VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 487, 30 September 1909, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

A farewell social and presentation was tendered to Mr and Mrs Jas. Symons and family by the citizens of Foxton, in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday evening last; At a meeting of representative citizens held some time since, and presided over by the Mayor, it was unanimously agreed that Mr’ and Mrs Symons and family should not be allowed to leave Foxlon without public expressiou of the esteem in which they are held and a public testimonial of endorsement. The Masonic Hall was taxed to its utmost with relatives, friends and acquaintances of the departing family. A capital vocal and instrumental programme was submitted aud appreciated by the audience, at the conclusion of which the Mayor presented Mr and Mrs Symons with a very handsome illuminated flamed address as follows: —

Foxton, N.Z. Sept. 28th, 1909. To Mr and Mrs James Symons and Family. Dear Friends.— The citizens of Foxton on hearing of your departure for Hastings after a life long residence amongst them feel that they cannot allow you to leave without expressing their sincere regret and marking the esteem in which you are universally held. Your acts of charity and your voluntary services in musical circles and the social life of the town will ever abide with us as a pleasing memory. Be assured that you carry away with you the goodwill, esteem and best wishes of all classes of the community for your future happiness and prosperty, and our earnest wish is that God will continue to abundantly bless you. We have the honour to subscribe ourselves on behalf of the citizens of Foxton. ■— Here follow the signatures.

He also presented mementos in the shape of jewellery, etc., to the four daughters. In doing so the Mayor referred to the fact of Mr and Mrs Jas. Symons’ life-long residence in Foxton, and the wreuch it would be to them to break away from associations that were near and dear to them. Although they would make many new friends in Hastings, they could not take the place of those Mr and Mrs Symons were leaving behind. He referred to the musical talents of the Misses Symonis and their readinees to place those talents at the service of any deserving cause. He was sure that in future Miss Symons’ reputation as a violinist would be known throughout the Dominion, and Foxton would feel proud of haying produced such a talented musician.. Mr and Mrs Symons had cause to feel proud of such a talented family and Hastings would receive a musical surprise. On behalf of the townspeople he wished Mr and Mrs Symons and family God-speed in their new home.

Appropriate speeches were also made by the Revs. G. YoungWoodward (Anglican), G. K. Aitken (Presbyterian), P. J. Mairs (Methodist) and Mr John Davies of Koputarua. The last named, who is one of the pioneers of the Manawatu, referred with pride to the fact that he had known the parents of Mr and Mrs Jas. Symons and the guests since they were babies. He was pround to be present to say a few words of farewell. He referred to the open door and genial hospitality of the Symons and Cooks—the guests forbears. His remarks were heartily applauded. On mounting the platform, to acknowledge the parting words of the speakers and presentations, the family were received with prolonged applause. Mr Symons feelingly and characteristically tendered his thanks to the citizens and assured them that he would prize the testimonial as one ot his most treasured gifts. He would be glad to see any old friends in Hastings. The Mayor then read a letter from the Foxton Racing Club which had conferred the honour of life membership on Mr Symons.

Refreshments were handed round by a band of willing helpers, after which those present sang “Auld Lang Syne*’ and hearty cheers were given for the Symons family. Votes of thanks were accorded to all who had assisted with the function and to the Mayor for presiding. Those who contributed to the programme were: Mesdames Tiviotdale, Wrigley, Clark. Misses Furrie, B. Speirs, H. Barber, A. Jenks, Messrs Preston, Hornblow, and Master Skeet. Accompaniments were played by Misses Jenks and Signal, Mr A. E. Jenks. The family leave Foxton tomorrow for Hastings, carrying away with them the best wishes of all classes, of the community.