FAREWELL EVENING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 152, 8 September 1941, Page 5

FAREWELL EVENING

MR AND MRS VVLIAS ENTERTAINED

A large gathering of friends fronx all parts" 1 of the district assembled at Edgecumbe Hall on Thursday night, to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs F. Villis, popular residents of Thornton and Edgecumbe for the past 15 years. c The Gaiety Boys' Band provided music for dancing while Mrs Fowell played for one extra dance and Mlaster Walton rendered spirited bagpipe music for the Highland Schottisehe. Items were given by the Thornton Maori Quartette; Miss Lesley Bell (tap dancing); Mr M. Claris gave a humorous monologue and songs were sung by Miss M. Raymond. A splendid supper was served, the tables being gaily decorated with spring flowers. Mr lan Gow, in making a presentation to Mr and Mrs Villis on be-

half of friends of Edgecumbe, expressed the sincere regret that was feit at their departure. They had been a very popular couple, always helpful at social functions. Mr Villis' cheery disposition and unfailing energy had made him a veryreal asset to the district.

Mr Gow said that they were a typically British couple with all the solid heartwarming characteristics which have commanded admiration: He wished Mr and Mrs* Villis all prosperity and happiness in their new sphere of activity, andl presented a cheque.

Mr Robins, of Thornton, made a presentation of a beautiful' inlaid table from Thornton friends, and ti shaving set to Mr Villis from Thornton Football Club. Mr Robins expressed regret at the departure of Mr and Mrs Villis from Ihe district and, referred eulogistically* to the splendid work Mr Villis had accomplished iri the interest of sport, especially football.

He continued that "Pop" as he* was affectionately called, would be very much missed, but he wished him and Mrs Villis the best of luck and assured them of a warm wel-t come should they return to the district at any time.

Mr J. Mullins made a presentation of a set of crystal wine glasses on a tray, from the Edgecumbe: Druids Lodge. Mr Mullihs said that the Lodge was losing two of its foundation members in Mir and MiS Villis. They had both held office in the Lodge and at all times had been of the greatest help in both the business and the social functions connected with Lodge work.

He felt that in future, Lodge meetings would lack a great deal of their geniality and that Mr and Mrs Villis would be ever remembered by their fellow members with esteem and affection. He wished them good health and prosperity in their new home.

Mr Villis in reply thanked all Speakers for their- kftid remarks and gifts. He said that he and Mis Villis were reluctant to leave thedistrict where they had made many* friends and spent happy years. They would always regard Edgecumbe asr "home" and looked forward to being able to visit the district occas-» ionally and renew friendships.

The singing of "They Are Jolly Good Fellows," concluded . a very pleasant function.