NEWS AND NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3564, 26 September 1916, Page 7

NEWS AND NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

MAYFIELD

A Valedictory Social

An unusually largo audionco a-ssem-blcxl in the Band Hall on tho occasion of si farewell social tonderod to Air and Mrs Donald Fergus and family, who aro leaving tho district to take up a farm near Auckland The hall was taxed to its utmost capacity, and the largo meeting was presided over by Mr G: Murdoch. The proceedings were opened with the singing of the National Anthem. Tho function tools tho form of a dance, interspersed with songs contributed by Misses Paterson and Jaine, and Messrs Nichols, Heatori, and McMillan.

During an interval in the dancing the chairman referred to the great loss the district was sustaining throurjfn the departure of Mr Fergus, who, he said, had been a very active worker in many ways, in tho district —viz., as a member of the school committee, member of tho Presbyterian Church Committee, member of the library committee., president of the Mayfield Sports Club, s,ncl. Water' Ranger to the Afihburton County Council, a post ho had filled very creditably; he had also been a great help as a worker in all socials and patriotic meetings. Tho Hey P. Wilson and Messrs With ell and Green also spoke eulogistically regarding the character and social standing of Mr Fergus, a.nd they wished him every success in his new surroundings

Mr A. Harvey, in a good speech, gave an outline of his long acquaintance with Mr Fergus, dating back many years. Ho wished the guests of tho evening success, prosperity, and much happiness in their new homo in Auckland. Ho was voicing the- sentiments and pood wishes of the residents of a large district in asking Mr Fergus to accept from them a well filled pui'se. .. „ , The recipient in responding, said he scarcely knew how to thank all his kind friends? for their good wishes, and the speakers for their complimentary remarks, and for tho valuable present they, had given him; ho felt that he did "not deserve it. Ho had tried to do what litt)o ho could, ;ukl he had felt a ploasure to do it. AH round the district the people had everywhere been very kind., to. him, and he would not forgot their kindnesses. The audience then sang "ior He s i». Tollv'Good Fellow." Mrs"H. W. Papps then presented Mrs Fergus with a travelling rug. and Mrs Fergus, in a fooling manner, thanked all her Kind friends for their liandsomo gift- ... The ladies dispensed supper with their-customary liberality, after which dancing commenced and was kept up till a late hour. Mr Jones acted as mi efficient M.G.:, while the music, was supplied by Mr Green (ML Somersi nnd Mr Covmac (Carew).