SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 16 December 1920, Page 3

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

TO MR and MRS J. McLEOD

One of the roughest' and wildest nights experienced for ages in this district did not prevent a large and representative gathering of townspeople and settlers from assembling last evening in the Parakai Hall, to bid farewell, at a complimentary social, to Mr and Mrs Jas. McLeod, who have taken up their residence in Mt. Albert, after living in the Helensville district for a long, strenuous and successful lifetime. Mr R. Nicholls, a leading Parakai resident, in making a presentation to Mr and Mrs McLeod, referred in eulogistic terms to the long and efficient service rendered to the district by Mr McLeod during his connection with local bodies, and mentioned a number of progressive moves with which their guest's name would ever be identified, including the erection of the substantial concrete bridge linking Parakai with Helensville. Every man, said the speaker, made mistakes and was criticised accordingly, and Mr McLeod was no exception, but his long service in the district's interests would outweigh everything. On behalf of the public he had very much pleasure in calling upon Mr McLeod to accept a presentation, not as a token of farewell, but as a mark of gratitude and esteem. The presentation — a handsome silver spirit kettle and stand —was suitably engraved "To Mr and Mrs McLeod, at Parakai, from the public—December 15th, 1920."

Mr J. F. Lambert, senr., also spoke in terms of praise of the guests, whom he had known for the past thirty years.

Mr McLeod, on rising to respond, was warmly applauded. What most gratified both Mrs McLeod and himself he stated, was the way in which such a large number of friends turned out on such an'awful night. On behalf of his wife and himself he sincerely thanked their friends for the kindly gift, which they appreciated very much. The speaker then gave some very in~ teresting history of the early days of the district. Coming here as a boy of six years old, the only habitations at that period were some Maori whares where the butter factory now stands, and the first residence the family possessed was built from pit-sawn timber. The hardships of pioneering in those days were related by Mr McLeod, and some prices of staple commodities were given. " The only meat we had was' salt junk—horseflesh—which had to be cut with an axe," said the speaker. The gradual settlement of the district, the creation of the first local bodies, and various other eras of progress were described, and Mr McLeod's remarks were attentively listened to. At the conclusion thre-e cheers were given for Mr and Mrs McLeod, and " For they are jolly good fellows" was sung. During the evening songs were contributed by Misses B. Wilson and Melville, and Messrs Screaton and Eddleston. Accompaniments were played by Misses Keane, Eddleston, Butterworth and Melville, and dance music by. Mrs and Miss Malligan, and Mr Crammer and another. Mr G. s McDonald carried out the duties of M.C. During an interval the ladies of the district provided a tasty supper, which was appreciated by all present.