SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2788, 23 September 1924, Page 4

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

4— TO MR AND MRS D. R. BARRON. We take the following- from the Lake County Press in reference to a social and presentation to Mr and Mrs Barron, who are about to fake up their residence in Foxton: — There wa's a large gathering of residents of Arrow town and surrounding districts at the Atheneum Hall on the evening of the Ist inst,, Ihe occasion being a valedictory social tendered to Mr and Mrs D. Barron on the eve of their departure from the district. Mr and Mrs Barron have resided at Arrow Junction for the past twelve years and Mr Barron, having been appointed inspector to the Manawatu Rabbit Board, with headquarters at Foxton, recently disposed of his farm. Mr and Mrs Barron have been very popular with all classes of the community, and il was therefore not surprising that every part of flic district was represented at the gathering. The evening was devoted principally to dancing, and at a convenient interval in the proceedings Mr and Mrs Barron were conducted to the stage, where they were received by His Worship the Mayor (Mr If. Ct. Bruce). His Worship said he was very pleased to see such a large and representative gathering present to do honour fo their departing friends Mr and Mrs Barron. The presence of so may friends that evening showed the esteem in which the guests of the evening were held by the residents of Arrowtown and district. During the twelve years that Mr Barron had resided in the district he had taken an active interest in many public matters, and his services were always available in connection with any movement that had for its object the welfare of the community. His assistance in connection with local concerts and entertainments had been invaluable, and in that connection bis departure from the district would be a distinct loss. Mr Ban-on had been a prominent member of the A. and P. Society and a regular exhibitor at tlie annual shows. He had also endeavoured to improve the standard of daily cows in the district by purchasing pure-bred animals, Mr Barron had taken a keen interest in school matters and for many years he had been chairman of the local school committee. Possessed of a venial and kindly disposition, Mr Barron was always bright and cheerful, and lie would lie greatly nissed by a large circle of friends. Mrs Barron would also be greatly nissed as she had taken an active oart in the social life of the district .chile her hospitality was proverbial. On behalf of their many friends his Worship extended to Mr and Mrs Barron his best wishes for iheir fulure happiness and success. The Rev. Wm. Mellhatfon said he was pleased to have been afforded ihe opportunity of saying a few words on such an imporatnt occasion. He referred in eulogistic terms to Ihe many good qualities possessed by Mr and Mrs Barron, and'expressed ..regret that they were leaving the district. In Mrs Barron, Mr Barron had a most worthy helpmate, and both Mr and Mrs Barron were held in the highest esteem by their neighbours and friends. On behalf' of his section of the community he wished Mr and Mrs Barron every -fut ure success.

Mr G. IT. Romans also expressed regret that Mr and Mrs Barron were leaving the-district. He said that: although Mr .Barron had met with a good deal of adversity since he arrived in the district, he had never grumbled, and his many friends were pleased to know that his farming venture had eventually proved a success. (Applause). Although Mr and Mrs Barron were busy people, they hud always found time to eftme along ami render assistance when their help was required, and they deserved great credit on that account. In conclusion, Mr Romans joined with the other speakers in wishing Air and Mrs Barron “long life and happiness.” The Mayor then handed to Mrs Barron a pair of solid silver entree dishes, which he asked her to accept. as a slight token of the esteem and respect in which her husband and herself were held by the residents of Arrowtown and district. The presentation was followed by the singing of “For They Are .Jolly Good Fellows.”

On rising; to reply, Mr Barron was received with prolonged applause. Ik- thanked them sincerely lor inviting Mi's Barron and himself to be present that evening:, and also for the very handsome present that had just been handed to Mrs Barron. He felt, however, that during his residence in the district, extending over a period of twelve years, he had only done his duty and did not deserve the battering encomiums that had been extended to him by the various speakers. On the other hand he might be pardoned in saying that the kindly references that had been made to Mrs Barron were not undeserved. (Applause). He could assure them that Mrs Barron and himself greatly appreciated the many kindnesses tnat had been accorded to them during their residence m the district, and they very much regretted having to part with so many friends. He need hardly say tnat they would not be forgotten, and Mrs Barron and himself would look forward with pleasurable anticipation to occasional visits to the district. (Loud Applause) .