VALEDICTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8080, 17 December 1906, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

From Ouit Own Correspondent. One of our oldest residents wag farewelled on Wednesday in the Pirongia Publ : c Hall, in the person of Mri Pinch, who h»3 conducted the Alexandra Hotel for the past 13 years. The gathering was very large and thoroughly representative of the o'd settlers, who oame in from all parts of the district to say eood bye to one so wellknown and respected. The programme consisted of songs, dancing and a presentation. Mr H H. Reynolds, one of our veterans, and who has known Mrs Finch all through her residence in the district, welcomed those present on behalf of the management Messrs Worthington and Chappell aoted as M.C.'s. During the evening songs were renderod by Miss Prontic", Messrs Worthington, Edgecombe, Howe and E. James Pfc vioua to t upper, Mr W. H. Grant, in presenting Mrs Finoh with a purse said ,ier matiy hid met to express their regret at her departure from amongst them also to wish her many years of happiness. The name of Finch had been long associated with Pirongia, some forty three years. Mr.-! Finch had conducted her business not only with oredit to herself, but to the district, and bad so earned the respeot of al'. I' was thought that some tangible reoognition of her good qualities Bhould be made ere she departed, and he had much pleasure, on behalf of the subscribers, iD handing to her a purse of sovereigns. The present was also aocompanied by good wishes tor Mrs Conroy's happiness and pri sperity. Mr George Finch, on behalf of h'S motherand aunt, thanked the subscribers for the kind things said of them, and th" testimonial presented that evening. He could not And words to thank them. H • wished them all a m rry Christmas and a happy New Year.

All joined hands in singing Auld Lang Syne. Supper was then handed round and dancing was k»pt up till an early hour in morning. Accompaniments were played by Mrs Sullivan and Mr Howe. Music fur the dunce was provided by Mr« Miles, Mrs Sullivan, and Messrs Aubin and Coe.

Mrs Finch aud Mrs Couroy left Firungia un Thursday.