DEPARTURE FROM MOTU

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 29 August 1939, Page 2

DEPARTURE FROM MOTU

MR. & MRS. E, DERECOURT FAREWELL BY SETTLERS (Herald Correspondent.) One by one the members of the family of 'Mr. and Mrs. C. Hansen, pioneer settlers cf Motu, have left 'the district to reside in various part's of the North Island, the latest to leave being Mrs. E. Derecourt, who, with her hu'-iband and daughter. Wave left for Whakatf.ae. Mr. and Mrs. Derecourt were the guests of honour at a dance in the Motuhora Ball on Thursday night, when residents from Matawai, Motu and Motuhora gathered to wish them farewell. A number of apologies for absence were received, amongst 'them being one from Mr. J. Fer.gie, stationmaster at Gisborne, who sent expressions of sincere regret at the departure of Mr. Derecourt, who had been associated with the Railway Department since it was first extended to Motuhora. Blazed the Trail to Motu Mr. G. Donovan said how very gratifying it was to see such a large and representative gathering to pay tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Derecourt, whose wide popularity was of many years’ standing. Mrs. Derecourt was or.e of a band cf pioneers who had blazed the trail to Motu 50 years ago, her parents, Mr. end Mrs. C. Han'sen, being the first settlers. 'Mr. Derecourt came to the district in 1902. and had fproved himself a good citizen, serving the settlers faithfully in his business capacity. He was also ■well known 'as a cricketer of no met'.i Ei’oili-ty, and 'had taken an active interest in all forms of sport, also acting a's chairman of the school committee for some time.

“We are extremely sorry Mr. and Mrs. Derecourt are leaving here,” said Mr. Donovan, “but in going they carry the best wishes cf all for their future happiness a*nd prosperity.” Presentation of Cheque

Mr. Donovan then presented Mr. and Mrs. ‘Derecourt, with a substantia] cheque as a token of the great esteem in vvnich they were held. Mrs. A. E. Legge, president of the Motu-’Motu'hor'a Women’s Institute, presented Mrs. Derecourt with a silver spoon carrying the institute badge, saying hoy/ sorry all members were to lose one cf their foundation members.

■Miss F. (MofTatt, captain of the Motu Basketball Club, presented Miss Moan a Derecourt with a crystal powder bowl from her fellow players. Other speakers were Mr. .W. J. Rowe, representing the 'Motuhora Tennis Club, and Mr. ; R. Hawkins, of the Motuhora quarry. » Mr. ‘Derecourt said he was leaving the district with .mixed feelings. Any assistance he and Mrs. Derecourt had given they had counted as a privilege and pleasure. Dancing continued until the early hours of the morning, the music .beiug supplied by Mrs. W. Buiburough and Miss Una Reed. Novelty dances were won by Mrs. D. Perry ‘and Mr. L. McDonald, and Miss J. Twislcton and partner. The euchre tables v/ere well patronised, prizes being awarded to Mesdames N. Hayman and J. Quirk and Messrs. F. Donaldson and G, T. Hutchins. \