OTAKEHO FAREWELL

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1935, Page 8

OTAKEHO FAREWELL

RESIDENTS LEAVING OTAKEHO. MR. AND MRS. WOOD’S SERVICE. r '■■■"« Tribute to their good .work as residents of the district for 19 years was paid to Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Wood at the annual social evening held by the Otakeho branch of the farmers’ Union on Friday. Mr. Wood has accepted a position with Messrs. Newton King Ltd. at Hawera after a period of farming on Rama Road. For practically the whole time of his residence at Otakeho Mr. Wood was an energetic worker for the district movehaving been secretary of the Otakeho Farmers’ Union, president of the combined districts’ show committee, member of the hall and school committees, and a member, of the provincial executive of the union. Mr. A. J. Hastie, president of the branch, in making a presentation of a cheque, a suitcase and a travelling rug, expressed regret at the departure of Mr. Wood. The branch was losing a good secretary, who had been a keen worker in the position for 12 years. He had been outstanding in the work and his system of attending to details had been excellent. He did not miss a meeting. He was also a useful member of the executive for several years and as a farmer he did a great amount of work which was the wonderment of others,.

Mrs. Wood -had been of great assistance to Mr. Wood in his work for the Farmers’ Union, which had undoubtedly been a sacrifice for her. Mrs. Wood had given very good service with music at social gatherings and would be greatly ’ missed. Mr. Hastie presented Mrs. Wood with a handbag in appreciation of her services. On behalf of the Rama Road Cricket Club Mr. M. Burke made a presentation of a set of hair brushes and paid tribute to Mr. Wood’s service to sport in the district. Mr. W. A. Sheat, president of the South Taranaki executive, expressed regret that Mr. Wood was leaving the ranks of the farming community, but said he was pleased he was not completely severing connection with fanning interests. Those who had come in contact with Mr. Wood realised his worth and knew the loss he would be to the branch. Mr. Wood had stood to the Farmers’ Union and had helped to build up the branch. He extended good wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Wood. Mr. E. J. Betts spoke in endorsement referring to the thoroughness with which Mr. and Mrs. Wood had done their work. Mr. Wood had been very helpful as a member of the executive and was the best secretary of all South Taranaki branches. Mr. E. T. Burke referred from personal knowledge to the value of Mr. and Mrs. Wood to the district. Mr. Wood had given good service at the district shows. In reply Mr. Wood said he was sorry to leave. It was 19 years since he first came to work for Mr. C. A. Burke. He then knew little of farming but Mr. Burke was a good tutor. His work for the union was a pleasure and he made a great number of friends. The. musical side., was also a. pleasure, but Mrs.- Wood had taken the leading part, in-that. Mr. Wood said he was later associated With Mr. E. T. Burke, who gave him great assistance when starting on Rama Road. As far as the cricket club was concerned any assistance given was his recreation. >■ Items were contributed by Messrs. J. E, Crompton, B. Badland, C. J. Roberts, G. Cottrell and H. R. Wood, and Miss M. Mackie, who also played accompaniments. Dance music was played by Mr. M. Whalen, with extras by. Mrs. H. R. Wood, Mrs. E. T. Burke and Mrs. C. A. Burke. The master of ceremonies was Mr. M. Burke.