AN APPRECIATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2522, 23 December 1922, Page 2

AN APPRECIATION

OF AN EX-FOXTON RESIDENT. Mr P. -J. Mairs, who has been in charge of the Methodist Church at Wliakatane for the past three years, and who is leaving the district was entertained at a- public function one evening last week in appreciation of his public services to Wliakatane. \ll the local bodies in the district and all sections of the public were represented at the gathering. On behalf of the citizens, the Mayor. Mr W. R. Boon, presented Mr Mairs with an illuminated address and a wallet of notes. Reference was made to the splendid work Mr Mail's lmd done in promoting the beautifying of the t -wn. He had superintended tile improving of the Domain, and had laid out in gardens the area round the rock, a wellknown landmark at the entrance to the town. He had also superintended the planting of the sandhills near "Wliakatane with marram grass and lupin, and what was formerly a barren waste was now covered with vegetation. In all movements which made for the welfare of the district Mr Mairs had hoen prominent. Several of tlie public men of Wliakatane bore testimony to the splendid public spirit which had always been manifested by the departing minister. Mr Mairs i» at present on a visit to Foxtou to hi- daughter, * Mrs Cowley.