VALEDICTORY TO THE M'NICOL FAMILY.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 4813, 27 September 1911, Page 2

VALEDICTORY TO THE M'NICOL FAMILY.

The valedictory social tendered to Mrs McNicol and her family in the Hukanui Hall, on the 22nd inst., was very largely attended, as was indeed anticipated, the family being so widely known and long resident here and in other parts of the Waikato.

Mr J. Riddell, of “Woodlands,” presided over the ceremonies, and ably filled the position of spokesman representing the community. A concert programme was presented, which gave much pleasure, the Misses Parker rendering a duet very pleasingly as an overture. Other items of the programme were contributed by. Mrs Barugb, Miss Lorie, Miss Love! and the Messrs Long, Hunter, Ballard and Barlow. Mr Campbell gave a whistling solo with excellent imi ta_j_ tion of bird music. (

At the conclusion of the concert programme, Mr Riddell presented to Mrs McNicol a beautiful piece of solid silver plate, in the form of a salver, suitably inscribed and also a purse of sovereigns, liking her acceptance as a small U«en of the high esteem and respect of the entire community of old friends and neighbours. The chairman also expressed appreciation of the many sterling qualities which had endeared Mrs McNicol to all during her long residence at Hukanui, her labour of love in connection with the religious services in presiding at the organ for. many years for both Anglican a?i Presbyterian churches, for practical help given in any form of advancement of the district, and the sympathy and help given to all in need whether pakeha or Maori, active supervision given in connection with the public library, the annual entertainment of the school children, and ready help given in numerous ways, and most generous hospitality. Frequent applause emphasised the remarks of the chairman, and at the conclusion of the presentation ceremony musical honours were most enthusiastically accorded. Miss Elsie McNicol was also the recipient of a token of the affection of the people amongst whom her life had been spent. The present was a silver manicure set. The chairman said everyone recognised that she haa ably seconded her mother in good works for the pleasure and benefit of all, assuring her that her presence would be greatly missed. He hoped the little token of remembrance would keep green the memory of Hukanui friends.

Mr Riddell also expressed the regret of the people that Mr Duncan McNicol was also severing his connection with the district, and all were sorry to lose so progressive a farmer. The quality and condition of the stock he had sold at their recent sale proved his ability most conclusively, and they knew that Hukanui was losing a farmer that was well fitted to make a suc;essful career in agriculture. As a mark of esteem and good fellowship he desired his acceptance of a case of pipes. , Mr McNicol responded on behalf of his mother, sister and himself, thanking the people for so much kindly feeling and hoping that from time to time they would have the pleasure of meeting them. He assured his old friends that the years) spent at Hukanui would always be a' happy remembrance. Later in the evening, during an interval in the dance programme, a most unique incident occurred. Obtaining permission the Maori chief Nukutaurua, representing the Hukanui natives, advanced to the front of the platform, and in the native tongue told of the sorrow and desolation of his tribe because of the departure of the Makanikoras (McNicols) for whom they had great love. The chief then chanted a lament most weird and pathetic, telling of the woe of his people for the going of their pakeha chief Tunakina Makanikora (Duncan McNicol), also for the going of the mother of the chief, who had always been good to the sick and hungry of all the Ngatiwaircre tribe since the day when she came amongst them. Later the Maoris, joining with some hundreds of others, hid adieu to the McNicol family, thus closing a function which will be long remembered in Hukanui.