VALEDICTORY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5012, 11 August 1926, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MR W. J. STAUNTON GATHERING AT ST. MARY’S. The parishioners of St. Mary’s Church took occasion after the .10.30 a.m. Mass on Sunday to bid formal farewell to Mr W. J. Staunton, who is> leaving the district to take up duties as stativnmaster on the relieving staff, with centre at Te Kuiti.

On behalf of the men of the congregation the Rev. Father Dunphy made, the presentation of a, case of pipes and a smoker’s companion as a mark of their esteem and affection and as a souvenir of the time Mr Staunton spent in Paeroa. In the course of his address Father Dunphy paid high tribute to the sterling qualities of the departing guest. During his eight years amongst them Mr Staunton had taken a prominent and leading part in all church activities, and had fulfilled the duties of the various offices assigned him with ability and credit. His 'rea,dy and generous services could be depended upon in every undertaking. As a member of the Church Committee his enthusiasm and devotedness were highly appreciated. “If I may particularise,” said Father Dunphy, “I would say that I have admired his high principles an§ his courage his< convictions. These are qualities we all must admire in any man, and I- must say that in these respects Mr Staunton stands very high in my estimation.” Continuing, Father Dunphy declared that Mr Staunton’S departure would be. a great loss to tee congregation. But since it w.as’ a matter of advancement and promotion he tendered him congratulations and best wishes for prosperity and happiness in his new • sphere. Mr Staunton could be assured of the enduring and interested regards of his friends in Paeroa, who hoped te have many occasions in the years, to come for renewing the bonds of friendship. Mr J. Rya,ll also addressed the gathering and feelingly expressed regret at the loss of such a good member of the congregation, whom, 1 he said, it would be very hard, to replace. In responding, Mr Staunton expressed the pleasure it had been for him to bei associated jvith such go l 'id men as he had found in the congregation. He was. going away with grateful and enduring memories of the example he had received from them. What work he helped to accomplish Was merely his duty. He did not deserve all the good things said of him. He could never be sufficiently thankful to Father Dunphy for the benefits he enjoyed in the spiritual order. The presentation was entirely unexpected. He thanked them all most sincerely, and, declaring that Paeroa would always hold a prominent place in his affections, he hoped to cotae back some day. At the conclusion all ehook hands with the departing guest, and the gathering dispersed feeling conscious of a big void in the tenor Of the parih life.

MRS. W. J. STAUNTON.

Members and friends df the Paeroa Ladies’ Croquet Club, St. Pa.ul’s Church choir, and St. Paul’s; Ladies’ Guild tendered a farewell evening to Mrs W- J- Staunton at the Parish Hall tost night. There was) a large gathering of friends, who attended for the purpose of formally bidding MrsStaunton au revoir. An interesting bridge competition was, held , a ; nd alfter supper had been partaken of several presentations were made to Mrs Staunton. On behalf of the choir Dr. G. T. Smith handed Mrs Staunton a white xylonite dressing-table set. Mils W. Barclay, president of the Ladies’ Guild, called cin Mrs Staunton to accept travelling-rug, and on behalf of the Croquet Club Mrs Taiboys presented a pair of silver nut-clickers and sweet dishes. Each speaker in turn referred in glowing terms to the interest and untiring efforts Mrs Staunton had given to toe affairs with which she was. connected, and general regret was expressed at her departure-from Paerbla. •

Mr Staunton responded on behalf dj| hto wife. The gathering concluded with the singing of “For She's a Jolly Good Fellow,” . “Auld Lang Syne,” and cheers for 1 the guests of the evening.