VALEDICTORY

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 155, 23 October 1919, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

Mr and Mrs Connell and Mr J. Steen The Matamata Public Hall was taxed to its utmost on Tuesday night with friends who had assembled to bid farewell to Mrand Mrs R. Connell and Mr. J. Steen, who are leaving this week to take up their residence at Green Lane, Auckland. The function, ably controlled by Mr W. Egan, assisted by Mr J. Pohlen, took, the form of. »dance, with a presentation and musical and vocal items interspersed. The floor was in capital condition for dancing, and good music was'supplied by Mr W. T. Darby’s orchestra. Extra dances were nicely played by Misses M. Ross, Lake, and A. Harding. Songs were rendered by Miss M. Ross and Mr J. Baker, and elocutionary items by Mr Fred Morrow. At about 11 p.m., Mr J. Pohlen addressed the guests, and stated what a pleasure it was to all present to do honor to-thoin. He felt he was echoing the sentiments of all, however, when he said that that pleasure was tempered with a regret that such excellent citizens were leaving Matamata. Mr and Mrs Connell and Mr Steen were good; neighbours and had made a host of friends. Although Mrs Connell had not always enjoyed the best of health, she had never failed in any call made on her during her fifteen years’ residence here. Mr Steen had always been a willing Worker in any scheme for the welfare of the town. He wason the original hall committee, and had built the hall in such a thorough and workmanlike manner, that alhough it had not been of financial gain to him, it would remain a monument for many years. Mr Pohlen then handed Mrs Connell a silver tea-pot, Mr Connell a silver-mounted pipe, and Mr Stoen a leather suit case as tokens of esteem of the residents. The 'guests were accorded musical honors and cheers, after which Mr Connell and. Mr Steen both responded. The committee responsible for arrangements can take considerable credit to itself for the perfect manner in which they were carried out. The function was most enjoyable, and fitted the guests of the evening.