TOKANUI NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22729, 4 November 1935, Page 11

TOKANUI NOTES

CONSTABLE FAREWELLED (From Our Correspondent.) A very pleasant function took place in the Tokanui public hall on Wednesday evening when (Constable T. C. Swan and Mrs Swan and family were farewelled prior to their departure for Woolston, Christchurch. For eight years Constable Swan had charge of the Tokanui police sub-dis-trict and the manner in which he held the place and retained the support ot the general public reflects great credit to himself. To fittingly farewell a popular officer the general public of Tokanui and the surrounding districts gathered together and had a social evening. At the conclusion of the musical programme the chairman (Mr J. T. Gardiner) called on Mr John A. Stirling, J.P., of Waimahaka, to speak and to make the presentation on behalf of the residents of the district. Mr Stirling thanked the chairman for the opportunity of saying a few words. He felt that in Mi - and Mrs Swan the people were losing sincere friends. Mr and Mrs Swan were well known throughout the length and breadth of his area and all had appreciated and admired the manner in which he set about his work. As a private citizen. Mr Swan took an active interest in the activities of the Presbyterian Church. In conclusion Mr Stirling wished Mr and Mrs Swan and family every happiness and prosperity in their new district and on behalf of the people he asked Mrs Swan to accept on behalf of herself and Mr Swan a wallet of notes in recognition of the valuable service rendered to. the community during their eight years’ sojourn in the Tokanui district. “For they are jolly good fellows” was sung by those present. Mr George Gregg, sen., session clerk of the Tokanui-Waikawa mission charge, spoke and added the Session’s eulogy of the guests. While in Tokanui the Swan family had endeared themselves to Christian work. In Mr and Mrs Swan they were losing two valuable members whose places would be hard to fill. Mr Gregg also mentioned the work of the family. In Mrs Swan’s daughter (Mrs D. Earwaker) the Sunday school had reaped greatly. Until recently Mrs Earwaker was a Sunday school teacher. However as she is settled in Tokanui her help will always be available. In the other members of the family the Bible Class and Sunday school are losing keen and enthusiastic workers. Mr Gregg then _ wished Mr Swan and family every joy in their future home and trusted that the good work would be continued. The chairman then read a letter from Mr James Robson, J.P., of Niagara, who was unable to be present. Mr A. McEwan, J.P., of Fortrose, also added his testimony to the guests. For some time he had been a neighbour of Mr Swan and at all times found him worthy and honourable. Mr T.'C. Swan, in rising to reply, was warmly greeted. He thanked the people foi - their splendid support during his term of office and also for their token of esteem. He and his wife had enjoyed their stay in Tokanui district and he found the people ever ready to assist in carrying out the letter of the law. It was his policy to treat everyone fairly and to give them every chance to mend their ways. He also paid a tribute to the pioneers who “licked” the country into shape. Although sorry to leave the district he felt that the change would be beneficial to his health. In conclusion he asked the people to give to Constable Bandy, of Ranfurly, his successor, the same good treatment and confidence as bestowed on himself. Supper was then handed round. A very enjoyable programme was supplied by the following artists—Solos, Mrs Le Fever (Invercargill), Mrs Mason, Miss J. McLean, Mr E. Liddell (Haldane) and Mr Cameron. Recitations were given by Miss Joan Dawson and Mr W. S. Andrews (Pine Bush). Mr T. Thompson gave a mouth organ solo. Accompanistes were Mrs F. A. Hughes, Mrs C. B. Atkinson and Miss M. McDiarmid. . Mr George Gregg at the conclusion ot the evening moved a hearty vote of thanks to the performers. Ladies’ Guild.

The ladies of the Tokanui Ladies’ Guild gathered at the residence of Mrs T. Mason to farewell Mrs Swan who has been president for some considerable time. Miss M. Earwaker, senior vice-president, presided and made a presentation of cutlery to their guest. Miss Earwaker referred to the sterling qualities and the never ending enthusiasm of Mrs Swan. Mrs Mason and Mrs Thompson also spoke and added their appreciation. Mrs Swan feelingly replied and wished the guild every success. At the monthly meeting of the Tokanui Bible Class the leader (Mr J. T. Gardiner) referred to the impending departure of two members in Misses Phemie and. Anne Swan. Both were good workers and were always willing to pull their weight. They would be much missed but it was hoped that they would continue in the great movement. Mr Gardiner then on behalf of the class members presented the Misses Swan with tokens of esteem. Miss P. Swan suitably replied. Supper was then handed round.