VALEDICTORY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 5289, 24 August 1905, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

A very pleasant send-off in the shape of a social was tendered to Mrs J. W. Pyc in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Geraldine, on Tuesday night, when there was a largo gathering of residents and friends from all parts of the district, including Temuka. Mrs Pyo, who is about to be married to Mr Mccchan (physical instructor), will shortly settle at Napier, and being a lady very well known and esteemed in a social way as well as for her kind acts to those in need, one could expect a largo and representative gathering at an event of this kind. The Committee carried out their arrangements in a most satisfactory manner, and the function in consequence was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Mr Kearsloy (Temuka) played for the dances, Mr J. Kennedy officiated as M.C., and the catering was well carried out by Mr Bryant. During the evening Mr J. Gresham constrlbuted a solo, and Mr W. Fitzgerald was loudly encored for an impersonation of an old lady, and in response ho recited Bracken’s “Not Understood” in a very able manner. At midnight Mr G. B. Creeraer, at the request of the Committee, took the chair on the platform, and made a few remarks relative to the object of the gathering. They had met that night to say goodbye to one who had long- resided amongst them and one they could ill afford to lose. Ho was sorry Mr Meechan had not taken up hisresidence in Geraldine, in which case they would not lose one who had been such an acquisition to the place ns Mrs Pyc had been. (Hear, hear). Ho considered that Mr Meechan was taking one of the prizes from amongst us and we were losing a very useful citizen. Mrs Pyc had always taken a prominent part in raising funds for any worthy object for the public good. (A voice : “The lion’s share,” and ap- ) plauso). Therefore he hold that the function inaugurated that night was not out of place, and he trusted that Mrs Pye would accept it as an indication of the goodwill and kind feelings towards her, and the appreciation of her good work. (Applause). He thought they could take it that the gathering that night was thoroughly representative, and he was pleased to see that there were friends present even from as far off as Temuka, although the weather was not altogether propitious. He had been called upon to ask Mrs Pye to formally accept of a memento from her many friends ns a token of their esteem and goodwill. He was sorry to say that the memento was not present, and that it would have to be handed to Mrs Pyc later on, the sub-committee having been unable to obtain the article in time for the presentation. He was sure, however, that Mrs Pye would accept of the memento in the spirit that night. In making the presentation her friends wished Mrs Pyc long life and happiness m her future homo, and hoped that the wheel of fortune would some day find her settled in. Geraldine again. Publicly and privately Mrs Pyc had been a help to many a poor person in Geraldine, who would be glad to see her in this district again, and could testify to her sterling worth and charitableness. (Loud applause). Mr Mccchan responded on behalf of Mrs Pye, thanking her friends for the kind manner in which they had entertained her prior to her departure from their midst. Ho was sure that the chairman was right when he said he was taking away a prize from Geraldine. He knew that Mrs Pye felt leaving her friends in this district very much, because she had had a splendid life in Geraldine. He sincerely hoped that he would be able to make her future life as happy as it had been here, and if ho did not succeed it would-not lie for want of trying. (Applause). He well knew how the people of Geraldine would miss Mrs Pye, but he knew that their loss would be his gain. It was a strange coincidence that on the 22nd of August, exactly two years ago, Kc "himself had received a presentation at the hands of his Geraldine class in that hall. He had an intimation to make on behalf of Mi J. S. Pye, who was giving a social on Monday" night next in honor of Vis coming of age, to take charge of his own business. Mr Pyc wished to extend a cordial invitation to all present that night, and also to the general public to be present on Monday nmht, when they hoped to have a very enjoyable time. Mr E. Tasker called upon the members of the Geraldine Fire Brigade to give three hearty cheers for Mrs Pyc, which was done, very lustily, followed by musical honours. .