OTAKIRI NEWS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 10, 22 September 1944, Page 5

OTAKIRI NEWS

JOINT FAREWELL GATHERING TWO POPULAR GUESTS The Otakiri Hall was packed to the doors on a recent evening \vhen residents and visitors from far afield met to farewell Mr M. F. Kedgley and family and Mrs F. Mantell. The hall looked festive with its. mantel of greenery, and Mr Lord in. his> usual efficient style, assisted by the Gaiety Boys' Orchestra kept the programme moving with a swing. Dancing was interspersed at intervals. with items by Mr Tony Smith and Mr Clarice, both of whom received a great ovation from the crowd. *A delicious supper (for which Otakiri is famous) was served by the committee and a band of willing helpers, after which the various organisations to which Mr Kedgley had given such valuable help, took the opportunity of. conveying to him their thanks and appreciation,, all speakers testifying to the splendid work done by liim during his long term as Headmaster T)f the Otakiri School and expressed real regret at his. departure, to Taranaki. Mr Leslie, speaking on behalf of the district, extended to the guests of the evening the, best wishes of all, and presented to Mr Kedgley two fireside chairs and a cheque for £18, and l'or his two little girls, silver serviette rings. To Mrs ,Mantell was given a beautiful bronze fire screen. The Rangitaiki Presbyterian Church of which Mr Kedgley was an elder, was; represented by the Rev. J. H. Starnes and Mr Claris, both speaking of his help in the work of the Churchy and the loss his departure would mean. Mr Claris then presented him with a cheque for £10 with the good wishes of all the congregation. Mr Bunyan. on behalf of. the members' who had been in the. Home Guard under Mr Kedgley's command presented him "with an exquisite ornamental vase. Mr W. Murray on behalf of the Otakiri Patriotic spoke of the great work done by the guest of the evening in his capacity as -chairman of the Entertainment Subcommittee. Mr C. Thompson, on. behalf of Rugby football, told of the valuable help given in the interests of sport by the guest and conveyed the best wishes of all members to him in his new district. Mrs Jessop, on behalf of the. Women's Institute i then presented Mrs Mantell with a beautiful bouquet, of spring flowers and asked her to accept a silver fruit bowl and silver toast, rack with the very best wishes of all fellow members for every happiness in" her new home. Mr Kedgley thanked all friends and well wishers for the beautiful gifts and good wishes. He at this stage spoke very nicely to the school children. Mrs Mantell expressed her appreciation to the members; of the Women's Institute. Musical honours were accorded to them and rousing cheers once again testified to the immense popularity of the guests of the evening. Dancing continued till the early hours and Ajild Lang Syne brought the evening to the real "Farewell." A pleasing ceremony took place at the school earlier in the week when the children made their own presentation to their headmaster. The teachers also conveyed their good wishes and congratulations, and presented their head with a beauti-i ful smokers stand. Mr Kedgley took up his duties at his hew appointment in Taranaki at the beginning of September.