VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1927, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

FAREAVELLI.NG Mlt SYDNEY FORD A pleasing function look place yesterday afternoon at the dredge where the employees of the Riinu Gold Dredging Coy Ltd and Kanieri Electric Ltd., met to say good-bye to Air ;S. AA*. Ford who left to-day on bis return to America. On voicing the regret of all present at the circumstances necessitating Air Ford’s departure, Mr Alorris spoke of the eardial relations which existed during the past seven years between Mr Ford and every member of the staff which combined with efficient management bad tended in great part to bring the enterprise to its present position. All wished Air and AHs Ford and their family health and happiness and the accompanying gifts were tendered as tokens of the regard and, esteem in which Air Ford was held. Air C. Hart then presented Air Ford with a rug and wristlet watch and some pieces of silver and greenstone ware for Alls Ford hoping they would receive them as tokens of regard mid regret at their departure. Mr Agnew and Air Surgenor also spoke and expressed regret that All' Ford was leaving the country.

Air Ford in reply thanked all heartily for their words and expressions of goodwill towards him and his family ail,] said they would always look hack with the keenest pleasure to their stay in these parts and they all regretted that owing to his health breaking down he was compelled t<> leave. He tributed the hearty cooperation he had always receive,] from every member of the staff and assured them their loyalty had made his task an easy one. He thanked everyone and assured them that bis regret at leaving was quite heartfelt.

ATr Hart then tendered a welcome to Air G. J. Carr, Air Ford’s successor, who in reply stated that after witnessing the goodwill expressed and the very evident loyalty and co-oper-ation of staff lie felt his task would be a light one and he asked for a measure of the support which had been sn freely given to Air Ford. He thanked all for their welcome and felt that his stay in New Zealand would he a happy one Hearty dicers were then given for Air and Airs Ford and their family after which Air Ford said goodbye all around and the gathering dispersed.

At Keller’s Hotel yesterday afternoon, the .Mayor. Deputy-Atayor, and several prominent citizens assembled to farewell Air Sydney Ford, who left this niorning with his wife ami daughter en route for the Fnited States.

Apologies received included:—Hon H. L. Michel, ATessrs J. .T. Breeze, A\'. T. Alorpetli, F. Lewis, L. Evans, C. S. Neville, AV. E. AA'illiams and A. Cliesnev.

Air G. A. Perry, Alayor. presided, anti spoke appreciatively of Air Fonts work as a citizen here over seven years and a half. Air Jeffries, County Chairman and Deputy Afayor, supported the remarks. Afessrs D. J. Evans and J. A. Alurdoc-h also spoke. Subsequently Air AV. .T. Butler, Chairman of the AVestland Power Board, proposed the health of Air Ford, the sentiments being bearilv responded to, with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” After Afr Ford had replied the Mayor welcomed Mr G. J. Carr, Air Ford’s successor, who acknowledged the welcome in a happy speech. Air J. A. Murdoch then proposed “Absent Friends,” coupling the names of Afessrs Cranston. Wilson and Shaw, and the toast was duly honored. Before the gathering broke up “Auld Lang Syne” was sung heartily and cheers given for Air and Mrs Ford.