SECOND EDITION FAREWELL GATHERING

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 107, 2 May 1934, Page 8

SECOND EDITION FAREWELL GATHERING

TO ex-waipukubau RESIDENT

MR. G. L. CHATWIN HONOURED

Mr. G. L. Chatwin, who has been in business in Otaki for some considerable time, was met by a number of his friends on Friday evening, when eulogistic reference was made to his sterling qualities. Mr. H. Cockrell (Deputy-Mayor) in the absence of the Mayor (Mr. O’Rourke), who was unable to be present, said that he had heard with great regret that Mr. Chatwin was leaving the town, and citizens felt that they could not let him depart without saying how sorry they were that he had decided to leave. Mr. Cockrell referred to the great assistance Mr. Chatwin had always been to many organisations, including the fire brigade and the recent carnival. Mr. Chatwin, he said, had always done his share, perhaps more. It was now desired, said Mr. Cockrell, to make a presentation to Mr. Chatwin, and therefore he asked his acceptance of a set of Dickens’ novels. He understood Mr. Chatwin had a weakness for Dickens’ work. Mr. L. G. Lowry stated, as a business man, it was with great regret that he had to part company with Mr. Chatwin. He endorsed the De-puty-Mayor’s remarks, and added that Mr. Chatwin had never refused to give a helping hand in the betterment of affairs in the borough. The Mayor, he said, had also realised that Mr. Chatwin had proved a worthy citizen, and had expressed regret because of Mr. Chatwin’s departure. Mr Lowry wished Mr. Chatwin the best, and trusted that wherever they went Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin would prosper. He stated that citizens would be pleased to see them at any time they visited Otaki. Mr. D. Richards endorsed the remarks of previous speakers, and regretted that Otaki was losing a good citizen. He referred to the assistance that Mr. Chatwin had always given, particularly favours conferred upon the football club. Mr. W. Morton spoke in a similar strain to the other speakers, and stated that he regarded Mr. Chatwin as a friend to be proud of. There was no doubt but that Otaki would miss him, and wherever he and Mrs. Chatwin made their home he wished them prosperity. Mr. A. Satherley also spoke highly of Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin and wished both the best of luck.

Mr. Alex. Bills, in endorsing remarks made, stated that Mr. Chatwin had done much for the children of the district, being instrumental in forming the dental clinic in Otaki. Like others he regretted that Mr. Chatwin was leaving the town. “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” followed.

Mr. Chatwin said the position he was in was embarrassing, and altogether unexpected. He, however, appreciated the nice things said about him, and added that it was with regret that he was leaving Otaki. It was the custom, he said, for people of the town to enlarge on the virtues of a person and overlook their faults. For what he had done he had earned his reward. He had always found it a pleasure to assist anything in Otaki and it was with regret that he was leaving behind many friends. He thanked all for the beautiful gift, which, as an admirer of Dickens, he fully appreciated. Mr. Chatwin stated that he would always have a weakness for Otaki, and would always remember his old friends. (Applause). Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin left on Saturday for Pahiatua where they will spend a holiday.