MR DRAKE FAREWELLED

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3272, 27 February 1937, Page 4

MR DRAKE FAREWELLED

PRESENTATIONS BUSINESSMEN AND BOWLERS Mr and Mrs W. Drake and Miss Roma Drake left CambYidge yesterday to take up residence at St. Heliers Bay, Auckland. Mr Drake has been postmaster at Cambridge for the past I 'three years, but with! the completion of 40 years' service on January 31, he retired on superannuation." - 1

During the past week Mr Drake has been guest of honour at a number of functions organised to bid him farewell. At all tl\ese gatherings, tributes have been paid to the fine qualities of Mr Drake, who has taken a keen interest in civic and sporting affairs of the district. It had been hoped that Mr and Mrs Drake would have remained in Cambridge, but with sons in Auckland, they decided to make their home there. Mr Drake admitted thathe was leaving with much regret, but suggested that some day they might return. A gathering which although informal, was of some importance, was held on Thursday, when a number of Cambridge businessmen gathered together to bid farewell to Mr Drake. -

"In every sense of the word, Mr Drake has been a popular resident of Cambridge," said Mr S. Lewis, in presenting him with a set of hair brushes on behalf of the gathering. Mr Drake had been a good postmaster and a valuable citizen, and had been ably assisted by his wife, said Mr Lewis. Cambridge would have liked them to have remained in the district, but at present they were acting in the best interests of theirfamily.

In reply, Mr Drake said his departure was tinged with regret at leaving so many friends. The gift that had been given to him would be a further reminder of many happy associations with Cambridge. He would welcome a visit from any of his Cambridge friends should they be at St, Heliers at any time. At the function an opportunity was taken to welcome Mr C. B. McNatty, who has succeeded Mr Drake as postmaster.

BOWLERS' TRIBUTE Appreciation of the services rendered to the Cambridge Bowling Club by Mr Drake was expressed by the president, Mr H. E. Amyes, at a gathering on Thursday evening. Although Mr Drake had only been a member of the club for two years, he had earned the esteem of everyone. Mr. Amyes hoped that he would have many happy years at St. Heliers and assured him of a warm welcome whenver he returned. The president also spoke in recognition of the assistance Mrs Drake had been to the club on many occasions. On behalf of the members, Mr Amyes presented Mr Drake with a leather bowling bag and he was accorded musical honours. . ;,:■:,, ; ; ,

Mr W. R. Edwards, chairman, of the night bowling ;cbmmpee, thanked Mr Drake 'for his>,valuable assistance in an executivescapaeity. In accepting, Mr Drake spoke of ithe fine* sporting spirits to be found on the bowling green. As a new bowler he had received very cordial treatment and had appreciated the tolerance of the old and experienced players. Mr Drake concluded by stating that he hoped to visit Cambridge whenever possible and would look forward to further games on the Cambridge bowling greens.