlanders. He considered that more truly could he be termed Scotch, than English or Irish. He thanked the speakers for their kindly remarks and voiced his appreciation of the very fine standard of people settled in the Valley. Mr. Jno. Craig proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Footer for the courteous manner in which they had received the intrusion. Prior to. his departure from. Wyndham Mr. D. M. Gaull was met at the railway

by the railway staff for the purposc of bidding him farewell. Mr. D. McLean, who acted as chairman, said that the whole staff were very sorry to lose a man of such sterling qualities as Mr. McFaull. He wished both Mr. and Mrs. McFaull and family every success in their new home. Mr. Grantham, in presenting Mr McFaull with an electric iron and an Eversharp pencil, said he hoped the gifts would be an everlasting reminder of the esteem in which he was held by the local staff. As the local controlling officer, he was all that could have been wished for, and one and all would miss him very much. Messrs G. Frame and Mr. J. Walker, paid tributes to the many fine qualities of Mr. McFaull. Mr. McFaull, in replying, said he did not deserve all that bad been said of him. The office of stationmaster was what one made it and he had only done his best to work in harmony with other members of the staff. He thanked them all for their good wishes and gifts.