EDGECUMBE FAREWELL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 86, 3 July 1945, Page 5

EDGECUMBE FAREWELL

HONOUR FOR RUTHERFORD FAMILY GESTURE FROM DISTRIC Tributes to a long and prominent association with the dairy industry were accorded Mr J. . J.P. at a farewell " function held in the Edigecumbe Hall last Friday evening. Inclement weather proved no deterrent to the large gathering, which in- itself bore eloquent testimony of the high regard in which the Rutherford! family are Thefd throughout the district. Proceedings were capably control! Ed by 3\lr J. H. Russell as; M.C. and dance music was supplied Jry Messrs Reg Thompson (piano) ? L. Bfoadmore (cornet) and T. Eagleson (drums). Contributing artists enlivened tlie proceedings. Mrs Norman Carter sang two songs "I'll Walk Beside You" and "Smilin Thru" with her usual perfect interpretation and balance. Mr E\ B. List sang "Just For Today" and "So Deep is the Night." Mrs ft. E. Blair was accompanist. Mr Hans Haeusler delighted Jiis audience by his lightning sketching of the history of the Rangitaiki Plans. His, illustration of the Plains first sharemilker—a calf—brought forth a storm of merriment. Mr Tony Smith with his commentary on present day events would have had Gillie Potter himself wondering whether or not he was listening to one of his own recordings. Prior to the vadelictory speeches Barbara List ; presented Mrs Rutherford with a

Mr W. R. Chairman *>f Directors on behalf of the district tendered to Mr and Mrs Rutherford. appreciation of their fang and valuable service and especially tlid he commend Mr Rutherford as a loyal and faithful servant of the company. He recalled "that Mr Rutherford had spent his life in the service of the dairy industry and had served the R.P.D. Coy as manager for 20 years. Mr McCracken read apologies- from many residents among them one from Mr W. Sullivan M.P, • 9 who conveyed best wishes and. congratulations on a long and splendid service to suppliers. Mr W. R. Boon ? a company director with the longest service re,•called' an association with Mr •crford of over half a century and testified to his unremitting labour ;an<l energy in furthering the name of the Dominion's premier industry. "His advise" said Mr Boon, "has brought the R.P.D. Coy to what it is today." Mr Walter Murray on behalf of rsuppliers 5 thanked Mr Rutherford for his co-operation efficiency and courtesy over the years and said his ( policy had provided a solid foundation for the future. • On behalf of the Mr Mc«Cracken presented Mrs Rutherford with a handbag Mr Rutherford with a. wallet and Master Billy Rutherford with a wristlet watch. Mr E. Manurewa. speaking for the Maori thanked Mr Rutherford for his interest and help and asked him to accept as a memento of their esteem and regard a carved walking .stick.

Mr J. Neilscn speaking for the Kdgecumbe School Committee traced Mr Rutherford's work in this connection over many years and remarked that almost the whole of his service had been spent as chairman. Mr Neilsen referred, to Mrs Rutherford's clo&e support and interest and concluded by saving that they would be able to look back with pride on the progress their work had helped to bring about. Mr R. E. Blair' for the staff t expressed his admiration for the energy Mr Rutherford had displayed, in his position* and said the staff always had regarded him with affection and respect. "By his retirement" went on Mr Blair "we feel the loss of an old friend and we wish him many years of contentment." . Mr Blair asked; Mr Rutherford to accept from the staff an inscribed set of bowls and expressed the. hope they would provide him with many a victory. Mr Rutherford in reply thanked the organisers and the district for the evening arranged for himself and his family and for the many -gifts, and expressions of goodwill. In touching on his life in the dairy industry Mr Rutherford disclosed some interesting facts that

. i :how what tremendous strides have been made in methods of manufacture. Mr Rutherford also disclosed that his experience of school committees started at IS) years of age and was almost continuous until his retirement In paying a tribute to his staff, past and present Mr Rutherford said that lie always considered lie had the best staff in New Zealand and no little credit was due to them for their loyalty and energy. At the conclusion of Mr Rutherford's Mr McCracken called for cheers for the Rutherford family and received an enthusiastic reply. Musical honours were then accorded the guests of honour. Dancing continued until an early hour and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" concluded a very successful function.