CIVIC FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32303, 23 August 1943, Page 5

CIVIC FAREWELL

MR AND MRS W. McDUFF APPRECIATION EXPRESSED INTEREST IN LQCAL AFFAIRS Two of Ngatea’s earlier settlers were given a social evening in the ( Ngatea Public Hall on Thursday last, the guests of honour being Mr and Mrs W. McDuff, who came to the district over 25 years ago. Mr J. W. Neate who was M.C., said that as one who had been associated with M.r McDuff in various local activities he deeply regretted this double loss to the community, Mrs McDuff having always been an active worker and helpmate. Mr C. W. Parfitt, Hauraki Plains County chairman, said .that he was pleased to join with the Ngatea people in honouring two such worthy citizens. The function, he continued, was not a farewell but an opportunity for the district residents to express their appreciation to a pioneering couple, who had not spared themselves for | the betterment of . the community in which they lived. Realising the potentialities 1 of the district, Mr McDuff, who was for 20 years chairman of the Ngatea School Committee, .saw the school grow from one classroom, to what it is to-day. • Advocating a District High School, with extremely little support, he commenced even the manual work and despite difficulties with the financing, succeeded in raising a fund, the nucleus of which was patriotic moneys from the last war.

Mr McDuff was the first chairman of the Horahia Drainage Board—now the United Drainage Board —and represented his riding on the Hauraki Plains County Council. He, among others, foresaw that one of the first essentials on the plains was a good drainage system. Mr McDuff was also one of the principal co-operative workers in the building and establishment of the Ngatea Rest Room, and was a staunch supporter for the acquisition of the local domain. Apart from these activities, he willingly undertook to assist with any carpentering work connected with them, particular instances being, floodlighting the High School grounds, and partly building the rest room.

At the time of their coming to Ngatea, Mr Parfitt said, Mr and Mrs McDuff did not enjoy the facilities of to-day. There were no factories, and cream could not be carted down the mud roads, boats being the mode of transport. Children had to ride long distances or trudge through mud to school. The guests of honour could look back with pride over their efforts towards the living conditions on the Plains as they now stand. Any man who undertakes local body work, needs the continued assistance of his wife, and Mrs McDuff had given as much help as was possible, with a family of nine daughters and one son to care for.

Pte. A. McDuff, who is on furlough from the Middle East, was with his parents on the stage. Some of the daughters were also able to be present.

Mr Parfitt made the presentation of a well-filled envelope as a token of the appreciation felt in the district towards the guests. The present members of the Ngatea District High School committee also made a donation and musical honours were heartily accorded. ' ' In his reply Mr McDuff said he had thought that he and. Mrs McDuff were* quietly leaving the district to settle in their new home, hence, this evening had come as a real surprise. “I must thank you all for the honour” he said, “and it is indeed grand to ; note among the many faces, quite a number of those with whom -we first. made friends. Throughout the years we haven’t all seen eye to eye, but I’m sure any difference are now forgotten, especially when we see the fruits of our labours. It, was my pleasure to assist in any way with local improvements and working on the school committee always had its special appeal. These days it must be surprising to think that we met with strenuous opposition in establishing the school. Eventually we got £750 from the Great War’s patriotic committee, and the Education Board then assisted us. I felt it a duty to do anything in my power, that might profit the district, and must thank you again for this evening to my wife and self.”

j Mrs A. Cleave then made the prej sentation of a’lovely bouquet to Mrs i McDuff on behalf of the Ngatea : branch of the Women’s Division and the Ngatea Farewell 'Committee and .wished both Mr and Mrs McDuff much happiness in their new home. Before continuing with’ the dancing Mr Neate said that the results of Mr McDuff s foresight and. efforts by ) which all in the district must benefit

in one way or another, now stood as a monument to him. 1 J Bert Kerby’s .Thames Collegians £ provided a most enjoyable programme of dance music, the after-supper extra M being played by Mr Doug. Johnson. Those present included: — ' ; t Mesdames W. McDuff, A. Cleave, D. j Waugh, V. Phillips. R. B. Hodgson, F. Stimpson, F. Speedy, R. Flint, J.Spence, G. Beck, N. Alach, R. Burke, h T. Rigg, D. Laurich, A. Tatton, John; W. Jones, W. Williams, H. Hayward, V. Barribal, S. 'Phelps W. Laurence, v L. E. Jackson, R. Douglas, C. H. A Waite, J. Waite, D. Waite. C. Brown# | F. Connors, T. Keane (Matamata), H. • & Cook. . '' , ' "m-W Misses D. Short, B. Osbaldiston, Hodgson, U. Douglas, A. Paul, Ni $ Bartley (Kerepeehi), D. Beasley ('Pae- . A roa3, N. Darlington, N. Sherlock, N. Beasley (Kerepeehi), R- Tapp, D« Douglas, M. McWattcrs, E.. Challis, M. McCleaiT, E. Laurich, I. Jackson, ' D. Sherlock, N. Lawrence, B. Beck, M. Dale, D. Mangan (Pipiroa), D. Clean, P. Waugh, M. Williams,- D. McLean. , ,