VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2356, 17 November 1921, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

The following, clipped from the Otaki Mail, will be read with interest by Mr and Mrs Hodgson’s many Foxton friends: —

On Friday afternoon Mrs; J. W. Hodgson was the guest of the members of All Saints’ Ladies' Guild at a - garden party held in the yicarage grounds. On behalf of the .ladies, the vicar (the Rev. G. P. Petrie) presented Mrs Hodgson with a beautiful inlaid tray and Doulton teapot, and eulogised the good work she bad done ns secretary of the Guild, lie also paid a tribute to her loyalty to her church, and her self-denying efforts to further its welfare.

Mrs Hodgson was on Saturday entertained by the tennis club, and made the recipient of a handsome presentation, while Mr Hodgson received from his staff a valuable set of pipes. On Monday evening, in Bright’s Theatre, Mr and Mrs Hodgson were accorded a farewell social by the citizens. The Rev. Mr Petrie, in a happy speech, said Mr and Mrs Hodgson had many good points, and were neighbours and friends one might be well proud of. They were kind, obliging, and always ready and willing to help, and Mr Hodgson’s motto had always been “service, not self.” He was a man who would go out of bis way to do good, and had a large heart. Mrs Hodgson had always done her best for her Church, town, and Empire, and had been a very enthusiastic worker during the war time. She had been a most useful member of the Patriotic Society, and had been connected with most movements for the advancement of Otaki, and it would indeed be bard to till her place. He wished both a happy time in their new home, and assured them they were leaving behind many friends and pleasant memories. (Applause). Mr Brandon, Mayor, presented Mr and Mrs Hodgson with a tine gate-legged table, bearing a silver plate (engraved), travelling rug, and a cheque. The public, said Mr Brandon, desired to show admiration for their guests, and at the same time express regret at their departure. Alt knew they were losing the best of friends.

Mr Hodgson, on rising to respond, was greeted with a deal of applause. He said lie could not find w ords to express bis feelings for the kind remarks made concerning Mrs Hodgson and himself. What bad been said about Mrs Hodgson may be true, he said, but those said about himself were not so true. He was very glad to know' that Mrs Hodgson’s efforts had been appreciated; as for himself, he had only done his best for the Department and district. Mr Hodgson said he had always done his best for his staff, and in conclusion said that w hen retired he would return to Otaki to take up residence. (Loud applause.) He regretted for the time being to lose so many kind friends, and assured all that he fully appreciated their very kind sentiments and presents. (Applause).