WAIRIO NOTES.

Southland Times, Issue 22449, 12 October 1934, Page 12

WAIRIO NOTES.

PRESENTATION. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr J. J. Finn, who for the past 6J years has been connected with the Railway Department at Wairio, has now been transferred to Invercargill. During that period Mr Finn has actively associated himself with everything that had for its object the betterment and well-being of the residents, he having been president of the Wairio Athletic Society for five years, chairman of the School Committee for four years, vicepresident of the Wairio Cricket Club, a steward of the Wairio Jockey Club for a number of years, vice-president of the Western District Basketball SubAssociation and referee and selector for the Wairio Basketball Club. He also rendered yeoman service ih connection with the recent queen carnival. Mrs Finn, although of a quiet nature, has also done her part to further the interests of the township. It was only natural that the residents should wish to recognize in some tangible form the services both had rendered, and on Monday evening the Wairio Hall was filled to its capacity with a representative gathering. The function took the form of a dance, music for which was supplied by the Regent Orchestra from Ohai, while Mr J. Valli efficiently carried out the duties of M.C. After the supper adjournment the chairman (Mr T. J. Egan) said it was only fitting that they should present their guests with some token of goodwill prior to their departure for the capital of Southland. He was sure he was voicing the opinion of the residents when he said both would be greatly missed. Mr Finn was one of the founders of the Wairio Athletic Society, and this body had gone forward with leaps and bounds. He had always placed his car at the disposal of the basketball girls. On behalf of the public he asked Mrs Finn to accept a case of cutlery and also presented Mr Finn with a travelling rug and a well-filled envelope of notes as expressions of goodwill and esteem. Mr W. G. Wright, on behalf of members of the Basketball Club, said they were indebted to Mr Finn for transport services, and for acting as chaffeur, chaperone and referee for the past twelve months. He asked Mrs Finn to accept an electric iron on their behalf, and wished both every happiness in their new home. Speaking of the railway staff Mr Wright said he and Mr Finn were the oldest members at Wairio. “Jack” had always been an obliging and genial worker, and had a cheerful smile and a happy word. One and all regretted his departure. He asked Mr Finn to accept a handsome leather suitcase from his fellow workers as a token of the esteem in which he was held. Mr J. Telfer endorsed these remarks. Mr J. Valli, in humorous vein, spoke of Mr Finn’s connection with the JockeyClub; Mr W. Fleming on behalf of the farming community of Wreys Bush; Mr A. Cushnie on behalf of the people of Nightcaps, and Mr Robert Rankin on behalf of the basketball .girls of Ohai. Mr W. Duncan, speaking for the carriers, said his pleasure was tinged with regret at the departure of Mr Finn. Mr J. O’Brien said Mr Finn was one of the finest railwaymen in the district, and from a sporting point of view he was certainly a great loss to the Wairio district. All the speakers spoke in eulogistic terms of the departing guests’ good qualities and wished them every success in their new sphere. “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was heartily sung after which Mr Finn responded. He regretted severing his connection with the various sporting clubs. With regard to his co-workers on the railway staff he had never worked with a finer body of men, and he thanked them for their gift. On behalf of his wife and himself he thanked one and all for the various gifts and also for the kindly sentiments expressed, both of which they appreciated very much. The guest of the evening gave two recitations, for which he received an ovation, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” terminated an enjoyable function. At the monthly meeting of the Wairio School Committee Mr Finn tendered his resignation as chairman. Eulogistic reference was made by the members of the good work done by him, and it was resolved that the resignation be received with regret, and that a minute of appreciation be recorded of the manner in which he had carried out the duties of chairman and of the splendid work he had done on behalf of the school.

Mr and Mrs Finn and family left Wairio for Invercargill on Wednesday morning.