PIONEER AFTERNOON

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 25, 22 April 1938, Page 3

PIONEER AFTERNOON

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION i • _________ ARBANGED BY OPOTIKI INSTUTT'EI The Parish Hall presented an inviting scene yesterday, on the occasion ot the annual pioneer Afternoon arranged by the members of the Opotiki Women’s Institute. The exceptionally unfavourable weather which i invaded did not- m any way niar the function, there being some one hundred and fifty guests present. Ihe hall was cosy with floor rugs while the floral decorations Were partial* iariy beautiful. Mrs Fisher presided and the guests were welcomed by Mi's t. Fox and Mrs E. Maxwell.

The afternoon opened with the sing* ing of the Institute Song, Mrs A. C. Hamptou presiding at the piano. Mrs Fisher then ‘extended a- hearty welcome to all prsent and expressed the hope that, all would enjoy a happy afternoon.

The Mayor, Mr G.S.- Moody, when called upon to speak, thanked t-lie president for the invitation extended to him to he present and commended the committee and members of the Opotiki Women’s Institute for the-.r courtesy in arranging this function annually and affording so many of the pioneers an opportunity to meet and spend a. happy afternoon.

Mrs Shaw accompanied by Mrs "Williams, then delighted all present with two beautiful vocal selections, “Hie Song That Beached Mv Heart” and ‘‘l Hear You Calling Me”.

Mrs Fisher read several apologies for absence and called upon Mr J. 1L Gow to speak. Mr Gow said that he felt it was easy to speak at such a gathering when there were so many of his old friends present- whom lie did not meet every day. He felt he would like to express Ids thankfulness at being present and meeting his friends of many years standing in such harmonious surroundings. The pioneers owed a, debt to the Opotiki Women’s Institute who arranged this function annually. At- such a gathering as this, Mr. Gow said, one was reminded of the friends who had gone on since last gathering. One should not think of them with regret Imt remember the happy associations with them while they lived and cling to those old friends who still remained. The speaker added that the associations made in earlier life seemed to cling 111 the latter years of life just as the happenings ot years ago seemed to come hack with renewed freshness. Itwas in 1878 that lie first saw Opotiki so- it could be imagined that lie would have quite a scope of history to run over although there were many piesent- whose memory would carry them further back and to them he Avon 111 leave the relating of early history. Air Gow concluded his remarks by again thanking the members of the Institute for arranging this happy function. Mr Gordon Armstrong then spoke of the early history of Opotiki. His address was most- interesting and the audience was struck by his thorough knowledge- of the subject. yiiss Sampson, accompanied by Mrs J. G. [Murray, was heard to advantage in two popular vocal selections, “When You Come Home” and “Absent.” Mr. G. Fanning. oil Gisborne, then spoke of the early days. His address was both interesting and amusing with his many little anecdotes which more or loss illustrated h.s remarks. He said that it was sixty years since- he left Opotiki and it was fifty-six years before he found bis way back—it took him two days to go away from Opotiki and only lour hours to come back. Here, the guests were given a short respite for social chatter prior to the serving of arternoou tea which was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests. Miss Elsa ‘.Abbot contributed a pianoforte solo which was heartily applauded. A[i- J. H. Parkinson, of Devon port, was. called upon to speak. He- said it was loth. November, 1868, when he first arrived in Opotiki. AIT Parkinsen read a list of names of those who had voted for and against the late Sir William Kelly in the first Parliamentary elections held in Opotiki. ATr Parkinson ■ recalled each name and remarked in humorous vein of the funny little incidents which cadi* name seemed to recall. His address was greatly enjoyed, especially

by the older people to whom his address recalled so many happy memories. Two charming vocal selections, “The Piper from over the Way’’ and “Elillv Aroon” were chosen by Miss Eleanor Murray who was accompanied by Mrs J. G. Murray. Mr J. T. Tabb, in his usual happy style, gave a short address and the very successful afternoon was concluded. with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.