SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1918, Page 1

SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES.

(Prom a correspondent.) A farewell gathering of a few of the residents of South Westland assembled at Bruce Bay oil Monday last to bid farewell to All*, and Airs J. Ritchie, who were leaving by the S.S Paeroa. that dav for Hokitika. Air AV. Hawkins in a happy speech of good cheer explained that the original intention was' to have had a. farewell social. but owing to the prevalence of the influenza epidemic, it was not considered advisable, so thev had just gathered together at the Port to hid them bon voyage and many years of happiness in their now lioivio in Hokitika.- Ho tlion said he had been asked by those present to make the following presentation as a taken of their esteem and good will, alter so many years residing amongst them, viz a well filled purse of sovereigns to purchase two easy chairs, one silver tea pot. a writing cabinet and handsome cruet. He then concluded by wishing the departing couple long life and happiness. Air Bitchie on rising to reply was received with applause. He said good friends, and lie looked upon all present as such, oil behalf of his wife and himself. he thanked them most heartily for their substantial token of friendship and good will. He assured them that tiicirldndness and liberality had toiicliel his wife and himself very deeply and will be remembered by them both while life lasts. His wife and himself had lived 19 and 51 years respectively in South Westland and have experienced the usual ups 'and downs of Pioneer Settlers. All the principal events of their lives have taken place during that time, therefore lie assured them there is no place so dear to them as South Westland. However its the law of nature that the best of friends must part, but he assured them that they would never forget the kind friends they were leaving behind them in South Westland,