Valedictory

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 28, 2 July 1924, Page 41

Valedictory

MR. AND MRS. J. J. SPIERS AND FAMILY, KUROW.

" The. high esteem in which. Mr., and Mrs. J. J. Spiers and family were held in Kurow, where they had spent the last 18 years, was made manifest by the happy function given in their honor-on Thursday evening, the 12th inst., the eve of their departure, by their ,many friends. Visitors from the outlying districts attended in full force, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather and further emphasised the respect that is felt for them.

Mr. T. A. Munro had charge of the gathering, which took the form of a social.

On arrival the guests were played into the hall to the strains of “They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” in which everyone heartily joined, and met by . the chairman and committee, who conducted them to the stage.

V ' ■ - ' —’ Mr. Munro later on addressing the gathering spoke of the long residence' of their guests in Kurow, their valued help in the welfare of the district, and honored places therein. Mr. Munro’s reference to Mr, Spiers’ connection with the Kurow Jockey Club, and financial assistance when its exchequer was low, evoked a warm round "Of applause. The Rev. Mr. Moffatt took the opportunity of gratefully thanking Mr. and Mrs. Spiers for their unfailing kindness to the Anglican community and himself, and expressed his sincere regret at their departure. He also extended a cordial welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Law lor and family, and felt that they would be worthy successors, even if so high a standard of excellence had to bo attained.

The principal duty of the evening fell to Mr. J. L. McPhail, manager National Bank, Kurow, and the sincerity of his remarks at once appealed to his hearers. In asking Mr. Spiers to accept a sideboard he said the pleasure of doing so was marred by the regret at his departure. He hoped the gift would remind him of his many friends in Kurow and the surrounding districts, who sincerely wished him many years to enjoy his well-earned rest from business. He expressed the same sentiments to Mrs. Spiers on presenting her with a handsome dinner service of 80 pieces, and also eulogised her unremitting care of any of her guests in time of sickness. Her charity, too, was not confined to her own household. To Miss Nancy Spiers a beautiful silver-mounted manicure set was given, and to Mr. Stan Spiers a smoker’s outfit. In both cases Mr. McPhail made happy reference to their popularity and many good qualities and extended all good wishes for their future welfare.

V Mr. Spiers, on rising to respond on behalf of them all, was given a rousing reception, which evidenced the warm feeling of regard felt by all present for his family and himself. He said the cordiality of the welcome when they arrived in the hall had given them intense pleasure. They little thought they had so many friends, and obviously they - were proud and grateful for the honor done them. * They hardly felt worthy of the many kind things' said about them, but thanked one and all for turning out on such an inclement night to pay them this compliment. On resuming his seat the gathering again joined in musical honors. ' 7 The Rev; Mr. Moffatt then presented Mr. Stan Spiers with a gold mounted cigarette holder (in case), on behalf . ■fo the Huia Hockey Club, of which he had been an enthusiastic member. Mr. Stan Spiers warmly thanked Mr. Moffatt for his kind remarks and the club for their unexpected gift, which he would highly value. ' Interspersed with the dances—the music for which was in the capable hands of Mr. Geo. Woods (piano) and Mr. Stan- Walker (violin) —Miss Lawlor attractively rendered j some . songs to Miss Spiers’ . accompaniment. These were ■ r much 4 appreciated as, too, were the few humorous stories r told by Mr. R. Heron, of Timaru : ■ "^: 'Abundant-refreshments, supplied by the ladies of the different districts, were availed pf during, the evening. . The programme was in the hands of Messrs. W. E. Ritchie and. J.’ Shirres, who were also efficient M.C.’s, and materially helped in the evening’ssuccess..