VALEDICTORY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 354, 22 April 1911, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

MR. G. H. 11. CLARK. Last Sunday settlers in the Mongaronga district had paid a visit to Mr G. H. 11. Clark's residence to say farewell to that gentleman prior to his departure for Australia and England. Mr C'ark, who is a pioneer settler of that part of the district, has recently sold his farm to Messrs Curtis and Blair, two young men from Hawera. Mr J. Old presided at the function, and said that he, as one of the original settlers, with Mr Clark, was very sorry indeed that they were losing such a good neighbour. The best of feeling had always existed between all in tba Mangaronga block, and the settlers were sorry to lose one of those kindly-disposed and genial pioneer settlers, who had been with them from the beginning. He had much pleasure in proposing the health of Mr Clark.

Mr J. B. Young referred to the well known and many acts of kindness that had been done by Mr Clark. He had long been known for his generosity, and the speaker trusted that the incoming young men, Messrs Curtis and Blair, would equally fill the bill. He had no doubt about that, as they appeared to him to be both young men who would be workers and would tend to the advancement oC the district. Mr Clark, in reply, thanked those present for their very kind remarks, lie was very sorry to have to leave the district, but circumstances willed it. He was proud to have been associated with such settlers as were in the Mongaronga. Despite the fact cf the hardship and toils, brought about chiefly by bad roads, settlers were doing well, and were getting their farms into good heart. He hoped that settlers would continue to do well. Mr Clark proposed the health of Messrs Curtis and Blair, who replied that it was their intention to enter into the spirit of improvement in the district, and to do all in their power for its advancement.

The proceedings terminated with three cheers for Mr Clark, and the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow."

MR. P. LARRITT. A number of Mr Phil. Larritt's friends met last evening to say farewell to him on the eve of his departure from Te Kuiti. Among those present were practically all the pioneer business people of the town, among who Mr Larritt: can be numbered. A number of speeches were mnclc, each speaker eulogising Mr Larritt's. many good qualities, and expressing sincere regret at his departure from their midst. Mr J. Me Indue presented Mr Larritt with a gold albert, as a small token of the esteem in \vhi"h lie had been held by his fellow business men. Mr Lanitt thanked the donu"s for their gift, ami expressed bis regret at leaving Te Kuiti. The employees of Mesrss Larritt and Young presented Mr Larritt with a gold-mounted cigar holder, and a Morroceo cigar ease.