FAREWELL GATHERINGS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 47, 9 February 1945, Page 5

FAREWELL GATHERINGS

POPULAR SUPERVISOR

MR K. G. RUNCIMAN

Occasioned by 3)is, transfer to TikiMr K. G. Runciman Senior Field Supervisor for the Native Department was accorded several farewell gatherings by representatives ol' various tribes in the district with which he was associated and also by members of the Native Department and Public Service Association, Whakatane Branch the R.S.A. and local businessmen over the past week.

A gathering of local businessmen and members of the R.S.A. took place at the Commercial Hotel on Thursday evening where the principal guest, Mr Runciman was made the recipient of a wristlet - watch and a substantial cheque the former being presented on behalf of the R.S.A. by Mr Otley and the latter by Mr L. H. Brown as chairs man of the on behalf of the Whakatane! businessmen. At Walohau f Maoris of. that, disquiet foregathered on Saturday to bid good-bye to Mr Runcimanv and on behalf of the tribe, Iki Pouwhare and Mr Tom Riddle presented him with a shaving outfit. On Monday last Mr Runciman was entertained by members of the P.S.A. Whakatane Branch at a morning tea which was held in the offices of the Native Department. Mr on behalf, of the Association extended to him the best wishes of the members present 5 and presented him with an autographed book. At Poroporo on Tuesday Mr Luke Rangi on behalf of the Maoris, in the Poroporo and Paroa districts presented Mr and Mrs Runciman with a handsome combination bookstand while Mrs Runciman also received a very nice bouquet. The leading chiefs of the various tribes spoke and all extended on Oehalf of their people their very best wishes for the future.

Wednesday morning last found the staff of the Native Department and their wives gathered in the Commercial Chambers at a morning tea tendered as a final farewell to Mr and Mrs Runciman who were leaving that day to take up residence at Tikitiki.

Among the guests were Miss D. Runciman, Matron of the Whakatane Hospital, Mr G. V. Fordham, Registrar of the Native Land Court and Mr J. J. Dillon also of the Native Land Court, Rotorua, Messrs G. H. Tidswell } J. Merritt and R. C. Burnett Area Supervisors, and Mrs G. H.' Tidswell.

Mr acting as chairman, called upon various members of the staff to speak, after which Mr Wilkinson, on behalf of the staffs; of the P.W.D* Transport and Native Departments presented Mr Runciman with a handsome leather attache case. Mr Fordham, on behalf of the staffs of the Waiariki and Whakatane offices also presented Mr and Mrs Runciman with a hanging mirror. Mrs Wad dell asked Mrs Runciman to accept a bouquet of carnations; Avith the best wishes of the ladies present. Mr Runciman replied suitably Each and every one of. the gatherings held in honour of Mr Runciman's departure held a tinge of sadness at the prospect of the loss the district would suffer as ar result of his going. He was highly thought of |by both Maori and Pakeha alike and j there can be no doubt that he will i always, be more than welcome whenever he wishes to revisit Whakatane.