WAIKANAE NOTES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 8 September 1919, Page 3

WAIKANAE NOTES.

A valedictory afternoon, tea and presentations were accorded Mr and Mrs H. B. Elder and Mrs Earl on "Wednesday, when visitors were present from the adjacent townships. The rooms were beautifully decorated for the occasion with clematis and pink rhododendrons,, and the tables with lovely spring flowers. Bouquets of choice sweet peas and asparagus ferny with streamers of pink and primrose ribbons, were presented to the ladies. The presentation to Mr and Mrs Elder took the form of a magnificent picture of Waikanae, in oils, executed by Mr-Gore, of Wellington, while Mrs Earl received a valuable silver vase. Mrs Johnstou, in making the presentation, spoko of the high esteem in which Mr.'and Mrs Elder and Mrs Earl were held, and of their excellent work in the district. Mr and Mrs Elder, she said, had been residents of Waikanae for over twenty years. She referred to their estimable services, and stated how much tiey would be missed by all. Mrs Johnston also referred to the good feeling that had always existed' between their guests and the "Waikanae residents, and extended to them the best wishes of the community, -and wished them continued success.

Mrs and Mr Elder both responded with feeling words of thanks, and said they could but feel the whole-hearted sincerity of the gathering and they regretted leaving so many kind friends behind.

Mr and Mrs Elder expect to leave for Hnvcloek North about the middle of next month to take up residence. Mrs Johnston, in making the presentation to Mrs Earl, made reference to the good work and untiring energy displayed during her four years' residence, to the high esteem which she had earned, and wished her happiness and prosperity. Mrs Earl, in responding, expressed grateful thanks, and the pleasure it had given her to be assoeated with the people of Waikanae. During her stay she had made many kind friends and felt regretful at leaving them. The following programme was submitted and greatly enjoyed:—Pianoforte solo, Miss Bene Johnston; song. Miss O. Hart; recitation, Miss G.. Mathews; song, Mrs A. Monk; song, Mr* Taylor; pianoforte duct, Misses Johnston and Mathews; song, Miss Hart; song, Mrs A. Monk; song, Mrs Taylor; pianoforte solo, Miss Johnston. Afternoon tea was served in the best style, the tables being laden with delicacies. "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" and "Auld Lang Sync" concluded a pleasant afternoon's function. Another social function was held on Thursday afternoon last, when Mrs Austin, who has left "Waikanae, was entertained by a number of friends at a pleasant afternoon tea, when occasion was taken to express regret at her dc- | parture, and to wish her God-speedy Eulogistic reference was made on all,. sides of the sterling qualities of Mrs j Austin, who has been a willing worker ! in many good causes,' and it was freely - statol that her place would be most difficult to fill. During a suitable interval Mrs Austin was presented with a lovely work basket, and a bouquet of choice "spring flowers. The hell was nicely decorated for the occasion, and the gathering reflected most creditably on the promoters.

On Thursday last a jumble sale, organised by Mrs Earl, was held in St. Luke's Church Hall, when a splendid array of articles, given by Mrs Elder, vras "offered. The splendid sum of £l2, which goes towards the church hall building fund, was realised, which, with a donation from the Waikanae Girls' Club, will-reduce the debt to about £3O. Mrs Earl is organising a concert for to-night (Monday) in aid of the same fund, and it is expected a fair sum will .bo raised to further reduce the debt. ......

At a committee meeting of the Waikanae Girls' Club on Thursday, the *osignations of Mesdaiucs Elder and Eari (president and secretary) were read and received with deep regret. Both ladies will be greatly missed for their untiring work and their everteadv sympathy will be very hard to replace. They have entered thoroughly in»o the lives of the people, and their Sympathies have been wide and underStanding, while they have displayed unflagging interest during their whole term of office. The club, wished them good-bye with sincere regret. The business, besides accepting the resignations, was to donate £lO to St. Luke's Hall building fund and £-3 to the Horowhenua County Patriotic {Society. A few pounds are left in hand to carry on the club's good work.