VALEDICTORY.

Western Star, 21 March 1922, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

On Friday evening, March 10th, a most enjoyable evening was spent at the residence of Mr and Mrs Jas. Borland, Growers Bush, when 'a number of their friends met to bid them good-bye,, they having sold their farm and were about to leave the district. Mr Jno. Keidie occupied the chair, and, after expressing his sincere regret at losing two most " neighbourly" neighbours, called on Mr Jas. Brownridge to make a small presentation. Mr Brownridge spoke of Mr and Mrs Borland's many good qualities, and said that the G'ropers district was indebted to Mr Borland for his instrumentality in helping' to 1 form' the Groper. 4 Bush Public Library, an institution which has been in existence for forty years, and which contains 1400 1 books. Mr Brownridge, in presenting Mr arid Mm Borlandl with a travelling rug, wished them every happiness wherever they should be, and | regretted he was losing his best friend. Messrs Playfair, Macfarlane, , Mack-ay- find Taylor alsio expressed regret at Mr andl Mrs Botlands removal ffoni the district, in Which they had been so highly thought of, after so many years'

residence. Mr and Mrs Borland's untiring zeal for patriotic work'during the war period; would always- be 'remembered, as would, also' their great helpfulness to those in during the epidemic of 1918.1 Mr Borland, in thanking those present for their kind remarks, and for the gift they had been presenited!, with, referred to their'' long residence in the district, and. said it would be the first time for sixty, years that there would be no Borland! at G'ropers Bush. Mr Borland, in the course of his remarks, told several incidents of long ago —when the country had been all tussocks and ferns—and ■ of the harmony that had existedl 1- tween the families of all denbmiuations. The Chairman remarked that the two oldest residents and friends of the

Borlands were unable to be present j owing/ to infirmity andl 'nclement | weather, these being Mr P. Sheridan and Mr Jas. Allison, but .all were sure they would be present in spirit. A telegram was, received from an old schoolmate, Mr Wm. expressing regret at not being able to be present. The musical part of the evening was in the hands of Mrs 'Chas. Maefarlane, who delighted! everyone with her singing and playing. Other items 'were given by Mesdames Playfair, Hopcroft, Taylor and Reidie ,and Messrs Playfair, Brownridge arid Mackay. A very pleasant evening was concluded With the singing of "Auld Lang Syne. 1 ' ' Mr and Mrs Borland intend speiiding a month at The Rocks before taking up* residence again in pastures new. -1

Mr Herbison, who has purchased Mr Borland's farm, arrived during the week.