VALEDICTORY.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 29 January 1913, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL TO MR AND MRS J.L.STEWART.

A well-attended meeting was held in the supper room of the Foresters Hall on Friday evening last for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr and Mrs J. L. Stewart, who left yesterday for Australia where they are making their home. Mr James McLeod (chairman and convenor of the meeting), stated he had known Mr Stewart practically since his birth, Mr Stewait having been born and bred in Helensville, and his departure will be a; loss to the town. Mr McLeod stated that he had had differences of opinion with Mr Stewart, but any words that may have passed between them on. occasion had been promptly forgotten.1 Mr McLeod took the opportunity on behalf of the townspeople of presenting Mr Stewart with a gladstone bag, and Mrs Stewart with a travelling case, as a small token of the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Stewart are held ; and the Chairman wished them every happiness and success in the new life they were going to. Messrs H. White , R. Nicholls, F, R. Eames, C. H. Spinley, and R. Ferrall also briefly referred to Mr Stewart's many good points, Mr Ferrall remarking that he also had had golden dreams, but had invariably awakened to iron realities., Mr Stewart feelingly replied that it was a wrench to leave all his earliest associations and friends, but he expected to come tack some day, although he could not say when that time would be. He felt the parting however more on Mrs Stewart's ben half than his own, as a man has his work to see to, and in doing so, comes in contact with people ; but with a woman it is not so much the case, she being occupied more indoors and thrown more on her own company, and consequently has not so much opportunity of making new friends. He thanked the citizens for their gift and their kindness in assembling to say goodbye, and stated he would remember them when using his bag, which would probably be frequently. Light refreshments were then handed round, and the meeting terminated with the singing of Auld Lang Syne in the usual time-honour-ed fashion.

A pleasant function took place at the residence of Mrs Page, Garfield* Eoad, on Friday last, an at Home given by. Mrs Page to say farewell to Mrs John Stewart who is leaving Helensville to take up her residence in Sydney. A large number of Mrs f Stewart's old friends mot to wish her " God speed " and to make a presen- r> tation, and express there regret at her departure after a residence of ' over sixteen years. Mrs Page in a neat little speech welcomed the many « friends of Mrs Stewart, spoke kindly of the years of intimacy that had existed between them all, and the loss that would be felt in parting with Mrs Stewart. Mrs Oxley in making the presentation on behalf of the ladies, spoke feelingly of the lows Mrs Stewarts departure from among her many friends would occasion. Mra Stewart had, by her amiability of dis- ' position and kindliness of heart, endeared herself to one and all, and it was with much regret that her friends . ' would say farewell. Socially ehe would be much missed, for she had always been foremost in all that was good and benificient in the district. " We all hope that you may often return to visit us from the land of your adoption, and perhaps at some future time might come to live in our midst as of old. I ask you in the name of the ladies of Helensville to accept the accompanying travelling rug in its envelope, trusting when its folds en* circle you with its warmth and comfort, you will remember the warm hearts who wish you, your husband and family, every kind wish for your success and happiness in the land of your adoption ". Mrs Stewart feelingly responded and thanked those present for their kind remarks, say" ing that she was sorry to leave her many Helensville friends, but would not forget their very good wishes, which would help her in hf *eT,home; Mrs Gordon, aunt of the Rev. Gordon Kirgan and a visitor from New South Wales, also made a very nice little speech, being acquainted with the district in which Mrs Stewart and family expect ultimately to live This ladies spoke cheerily and brightly as one would naturally expect from her pleasant face and agreeable manner, and gave Mrs Stewart many pleasant hints of the people, the climate, and feature*. . oi the countrj" - Tea was then dispensed by Mrs Page and the good things accompanying it, and with much pleasant intercourse, one of the most agreeable of sotial functions came to a close as ftll^JD^ things must. 'lifltt