VALEDICTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1929, Page 6

VALEDICTORY

MR AND AIRS P. KORTEGAST

FARE WELLED

The high esteem in which Air and Airs P. Kortegast are held by the community was shown Inst evening, when a large and representative gathering of the parishioners of St Alary’s met at St Alary’s Club Rooms to bid them farewell prior to their departure to take up their residence in Christchurch.

. The proceedings opened with an enjoyable musical programme, the following contributing:—ATisses J. Warren, Al. Bald, S. Sanders, and Alessrs C. Sanders, J. Stopforth and T. Hatch. Aliss A. Daly was an efficient accompanist.

Air XV. Jeffries, the chairman, briefly addressed the assemblage stating the object of the gathering. He said Air and Airs Kortegast had been most honoured members of St. Alary’s Parish and were always to the fore where Church matters were concerned. Air Jeffries spoke eulogistic-ally of his associations with the Kortegast family, and whilst regretting , the departure of one of the members of that esteemed family', the .congratulations of the parishioners:.went with them in their new sphere*; He concluded by r wishing the guOsts;i;oyefy’ happiness and prosperity ',id' thei'ji.YieyV; home. Rev. Father Hinerty’, in presenting Mr Kortegast;XyiUi -.n 400-ijay clock as a mark of the.esteem in which the departing gdests- were held by the parishioners, -voiced regret at their departure. His.,.\ associations with them were the happiest and their leaving tlie 'parish was a matter of regret. He joined with Air Jeffries in wish them' God speed, good health and prosperity.

Rev. Father McKay’ followed ,in similar strain, endorsing the remarks of tlie previous speakers. A presentation from the members of St. Mary’s Choir then took place. The Secretary of the Choir, Air F. Grollf.sky, presented AL’ ' Kortegast with a pocket wallet as a token of the esteem in which he was held by the members, and said the depfirture of “Phil” wax regrettable. He had been a member of'the el'M** for many’ years, and bad always been anxious fop its welfare. The speaker hoped that the parting ;gift would serve to remind him rif- his associations with St Mary’s Choir. Air Groufskv was ably supported in his remarks by. Alessrs G. Wormington, C. Sanders, and J. Stopforth. “For They’ Are .Tollv Good Fellows” was then sung, followed b,y hearty cheers. Air Kortegast in rising to reply was l’occ i hearty a-pplause.' He said on' bdjialf Airs Kortegast lie wished to .fLh®|k them sincerely for their.;gifts..,.Re., stated... that, lie anti Airs Kortegast - would carry away 7 with then happy ..ipcinories of their time spent in Hbidf ika., and; the parting gifts would serve to remind them of their happy 'associations with the parishoners of St. Marys. A dainty 7 supp'd’ ‘was‘then served before the gathering dispersed. Air and Airs Kortegast and family leave for Christchurch early -ill the coming/week.