VALEDICTORY.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MR AND MRS- HENDERSON AND FAMILY.

If anything were wanting to show tho esteem in-which'Mr and Mrs W. Henderson and family arc held in Reefton; the attendance at last night's social was surely a splendid testimony (says tho "Inangahua Times"-, of October 3rd). The Theatre Royal was lull to overflowing with the residents of Reeftqn and district, including many from the Inangahua, Buller and Grey Valleys, nearly every family in th© district being represented. The hall had been splendidly decorated. The stage was made attractive for card players, and we. body of the throatre was occupied by dancers, and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy" themselves. .:

Mr I. Patterson, President of the Chamber of Commerce, was in the chair, and voiced the regret of the assemlnage at losing ■ citizens of merit such as Mr and Mrs Henderson had proved themselves. He referred to Their assistance and co-operation in all objects for the advancement of the district, as well as their great help in. patriotic work, and wished them success in their new home. He asked Mr Henderson's acceptance of a girt of a, purse of sovereigns, with which he hoped they would purchase something suitable to remind them they had left many friends m Reefton.

Mr Henderson, in thanking them for Yie,.£ * said he had s P ent practically all his life in Reefton, it being 37 years ago^ since he arrived there. He' had made many sincere friends and was very sorry to-leave the district, but he had to consider the advantages that oftorsd m a new district. However, he would be pleased to see any Reeftonites in Jus new home in Richmond, and he could assure them' they would find him the same "Billy" Henderson they had always known in Reefton. He resumed his: seat amid cheersMr McMahpn also expressed the reSJ' et t f t 'osmg so worthy a citizen as Mr Henderson, .who had ever been of .great assistance in every worthy cause He wished him long life, happiness and prosperity in his new home. During the evening a musical programme was rendered, and the Ladies' Committee provided an excellent and dainty supper. Before the conclusion cheers were given for the departing citizens as well as for the promoters"ol the gathering, Misses Ellis and Us borne.