VALEDICTORY.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 260, 31 October 1913, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MR AND MRS H. O. DEATH FAREWELLED.

The Pirongia hall was packed last night on the occasion of the public farewell tendered to Mr and Mrs H. O. Death on the eve of their departure from the district. The function was arranged by a committee representative of all the local clubs and institutions. The large attendance and the fact that many of those present had journeyed many miles in order to attend was evidence of the popularity of the guests of tjve evening. Mr J. T. Johnstone presided and briefly addressed the gathering and welcomed the guests before the concert programme was proceeded with, to which the following contributed items: Pianoforte duet, Mesdames Sullivan and Scott-Chalmers; duets, Messrs O. Price Owen and E. Parker, Mr and Mrs Fear, Miss Benner

and Mr B. Godfrey ; songs, Miss Margaret Mackenzie, Messrs E. Parker, O. P. Owen, Peat and W. Godfrey; recitation, Miss Hart. The several items were rendered in a very pleasing manner, and were much appreciated by the audience, encores being frequently called for. The chairman, on behalf of those present expressed regret at the departure from the district of their guests. They had, during their four years’ residence at Pirongia, proved themselves to be sterling neighbours and friends, and their departure was a distinct district loss. Mr Death had been a particularly y energetic citizen in urging matters for the public good or in assisting in the furthering of the interests of

clean sport. The many positions he held in the local governing and sporting bodies of the district bore evidence of his worth. His manv offices included, president of the Pirongia branch New Zealand Farmers’ Union ; Pirongia Improvement and Progressive League; public hall committee ; hockey club ; vicepresident Pirongia Tennis Club and secretary Pirongia Domain Board. The speaker had been closely associated with him in public and private life and throughout had found in him all the qualities that lead to good citizenship. As a worker the Progressive League would for* long stand as a monument to his memory, as it was to him that credit for its establishment and the many beneficial works-it had accomplished were very largely due. Concluding a very appropriate speech, Mr Johnstone expressed, on behalf of the whole > district, regret at the departure of Mr and pMrs Death and asked their acceptance of a silver inkstand as a slight token of esteem and appreciation of all the many public matters that they had assisted to a most satisfactory conclusion. On the inkstand was

inscribed, “ To Mr and Mrs H. O. Death from their Pirongia Friends, October 30th, 1913” Mr A. W. Jones, on behalf of the Pirongia Domain Board, expressed regret at Mr Death’s departure, which caused a vacancy on’ the Board—as it did in so many other public and sporting bodies —that would be very hard to fill. As a member of the Board, Mr Death had worked consistently. It was very sincerely hoped that he would soon return to Pirongia, and the speaker assured him of the very general welcome in the event of his doing so. Mr W. T.-Hall, on behalf of the sports bodies and of the C squadron W.M.R, in particular, thanked Mr Death for the very practical assistance he had given in the promotion of clean healthy sport. His grounds had always been at the disposal of the sporting clubs and institutions, in addition to which healthy sport had always received his moral and financial support. The sporting bodies joined in the general wish that success would accompany - Mr Death and hoped that at no distant date to be able to welcome him back to the district.

On rising to respond, MrJDeath was loudly applauded. After returning thanks for the presentation made to Mrs Death and himself, and for the good wishes extended, Mr Death expressed regret at leaving so very many friends. He had derived much pleasure as a result of his connection with public institutions, and if good work had been accomplished and sporting interests had been promoted it was the result of the hearty co-operation of members. He urged upon all those interested in agricultural matters to become associated with the Farmers’ Union, which was an organisation deserving of the wholehearted support of every person in the district. He commended the Domain Board on having undertaken the work of forming new tennis courts, and congratulated the Tennis Club on its prospects of soon having splendid facilities at its disposal. He hoped to be present at the opening of the new courts. The town was in the fortunate position of being assured of a new hall, and this, when erected, would prove to be a most valuable asset. He would carry away most pleasant recollections of Pirongia, and would always remember the many kindnesses extended to Mrs Death and himself.

After supper had been partaken of, the hall was cleared for dancing to which a large number remained. Dance music was played * by Mesdames Sullivan, McCarthy Misses Mackenzie, McLeod, and

Milligan, and Messrs C. Peat and Holmes: Mr L. Peat was M.C. The accompanists for the concert programme were Misses Mackenzie, McLeod, and Aubin. Continued cheering and the singing of “ He’s a jolly good fellow” marked the conclusion of an enjoyable function.