VALEDICTORY.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 89, 27 February 1912, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

MR AL.GIE GIFFORD FAREWELLED. Fully 150 people assembled in the Town Hall on Friday evening for the purpose of saying farewell to Mr A. Gifford, immediately before his departure from Te Awamutu. From a social standpoint the evening was one of the most pleasant held in Te Awamutu for some time. Dancing constituted the main portion of the programme, while cards were provided for the nondancers. A “song evening” also proved most enjoyable, a large number of those present competing. The prizes in this connection were awarded to Miss Rene Andrew (17 points), and Mr FI. Frost (14 points). In the gentlemen’s division, Mr Frost drew with Mr S. Bonner, both competitors securing the same number of points. Supper was provided by

the ladies’, and was much appreciated. During the evening Mr F. D. Wood, on behalf of the committee presented the guest of the evening with a travelling rug. In making the presentation, Mr Wood apologised for the unavoidable' absence of Mr Bowden (chairman of Town Board), who had been detained at the last moment. Fie regretted that it was necessary to say farewell to Mr Gifford. Apart from Mr Gifford’s 3 years’ residence in this town, he had spent his boyhood in the district, so was well-known to all. He felt sure that our loss would be the gain for some other district. In musical circles in particular Mr Gifford’s departure would be more keenly felt, his abilities having been of greatest assistance in the promotion of anything musical. He was sure all present wished him continued health and prosperity. It was to be hoped that the time was not far distant when Mr Gifford’s return to Te Awamutu would necessitate the extending of a welcome.

Mrs E. I. Miller was then called upon and handed the rug to the guest of the evening. Mr Gifford, in a short but appropriate speech, thanked all for their friendship towards him during his residence in Te Awamutu. He was sorry to leave, and hoped to return at a later date. On the completion of the dance programme all joined in singing Auld Lang Syne, which was immediately followed by three ringing cheers. The M’s.C. for the evening were Messrs J. H. Ansell and J. Teddy. A representative ladies’ committee is to be congratulated on the success of the evening.