VALEDICTORY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17694, 21 October 1919, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

Our Waitotara correspondent writes: Mr W. J. Conder, proprietor for the last seven years of the old established Waitotara Hotel, having sold out to Mrs Neilson, well and favourably known in Wanganui, Hastings and elsewhere, was tendered a farewell on Wednesday evening. Although given short notice there was quite a large gathering of friends from all parts of the district, testifying thereby to the popularity of their departing guest. The little function resolved itself into a pleasant social. There was a genuine heartiness and a good will displayed which tended to a mutual enjoyment. In response to the toast of the evening, "Our Departing Guest," Mr Condor said: "You have sprung a surprise upon me in tendering me this farewell. It has touched me deeply and I am at a loss to express in words my feelings. I have been among you now just seven years, although when I first started I thought six months would be sufficient for me, but, as time went on and I got to know people, I found I was in good company. During my business career in Waitotara I have always found you 'hail fellows well met,' and I assure you that I feel keenly to leave you. But, these breaks and leave takings are unavoidable. I thank you all most heartily for your expressions of good will and for the kindness we have received at your hands. All going well we hope, in the course of time, to pay you a visit for I shall never forget our Waitotara friends, both pakeha and Maori, between whom I consider no distinction should be made. May good luck attend you all. Kia Ora, Ake, Ake." After various other toasts had been proposed and duly honoured, the impromptu gathering dispersed with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."

Mr Condor has not yet decided as to where he will next cast anchor, in the meantime he purposes visiting Australia.