PRESENTATION AT OKATO

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1929, Page 14

PRESENTATION AT OKATO

MR. & MRS. CORBETT FAREWELLED. To have resided in the district all their lives and to have merited and retained the genuine esteem and respect of all in the district is the record achieved by Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Corbett, who are leaving Okato to take up their residence at Oakura. This was made clear last night, when a farewell social was tendered them by settlers of the district in the Hempton Hall. There was an attendance thoroughly representative of the district and, in addition, a number of apologies were received owing to ill-health and absence from the district. Expressions of appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Corbett to the district, and of regret at their departure, though tempered with satisfaction at the fact that they were not moving far away, were heard on all sides. Dancing to the strains of the Magna Vox under the guidance of Mr. L. O’Sullivan as M.C., put everyone in happy mood. Before supper Mr. L. J. Hickford, as chairman of the Okato Domain Board, remarked that while all were probably having an enjoyable time, they would all look back with feelings of genuine regret at the loss of two of the most valued residents of the district in Mr. and Mrs. Corbett, whom it would indeed be hard to replace. One had to work with a man to appreciate his true worth, his public spiritedness and true neighbourly help, and he knew that in their guests these qualities were to be admired. One had only to consider the splendid work Mr. Corbett had done in connection with the Domain improvements, especially the construction of the swimming baths, to realise his great help to the district. He had also assisted in numerous other ways. Indeed, whenever help was required Mr. Corbett did not wait to be asked but always volunteered to assist wherever possible. The same also applied to Mrs. Corbett. He was pleased, however, that they were not going far away, and as their hearts were undoubtedly in Okato, no doubt they would some day return, when, they could be assured of a very hearty welcome. On behalf of the Domain Board, Swimming'Club and Farmers’ Union Mr. Hickford wished Mr. and Mrs. Corbett happiness in their new home.

Mr. C. Eustace, chairman of the hall committee, added his tribute, remarking that the district could ill afford to lose residents of the calibre of their guests. It would be extremely difficult to replace them, as their help at all times had been bo freely given during the many years they had resided in Okato. He expressed the hope that they would frequently visit and attend functions in their old district, where they could be assured always of a hearty welcome.. Amidst applause he presented Mrs. Corbett with an afternoon tea set and Mr. Corbett with a travelling bag. Mr. E. V. Andrews, president of the Okato Football Club, on behalf of that body briefly referred to the assistance Mr. and Mrs. Corbett had always rendered the club, of which Mr. Corbett had been a member for the past 26 years. He presented Mr. and Mrs. Corbett with a travelling rug, at the same time expressing gratification that they were still remaining in the Okato football district.

Mr. Corbett, who was greeted with musical honours, briefly expressed his thanks and added that he was not removing far from the district and hoped to continue taking the same interest in. its affaire as he had in the past. Supper was dispensed by the ladies in their usual lavish manner, after which dancing was resumed and kept up till the early hours, when the singing of Auld Lang Syne brought the function to a close.

The committee responsible for the organisation was a representative one, with Mr. C. Eustace as chairman and Mr. L. J. Bickford as secretary.