BLUFF NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21774, 1 August 1932, Page 11

BLUFF NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.) Mrs R. Wylie, sen., has arrived on a visit to her son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs R. Wylie, junior, Greenhills. Mrs N. C. Nicholson returned to the north on Friday after spending an extended holiday with her daughter, Mrs C. Durham, Ann street. Mr W. S. Imlay, of the Vacuum Oil Company’s Dunedin branch, renewed old acquaintances during a brief visit to Bluff on Friday. The weather over the week-end was not particularlj’ pleasant, many showers falling on Saturday and Sunday. Yesterday the sun shone intermittently only, and last night a cold wind again made its presence felt. Euchre Social. On Wednesday evening last an enjoyable and successful social in aid of the local Convent funds was held in Willard Hall. There was a very large attendance and the financial results were highly satisfactory to the willing band of helpers (of which Mr H. Kane acted as secretary) responsible for the organization of the effort. The evening was spent in dancing and cards, Mr J. Miller filling the role of M.C. for the dance, while the euchre tournament was under the supervision of Mr L, Mortimer. Music was provided by the Milyon-Airs Orchestra. A spot waltz competition was won by Mr P. Crawford and Miss N. Metzger and a Monte Carlo dance by Mr H. Kane and Miss M. Hawke. There was a big entry for the euchre tournament, for which the winners were announced as follows: Ladies, Mrs T. Finnerty 1, Mrs W. Robinson 2, Mrs E. Campbell 3, Mrs R. Kirkwood 4; men, Mr F. Vella 1, Mr E. Rita 2, Mr J. Bradshaw 3, Mr T. Finnerty 4. Farewell Social. At Ocean Beach on Thursday evening the residents tendered a farewell social to Mr and Mrs A. E. Lea, who are leaving the Beach shortly, Mr Lea having resigned from the position of works manager after a long term of service. The function was held in the local dining hall and was well attended, practically every resident of the place being present. A factor contributing largely to the enjoyment of the function was the inclusion in the dance programme of many old-time dances. In these, glimpses of former ballroom skill were shown by several present who had retired from the pursuit of terpsichorean pleasures prior to the introduction of modem dancing, but still retained a clear knowledge of the older measures. Mr F. Massey acted as M.C. for the dance, Mr N. Bradshaw supplying the music. Extras were played by Mr P. Hormann. During the evening duets in the Maori language were sung by Miss K. Bradshaw and Mr N. Bradshaw, the singers having to respond to insistent demands for extra numbers. At an interval in the dancing the chairman, Mr J. A. Stewart, on behalf of the staff at Ocean Beach, presented Mr and Mrs Lea with an oak chiming clock as a memento of the esteem in which they were held by all. In doing so, I’.- Stewart said that as those present knew their guests were severing their connection with the Beach after a residence of sixteen and a-half years. They had come as strangers, but from the moment they arrived they had entered into the life of the place and in all activities had given of their best. Mr Lea had decided to retire into private life, a retirement which had been well earned in many years of service, and the wish of the people at Ocean Beach was that the pair had many happy years before them. Mrs Lea would be greatly missed. In all social activities she had taken a prominent part and her many kindnesses had endeared her to everyone. Regarding Mr Lea’s long term as manager, it could be said he had held the balance fairly between management and staff. He had carried out his duties faithfully and courteously, treating those about him as friends, and meeting them with consideration on all questions affecting the works. He and the staff had got along excellently together and the example he had set was one which would be difficult for another manager to follow. Mr Stewart wished Mr and Mrs Lea every happiness in their future life, and concluded with the hope that when they heard the chimes of the clock they would be reminded of their many friends at Ocean Beach. Mr Stewart then called on Mrs W. Bamsdale to make a presentation to ’ Mrs Lea on behalf of the ladies of Ocean Beach. In asking Mrs Lea’s acceptance of a Pyrex dish and silver stand, Mrs Barnsdale said it carried with it the warmest good wishes for the recipient’s welfare and happiness in the future.

In acknowledging their gifts, Mr Lea said that throughout his term at Ocean Beach he had always felt that the members of the staff were working with him and not for him. Mrs Lea and he were leaving with regret. They had been treated with every kindness and courtesy by the staff and residents, and the consideration shown them was making it very difficult to say goodbye. They had felt at home from the first and the impression of friendliness gained at Ocean Beach was typical of Southland generally. They had come to like New Zealand better than any country they had known and because of this had decided to make their future home in Invercargill. Forty-six years was a long time, the speaker said, but he had worked without a break for that period and he felt it was time to “knock off.” On behalf of Mrs Lea and himself, Mr Lea expressed deep appreciation of the spirit which had prompted the bestowal on them of such valuable gifts, and sincerely thanked the donors. At the conclusion of his remarks, Mr and Mrs Lea were greeted with “For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” and cheers.