FAREWELL SOCIAL TO MR AND MRS C. D. DAWSON

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 67, 31 January 1918, Page 2

FAREWELL SOCIAL TO MR AND MRS C. D. DAWSON

The popular esteem in which Mr and Mrs C. D. Dawson have been held in the Matamata district was demonstrated in no uncertain manner on Thursday evening last when the farewell social in their honor was held. Seldom, if ever, has any similar function attracted such a large number of residents, many of whom travelled long distances — even from Tirau. Enthusiasm marked the whole proceedings, which were of a greatly enjoyable nature, and it is safe to state that the evening will always remain green in the memories of the guests. The committee set up to arrange the details of the affair did their work especially well, and so there was not a hitch to mar the proceedings. To the ladies and gentlemen who worked the greatest credit is due, and the large number of people in attendance have the satisfaction of knowing that they recognised the excellent services rendered the district by the guests in a thoroughly fitting manner. The musicians, Mr and Mrs Darby, are also deserving of very special thanks for their services. The music was all that could be wished for, was true to time, and was of a kind that would attract even " has-beens" to again step the light fantastic. Extra dances were kindly and nicely played by the Misses McGuire and Cotter. The concert items were selections from the Bing Boys programme, those contributing being Messrs Hannam and Gale (duet), T. Cotter (song). Barnet, assisted by Bing Boys quartette (song, "Big Moon"), C. D. Dawson (song), Jess Griffiths (song) and the Bing Boys (Good-night chorus). During the evening the chairman of the Town board, Mr J. Price was called upon to make a presentation to the guests in the form of an illuminated address. The speaker said he really regretted the occasion for it meant a bad loss to the district. Mr and Mrs Dawson had been valued citizens who had taken active parts in supporting matters for the welfare of the district. Mr J. Pohlen, after reading the address to the assemblage also spoke in feeling terms of the worth of Mr Dawson and his wife. Both personally and for the general good of the town he was sorry they were leaving the district. The tremendous gathering was not to be wondered at when the worth of the guests was considered. Mr Dawson had served well socially, on the school committee and as a member and treasurer of the hall committee. Mr Dawson in responding deeply thanked the residents for the enthusiastic evening and the presentation. In years to come when they looked at the address he and his wife would remember the many happy days and the kind friends they had made during their eight years residence in Matamata. Faith in the district had urged them to do what they had done, because its advancement was for the common good. It was especially gratifying to him as a business man to know that after eight years in business in Matamata he and his wife still had the good wishes of such a large circle of friends. The wording of the address was as! follows:—" To M r and Mrs C. D. Dawson: We, the residents of Matamata town and district and members of various local institutions desire, to convey to you our sincere regret at your departure from amongst us. During the many years of your residence in Matamata you have both won for yourselves the friendship, esteem and respect of the residents. In matters relating to the advancement and the general progress of the town you have always taken an active part; while socially your untiring efforts have been generously contributed towards all matters pertaining to the welfare and happiness of your fellow citizens. Though you are leaving this district, we all hope that you may be able to visit Matamata occasionally to renew old acquantanceship. In bidding you au-revoir we wish youjboth health, happiness and prosperity—signed Joseph Price (Matamata Town board), Joseph Pohlen (Matamata Hall committee), A. A. Bowler (Matamata branch N.Z. Farmers, Union), William Egan (Matamata Hunt club), Mrs H. A. Kelso (Matamata Red Cross branch), Isaac McNair (Matamata A. and P. Association), S. Gunn (Matamata School committee, Matamata Tennis club). Musical honors were conferred upon the guests. Credit is due to the two M's.G, Messrs J. Pohlen and T. Cotter, for the capable manner in which they conducted the proceedings, and also the ladies who so unselfishly devoted much of their, time to the provision of supper. The latter have the satisfaction of knowing that theirs was not the least appreciated item on the programme.