VALEDICTORY.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 May 1917, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

TO MRS E. MCEWIN AND

FAMILY,

A VERY pleasant evening was spent at the Kaipara Hotel, on Monday evening last, by a number of friends to bid adieu to Mrs McEwin and family, after their residence in Helensville for the the past 10 years. They have been catering for the wants of the public at the Kaipara Hotel during that period, and are seeking fresh fields and pastures new. Mr Jas. McLeod occupied the chair, and on his right sat Mrs McEwin, the two sons occupying the same table. ,V_ : : After a light repast in tHe WXJ 1] • of an oyster supper, the loySi-4 toast was duly honoured. The chairman then made the presentations, on behalf of- the people of the district, of a Gladstone bag to Mrs McEwin, showing their esteem towards her, adding that he only Hoped the new licensee, Mr Jas. Dowling would continue on the same lines. One of Mrs McEwin's boys was serving his country at the front, and as far as they knew, he was still fighting at the present time. Mr McLeod then presented her two sons (Jack and Tui) each. with a set of hair brushes in leather case. Mr J. A. Wilson spoke in eulogistic terms of Mrs McEwin and her sons, and their treatmenthas been greatly appreciated during their ten years stay in Helensville. The hotel had been very well conducted, everything was clean, and he regretted verymuch they were leaving the -district.

Messrs R. Screaton, H. Graham and A. J. Hill spoke, all expressing regret at the departure of Mrs McEwin and her sons.

Mr Tui McEwin responded on |, behalf of his mother and brother, stating that they were very sorry in leaving Helensville, and hoped [ some day. to see them all again. He thanked them all for the nice ! things that were said about them.

Mr Hill proposed "The Boys at the Front," and said this district had sent away a large number of boys to assist in the great war, and that they were doing great work in this most- laudable object. Mr Wilson in responding, said our boys at the front had done their work in a noble manner, They had fulfilled their part the same as any other soldier in the empire. Mr Spinley said he had nine relatives at the front and in ' the navy, and gave an outline of their different duties on the field and at sea. Mr Thompson proposed "The Helensville A. and P. Association," remarking that it had done valuable work for the district. Mr Aitkenhead responded, and went on to say that he became acquainted with Mrs McEwin and family nearly 30 years ago. He had often stayed at their house, and always had a very pleasant time. With regard to the Association, it was greatly indebted to the McEwin family for valuable services rendered. Mrs McEwin now deserved a well earned rest, and wished herself and sons a very pleasant holiday. Mr Graham in proposing "The* Ladies," said the girls in the house had worked exceedingly well and attended to their duties, and in recognition of soich, the' cook, waitress and housemaid were made a small presentation. Messrs Johnson and Mather suitably responded.

Mr Tui McEwin proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Dowline stating that if they were treated as well as the McEwin family were, he would very pleased replied by stating that he would try and conduct the house on the same lines as his predecessor, and he thanked^ them all for th^earty welcdEifß Ihe toast of tne "Press" ended^ a most convivial evening.