FAREWELL AT PUNIHO

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1930, Page 9

FAREWELL AT PUNIHO

MR. AND MRS. E. B. COOKE LEAVE.

SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT

3, 1 1 ~ Chaired round the crowded hall to be showered with confetti and encircled by numerous vari-coloured streamers at his 'farewell Mr. &-B. Cooke can feel that both he and Mrs. Cooke are leaving Puniho, after a residence of 14J years, carrying with them the goodwill of the community. That was- made manifest at the farewell social tendered them-last night by residents of the district. The hall was crowded with settlers desirous of taking the opportunity of expressing their appreciation of the work done by the guests in the interests of the district, and their regret at their impending departure. Dancing in the early part of the evening to excellent music dispensed by Misses F. Julian (piano), K. Julian (violin) and J. Moffit (effects) put everyone ipr good Bpil'its. Messrs. W. Whelan and A. Binnie as masters of ceremonies had a somewhat easy task. At intervals a musical programme was rendered. Those who contributed items. included Mrs. P. Hoby and Misses Hoby (2), instrumental trio; Miss Lucy Knight, recitation; Mrs. T. E. Larking and W. Willis, songs. All were encored. The accompaniments were played by Mesdames Hoby and Bell. Mr. T. Brunsden, chairman of the committee, on behalf of the district expressed appreciation of the Work of Mr. and Mrs. Cooke in assisting everything for the benefit of the district, and expressed regret at their departure. The Rev. J. Adams said that both as vicar and personally he - had to thank Mr. and Mrs. Cooke for many acts of kindness, ever since the first day of his arrival. Mr. Cooke had done splendid work as a member of the central vestry, chairman ,of the Puniho Social Club and as secretary of the Puniho Church committee. In various other directions he had always been ready and willing to help. He felt deeply the necessity for Mr. Cooke’s departure and wished him' prosperity in his new home at Wanganui, at the same time assuring him of a hearty welcome should he return. (Applause). Mr. W. J. Butler, Rahotu, as an old resident of the district also added his tribute, remarking that Mr. Cooke would be greatly missed as he had always taken a leading part in all’local activities. Mr. W. Binnie as one of the oldest settlers of the district said, that ever since Mr. Cooke’s arrival in 1916 he had taken a keen interest in the school, •the church and other local activities. On behalf of the district he presented Mrs. Cooke with an afternoon tea set and a silver mounted oak tray, suitably inscribed, and Mr. Cooke with a well filled wallet.

Mr. Cooke, who was greeted with .musical honours, remarked that he had been connected with the church evei' since he was ten. years old and had done only what he. considered his duty. It was the duty of every man to do what he could to help the church and the School. The 14J years spent at Puniho .had 'been the happiest years of their lives.

Mr. Cooke was then chaired round the room.

Supper provided by • the ladies of the district was dispensed* by a committee, comprising Mesdames H. Clarke, R. Bell, L. Mace, T. Brunsden, J. Nelson, A. Payne, A. Archer, R. Gollop and Mias M. Bell. Dancing was then resumed. Extras were played by Misses. Smith and Bell. The committee responsible for the organisation comprised Messrs. T. Brunsden' (chairman), C. Nelson, S. Payne, L. 'Mace, H. Clark, R. Bell, W. Whelan, A. Binnie and A. Archer, with Mr. M. Payne as secretary.