SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 61, Issue 4341, 4 October 1940, Page 4

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

PUAHUE SETTLERS ASSEMBLE. TO HONOUR MR W. G. PARK. The residents of Puahue gathered at the local hall (which is named " Panehakua ”) on Saturday afternoon of last week to celebrate the eightieth birthday of an esteemed resident, Mr W. G. Park (whose residence is also known as “ Panehakua.” The children of Puahue School, under the leadership of their teacher, Miss Thompson, opened the pleasant cere’mony by singing “ A Happy Birthday to You.” Mr G. Glasson, one of the HairiniPuahue district’s oldest settlers, on behalf of all the residents of the dis-: trict, extended sincere congratulations to Mr Park upon attaining his eightieth birthday. In a eulogistic speech he referred to the many activities of Mr Park—-as a sportsman, a breeder of high-class Shorthorn cattle and stud horses, and a man who in the early days kept an “ open house ” for all travellers, his hospitality earning for him many frienns from all over New Zealand, as well as from Australia and England. Mr Glasson referred to Mr .Park’s great interest in helping returned soldiers to establish themselves upon their farms by lending them his implements and horses, and in man other ways they had been assisted by Mi- Park.

The children of the district, too, knew who was their friend, added the speaker, for Mr Park was a veritable Santa Claus to them.

Mr Glasson then called upon Mr Park to accept from the residents of the district the gift of a watch, with many sincere wishes that he would be spared to be with all present to celebrate his ninetieth birthday. Mrs W. Dean, president of Puahue’s Women’s Institute, on behalf of the members, presented Mr Park with a Shelllev cup, saucer, and plate, the company then rising and singing “ For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Mr Park, in responding, thanked one and all for the happy afternoon and the gifts. In reminiscent mood he told of his leaving Cumberland, England, and journeying to Australia. iwhere he stayed for nine months before coming to New Zealand at the age of 22 years, and taking over the management of his uncle’s- estate, Which reached from Roto-o-Rangi to Puahue. He had lived in Puahue for 58 years, and in that time he had had two trips to Australia and one to England. Continuing, Mr Park said he had always had visions of seeing the estate cut up and more families occupying the land, and as he looked round the hall that afternoon he said, “ But I never thought it would come to this.”

During the proceedings Miss Peggy Mahon recited some verses (composed by Mrs Mahon) that embraced many of the food deeds done by Mr Park for the betterment of the district and the benefit of the settlers. Others who contributed items were Miss Vai Collison (two songs) and Miss Thompson (pianoforte solo). Afternoon tea was served, and the birthday cake, adorned with its eighty lighted candles (later blown out by Mr Park) was then cut, everyone present receiving a piece.