DISTRICT NEWS

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14026, 1 April 1919, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS

OHAUPO. Valedictory. One of the largest crowds ever assembled In the local hall was there on Wednesday evening, the 26th Inst, the occasion being a farewell and presentations to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Bailey, who are leaving Ohaupo after about 10 years’ residence on account of Mrs. Bailey’s health. Mr. Bailey has been manager for the Ohaupo branch of the Farmers’ Auctioneering Go., and lias associated himself with every good movement for the welfare of the township, while he also held office as the first chairman of the Town Board, and it is mainly due to his untiring efforts that our main road is in the splendid state it is now. There were settlers present from all over the district, and d was fortunate that the night was fine as the hall was too small to accommodate the crowd, which extended on to the footpath. An apology for absence was read from Mr. Young, M.P. Mr. Prickett, chairman of the Town Board, presided, and referred to the loss the township was about to sustain in losing two such good citizens as their guests, and referred to the institutions Mr. and Mrs. Bailley had been associated with and particularly in Patriotic and Red Cross affairs, Mrs. Bailey having been one of the most active workers the local branch had possessed. Mr. Prickett also referred to the flourishing state of the Farmers’ Auctioneering Company in Ohaupo. since Mr. Bailey had been m charge. He then asked Mr. Bailey to accept a small token of esteem from the members of the Town Board, in the shape of a handsome smokers’ -outfit, also, from the citizens and settlers of, Ohaupo and district a handsome oak overmantel with two fine pictures by a well—known artist. This latter gift would be forwarded to Hamilton. Mr. Prickett presented Mr. Bailey with a leather suit case on behalf of the staff at his branch. Rev. D. N. McKenzie, on behalf of the Presbyterian community, said ne had come there with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret, inasmuch as they were losing two most zealouschurch workers, whose places would be hard to fill, and on behalf of their fellow Church friends he asked Mr. and Mrs. Bailey’s acceptance of a small token of their esteem in the shape of a silver hot water jug. All then rose and sang “ For they are jolly good fellows, accompanied by rousing cheers. Mr. Bailey, who was visibly overcome, thanked one - and all of their expressions of goodwill towards himself and Mrs. Bailley, and also for their gifts, which they would always cherish along with the kind thoughts of the friends they were leaving. In referring to the good relations that had existed between himself and the settlers in business matters,he asked their continuance of the same to his successor, Mr, L. D. Kemp, whom all knew.

A short musical programme was gone through consisting of; —Song, “ Land of Long Ago,” Miss Dulcie Turnwald; song, “ Rackety Coo,” Miss Carter; song, Mr. Pat. Armstrong; Scotch song, Mr. Smaillie. Miss Hawkins (of Hamilton) ably fulfilled the duties of pianist, and her dance music was the subject of much favourable comment. Messrs Kemp and Field made efficient M.’sC., and looked well after everybody. A strong committee, consisting of ladies and gentlemen representative of the town and district, were responsible for the beautiful decoration of the hall. A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are taking up their residence in Hamilton, where Mr. Baillie will hold a responsible position with the same firm. A visitor to the township this week was Mrs. A. McLean, who was renewing old acquaintances. I also note with pleasure the return of Mr. L. Chapman, after three years’ service abroad with the Forces. Mr. Chapman occupied a position on the Farmers’ Auctioneering staff prior to his enlistment. May Bros.’ well known farm has just changed hands at a good figure, 1 hear. The new settlers are Mr. and Mrs. Gobbe, whom vye welcome to the district. TE RAPA. The annual picnic for the Te Rapa School district was held on Friday March 28th. The picnic and sports were held in Mr. W. Booth’s grounds, the situation being ideal, the beautiful oak trees being most convenient for the erection of swings, etc. Through the hearty co-operation of the householders, the refreshments were ample, and the funds collected for the school prizes and sports, were beyond requirements, although the gathering was larger than usual. All the school children received prizes, and races were also held for the adults, valuable prizes being given and keenly contested for. The Committee’s thanks are due to all who so ahly assisted in making the gatherincr one of the most successful ever held at Te Rapa. Special thanks are due to Mr. W. Booth for the use of his grounds, and his assistance in making everyone welcome. A dance was held in the school room in the evening.