WAIPUKURAU'S LOSS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 136, 25 June 1937, Page 3

WAIPUKURAU'S LOSS

Our Own Correspondent.

De Lacy Family's Departure

From-

WAIPUKURAU, Last Night. Tangible proof of the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs H. A. De Lacy are held in Waipukurau and the surrounding district, was sbown last eveningj when St. Mary's Hail, Waipukurau, was capacity filled with well-wishers for the farewell social evening, which had been organised by St. Mary's Church members, St. Mary's Guild, Mothers' Union, the Great Wartime and Place-time Red Cross, Central Hawke's Bay War Relief and Returned Soldiers, in their honoui. The hall was decorated with coloured streamers and pink flowering gum and at the upper end were arranged easy ohairs. A square table covered with a fancy cloth had for decoration a big bowl of marigolds and copper birch. The stage was cosily arranged with oriental rugs, easy chairs and gaily coloured cushions and bowls of iceland poppies, the corners being filled in with tiowering gum. Mr A. O. Williams, who was chairman for the evening, in extending a welcome to all present, mentioned that he had been deputed to take the chair in place of the Rev. Canon E. D. liice. who was not in the best of health. He said it was very pleasing to sce such a large attendance, inany of whom had come from 'a distance. He also tendered a number of apologies for absence. The first part of the evening was devoted to a most enjoyable programme of 'inusieal items, which had been arranged by Mrs P. X. Riddell, of Hatuma. Songs were rendered by Mrs P. A.' Riddeli, Mrs ivan Satauels, Mrs D. M. Scott, Mi E. T. Haldane. Humorous recitations by Miss Gladys Major and recitations by Miss Shona Bell. Miss 'Kit'ty Riddell was the, accompanT ist. . . A most amusing competition arranged by Mesdames G. A Ellison a.nd Bal-four-Rowan, was. won by Mrs F. A. Hole. Following the programme the speakers for the various organisations took thpir places at the upper end of the hau. ' ' ; ' Speaking for St. Mary's Church, Mothers' Union," and St. Mary's Guild, the Rjw. Canon E. D. Rico stated that it g^ve him great pleasure to be .taking part in the evening'e fuuction, altbough he regretted to say that" he was losing sbiue of his best parishioners. He went on to say the attendance showed what the community felt for the De Lacy family. Mr De Lacy was a member of the vestry and a regular church attender; Mrs De Lacy was an out-standing church worker and their son, Russell, was a choir member. He was more than gxateful for what tbey had. done, wishing them God spepd and every happiness in their new home in Feilding. Mr J. N. Barrie (Otane), speaking for the War Relief Association returned thanks for being asked to 6peak. He said he had been • associated witfi Mrs De Lacy for many years and had the greatest respect for her, mentioning that the returned soldiers were losing one of their best friends. Speaking on behalf of his executive he expressed extreme regret at her departure from the district, but he was sute that she would be appreciated in her new home. Miss Ingles, speaking on behalf of Pukeora Sanatorium, said she' found ifc difficult to say how much they would miss Mrs De 'Lacy from the • Sanatoriuih. She had been a stirling friend to all. The Sanatorium patients eXtend to 'her their best wishes for her future happiness. The Mayor, Mr I, W. N. Mackie, speaking on behalf of the townspeople, expressed regret at Mr and Mrs De Lacy's departure. He had been associated with them for many years and the help they had given to the town had hefen invaluable. He also mentioned Mrs De Lacy's mother, that grand old pioneer, the late Mrs T. A. Paget. On behalf of the townspeople, he wished the De Lacy family every suceess in their new home. In endorsing the iormer speaker's remarks, Mr H. J. Guilliard stated nothing could be said too liighly in Mr De. Lacy's favour. He was a man oi' sterling character and honesty was his policy, Their loss, would be Feilding's gain. ' Mr \yilliams, speaking for the returned soldiers, said that words failed him in expressing, thanks for all Mrs De Lacy had dope for them. Her going /^ould be a distir,ct loss. He assureti her that the returned soldiers appreciated all she had done. • On bebalJ of their many friends Mr Williams as!ed Alr and Mrs De Lacy to aceept a handsqme silver tea servico as, a stnall token of appreciatiou for wbat tho.\ had done. To Mr Uussell De Lacy be presented a vhluable book. with best wishes foi tbei.- future happiness. Both Mr and Mrs De Lacy. in replying, thanked the donors for their appreciative tokens of remeinbrance, and all the kina expressions that hacl accompanred them. A deliciouS supper was served and the singing of '*Auld Lang Syne" brougbt a inemorable evening to a close. Mr De Lacy has laken up his new positiun iD FeiUiug and Alrs De Lacy will follow in the near future.