VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1928, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

A farewell social was tendered in the Araliura Valley Hall on Friday evening last to Mr and Mrs M. Wallace who are leaving the district. Air Wallace goes to Wellington to take up a position as Government grader of Dairy Produce.

The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. There was a very large attendance of friends from all over the district which testified to the popularity of the departing guests. A largo contingent of .Maori friends attended and provided a most efficient orchestra which supplied excellent music for the dancing. Air Ackers of the Three Alile was. the leading violinist. This young man’s playing was much admired and many expressions of appreciation • were heard throughout the evening.

During an interval Miss R. Ward sang “Lay My Head Beneath a Rose,” which was greeted with applause. Miss L. Shcrriff sang “A Farewell’’ very sweetly greatly pleasing the audience. A duet was aso sung by .Misses M. Gieso and li. Ward which was much appreciated. At the request of Mr li. Ward, who presided, Mr A. IS. King, Secretary to the Araliura Dairy Coy., read a letter expressing the Company’s regret at losing Mr Wallace, and presented him with a cheque. Mr Ward on behalf of the many friends presented Mr Wallace with a gold watch and chain. In doing so the speaker referred to their guest s many admirable qualities and said “Mack’’ would he very much missed from amongst them. Mrs Wallace was presented with a leather travelling case and each of the two children with a silver serviette ring. There were also gifts from their Maori friends presented to Mrs Wallace. Mr Wallace on rising to respond was received with voieeferous applause. ITo was visibiiy affected and said his lips refused to utter what his heart would dictaie. He was overwhelmed with the kindness he was receiving,

and would never forget the happy time ho had spent amongst them. Ho thanked all for their kind wishes to Mrs Wallace and himself and said they would treasure always the valuable gifts presented to them. The amliene rose and sang “for Tliev Are Jolly Good Fellows.”

| Mr and Airs Wallace and family leave for AVellington on Thursday i next. ! Afr Ward Bennett the newly np- ' pointed manager was present at the ! function. The Chairman welcomed ' him to Araliura anil trusted he would have a pleasant ami efficient time as | their new manager. I Afr Bennett said he was glad to be

here and would do his utmost to follow in Mr William’s footsteps. Nothing would l)o wanting on his part to '.arn tlie friendship and goodwill for himself, a sample of which lie had m v .wi extended to Afr Af allure that

, evening. j Dancing was continued by tin I young people till near morning.