Ashhurst

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 12, 22 March 1906, Page 20

Ashhurst

(From an occasional correspondent.) A very enjoyable social was given to ex-Constable Franklin:, who had been recently retired from the service on pension, after serving 26 years in the police force. The social was held in Duley's Hall, which was nicely decorated for the occasion, the tables being heavily laden with the best of good things. The chair was taken by Mr. Lynch, of Rumai, who proposed the toast of ' The King,' which was responded to by Mr. Peterson. The toast of the evening was that of the guests, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, who were presented with an illuminated address, the work of Master Duley, 'which is a| 'credit t/o a/ 'htoy of onl/y fiueen yea-rs of age. Mr. Franklin was also presented with a gold chain and pendant, which were made to order, and Mrs. Franklin with a pearl and sapphire pendant. In replying to the address Mr. Franklin said it was a difficult matter to reply to the farewell message contained therein, and the very kind remarks of the chairman and other friends ; he could not express the feelings he felt, and thanked his Ashhurst and Pohangina friends for the kindness they had always shown him, which he could never forget. The presentation was made by Mr. F. West. The address to Mr. Franklin was >as follows :—: — ' On behalf of the residents of Ashhurst and Pohangina, we desire to express the regret we feel at your departure from our midst, and express a hope that wherever you may; go you may be as highly esteemed as you have been here. While regretting your departure from us we would express a wish that yourself, Mrs. Franklin, and family may enjoy good health and prosperity.' The address was signed by sixty-seven of the principal residents of Ashhurst and Pohangina. On Saturday night the Ashhurst Brass Band, under Bandmaster Curreen, played a number of selections in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, who left for their new home at Manaia on March 15.