VALEDICTORY.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 29 August 1919, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION. TO MB AND MRS H. LAEKIN. If proof were needed of the popuarity of Mr H. Larkin (for nearly ten ears statioumaster at. Otaki) and Mrs jarkin, the-social gathering held at h-ights' Theatre would certainly amply lemonstrate such, for the gathering ras one of the largest and most enhusiastic held at Otaki for some time. \mong those present were represcntaives of all classes of tho community, md it must indeed have been gratify«g to Mr uud Mrs Larkin to know that 'ueh a large assemblage had met to do hem honour, on the occasion of their leparture for Ouehunga. The gathering took life form of n lance social, dancing being interspersed with songs by Misses Pearless. F. MeOleland, Diaper. Messrs Puku Rikihana. Ralph Thomson and Jacob Utiku. Uractically all of the items were encored. Accompaniments were played by Mrs Jones. Misses A. Muir and Riki-

hana. • Dancing was kept going spiritedly tc capital music, supplied by Miss Rikiiioua, while Mr Leu. Kilraister us M.C. kept things going merrily and saw that all had a good time. Mr Byron Brown (chairman of tho Town Board), at a suitable interval, made an appropriate address. He said they had assembled to do honour to two estimable citizens who were about to leave Otaki —Mr and Mr* Larkiu. Mr Brown spoke reminiscently of the previous stationmasters isi Otaki. Mr M". 11. Ayro had been stationmaatcr under the old Mannwatu Railway Co. for some seventeen years, during which ■time he had done good work and had 'proved a good friend to many, often j >o his own disadvantage. Then several kolhets had held the position ' for short. |tcrros of ofiieo. followed by Mr Larkin. rwho. for nearly ten years, had served I Otaki raithfully and well, and that was saving a grout deal. It was a very hard matter to fill stick a responsible land trying position with satisfaction to tho public and to the Government, but Mr Larkin had succeeded in that difficult task. He had stuck to the rule* and regulations, though allowing a little elasticity where necessary, and had •non the esteem and respect of till for his iniparitiality and geniality. Mr t.nrkin had not been specially prominent in public affairs in Otaki, but ho was a good sport, a well-read man, and a man of artistic temperament. Speaking of Mrs Larkin, Mr Brown said it was a pleasure to know such a lady. Mrs Larkin was one of the best-read 'women inWhe district, and of even 'more artistic temperament thrni her [husband. In making Mr and Mrs Larkin a presentation, on behalf of the citi- ' zens of Otaki, Mr Brown said how sotry they were to lose such estimable residents, but trusted that they would remember Otaki and their frie»ds here, j I and that, they wo*Jd be happy and prosperous in their new- home. ', Mr Br»wn also apologised for Messrs* j W. H. Simcox and J. H. Andrew, who j were unable to attend, but expressed their appreciation of tho guests of tho ! evening, and sent wishes for their |

* future happiness. , The presentation took the form of n H very ha/id-ome cabinet grafhophono 3 and a large number of records*. The graphophone bore s silver plate with a suitable inscription. Rev. G. F. Pctric, M.A., on behalf hi the Literary and Debating Club, said both Mr and Mrs Larkin had been valued member* of that Club, and Mjm Larkin'H extraordinary talents had been of \ery great service to them. She was oat of the few ladies who possesocl a I splendid, logical mind, and as a debater and speaker was exceptionally clever. For two year-. Mrs Larkin had'been I vice-president of the club, twice editor | of the journal, ami in many ways fca« I been a valued contributor. Mr Petrio fj expressed his sreat pleasure at seeing H such a splendid attendance to do honour I to their guests, who would be much | missed from Otaki.

Mr D. Noble (president of the Bowling Club) briefly expressed the apprc-ci-»ion of the bowlers of Otaki of the , many estimable qualities of Mr and Mn' Larkin, and wished thflra goorf h*ahh, and every possible happinf* ! , susd prosjjerity in the future Mr Larkin, whe was heartily cheered. (raid »v ha<l faced many hard ts»k», but S "sobs so hard as this. He said* he wai j| and red Jape". They bad to try s:M hold the confidence of the public, to-* i . yt-i do their duty to their employer*, and ke had striven to do tht* to the ■ best of his, ability. Ttt«r*Otaki pal* were f-s.»y-goiag—that was proved by their being samsQed to'go without * r etane for all these yea.ni—ssttd he bsi , had litUft diffieulry is pteaumg the* I He had aljrjsyi? tn«<3 *« %' iV * **«' * f - aS * fair deaL ar.-j jv&i'i rribttte to tbWHt |* ! ; speaker's stead, ab Otaki would to* : nothing by hi* leaving the pla<;e. I f i r,sj aot trse'tfaat Otaki wa*"* I and aliv« hole," a* name declared, «H ' Mr Ixifkss st>ted, In ccistrareij-tio" ft » that »;ajeatat_j that daring- the v--*'- ■ -— "- *- n*aki kii

the Bowliag Clcb, 3lr Larkin; sat* - g m orgaai*alioE»—there were no ela«s *** M ' tiaeliou* there, and all the mash*** 8.

were good sports. In conclusion, Mr Larkin again heartily thanked . the people of Otaki for their kindness to himself and his wife, and for the handsome way in which they had been entertained.

Mrs Larkin, who was also most enthusiastically received, said she had been told that she must speak for her»elf. She expressed her keen regret at having to sever her connexion with the Otaki Literary and Debating Club, wiiich was a most estimable organisation, whisk she cordially recommended to the public for their hearty support. AH who could should certainly join its Ktnks. Mrs Larkin said her husband had praised her too much, and assured her hearers that whatever success Mr Larkin had attained in his work he had achieved by his own merits. He was, she said, something like a Scotch thistle —a little rough on the exterior, but had rriauy good points. In concluding a very neat speech, Mrs Larkin heartily thanked the committee for arranging such a-splendid function, the anniversary of which would always bo treasured by her arid her husband. The guests of the evening were accorded musical honours with much

gUiitO. A very nice supper was served to all, the ladies—and Mcsdames L. Kilminter and J. R. Bills in particular —being indefatigable in their efforts in this important department. The committee, and Mr J. E. Bills (hon. secretary), arc to be commended : on the great success of the whole funcjti«a.