FAREWELL TO THE POTTS FAMILY.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 52, 13 October 1911, Page 2

FAREWELL TO THE POTTS FAMILY.

Mrs, the Misses, and Mr Fred Potts wei-e the guests of their many local friends at the Town Hall, Te Awamutu, on Wednesday evening. The popularity of the guests was shown by the very large attendance. When the announcement was made of their intended departure from the district a committee comprising Misses Bond (2), McCabe (2), and Hamilton, Mesdames McCabe, Bond, Storey, Andrew Kay, Rickit, Ahier, and Galbraith,with Mrs Wm. Taylor as secretary, immediately began to organise a suitable farewell. Support was quickly forthcoming from every part of the district, and the combined efforts culminated in the function of Wednesday last. In the early part of the evening Mr Chas. Bowden (chairman of the Town Board), in an eulogistic spehch, stated that they had met for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mrs Potts and a portion of her family. He was extremely pleased to see so many present, which was evidence of the popularity of the guests of the evening. His'duty was both a pleasant and an unpleasant one — pleasant because of the appreciation shown of the many actions of the Potts family for the public good, and unpleasant because of the misfortune inlosing esteemed friends. He.was sorry Mr C. J. Storey was unable to be present, as that gentleman was a relative of the late Mr Potts and consequently'had known the family for a very considerable time, but he (the speaker) had known Mrs Potts for over forty years, having .known them when they were residents of Mangare. He had come in contact with Mr F. Potts as a member of the Waipa County Council and the Rangiohia Road Board, and had always found him desirous of furthering any proposal for the advancement of the district. On behalf of many friends he presented Mrs Potts with a library of modern books, Miss Potts with a necklet and pearl pendant, Miss K. Potts with a necklet and pearl and ruby pendant, and Mr F. Potts with a case of silver-mounted pipes. At the same time he commented on the manner in which the Potts family had supported every club and institution of the district, and in this direction their departure would be felt. Pie asked all to join in wishing Mrs Potts and family success in their new sphere. They were going only twenty miles away, but he and their many friends would alwavs welcome them back to Te Awamutu. (Applause.) On rising to respond on his own behalf and his mother and sisters, Mr Fred Potts wds greeted with applause. His first duty was to thank all for the beautiful presents, which had been given that evening. They were not going very far away, but the disT tance was such as would prevent them from being in close touch with Te Awamutu. They fyad been here some years, and would only have pleasant recollections of the Te Awamutu district. It was pleasing to see so many old friends present, and he thanked all for their good wishes and especially those who had organised that evening’s entertainment. A progressive euchre tournament was then held and for some few hours competition was keen. The prizes ultimately were awarded to Miss McGovern and Mr PI. Thompson. Consolation prizes went to Mr F. D. Wood and (Miss) Algie Gifford, these latter prizes caused much merriment.

Supper as provided by the ladies was then partaken of, after which dancing was commenced and kept up until the early hours. The party dispersed after singing “Auld lang syne,” all pleased with the memories of a most enjoyable evening yet with an expression of regret at the departure of very esteemed friends.