VALEDICTORY.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 9 June 1920, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

MK AND MBS HOWARD ANDREI HONOURED. A SPLENDID MANAKAU FUNCTION. For the past thirteen years or so, 31 Ho war"! Andrew has taken a leadin; part in practically every public func tion at Alanakau; indeed, lie has beer the leading spirit in almost every special effort in that township. He has given freely ol' his talents and inexhaustible energy in the public interest, while ill's Andrew and Miss Robinson have also rendered him valuable support in, his efforts. When if was known that Mr Andrew was to leavc'Uanakau to take up residence at Levin, the residents of Manakau decided not to allow him to leave without some public recognition of his exceptional services, and a function was hold last night, with that, object in view. Despite a very dark and unpropitious night. Hie Town Hull was packed with one of the largest audiences seen at Manakau, and the unanimity and enthusiasm that prevailed in connection with the whole affair was a striking tribute to the popularity of the guests of the evening and recognition of their worth. Tim stage decorations were of a very special nature. Mrs Lcs. Atkins and Miss Jluby Bcvari, who arc famed for their artistic abilities, had gone to extra pains with the decorations, which were elaborate and exceedingly beautiful. The decorated baskets, flower stands, vases, etc., were of a very high order, the lovely blending of colours being an attractive feature, and the whole effect, was most pleasing. A Fine Programme. The musical programme supplied was generally recognised as one ol the best yet; heard at Manakau. Every item was much enjoyed, and Ihe large audience listened attentively and showed great, appreciation. The programmeopened with a song by Mr Frank Penn. "The Mountains o’ Mourne,” followeo by a pianoforte duet by Mrs 'smith. L.R.A.M.. and Miss Alkie Muir, A.T.C.L. This was a very line effort indeed. The Misses Myra and Florae Bevan proved as popular as ever, (heir vocal duet, “That Dear Old Home ol Mine,” being very pleasingly rendered and encored, when they sang “Memories.” Later on the same ladies sang “One of These Days,” which vm also vociferously encored. Mr Trcvethick gave a humorous recitation in his usual good style, and Miss Fvelyiu: Jones at- once won the hearts of her hearers by her flue rendition of “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” In response to the- inevitable recall she sang “The Four-leaved Clover” quite as successfully. For her second number MissJones sang “Buy My Roses,” anti again the audience was delighted and demanded more. A beautifully executed violin solo, by Miss Smith, was ;• rare Treat. An encore was do mended. A 1 r Mot tershead was in good voice, and gave I list t pleasing song, “Bonny Alary of Argyle,” and as an encore number “Believe Me it. all Those Endearing Charms.” in both of which his sweet tenor voice was heard to advantage. Air Ken. Ail ken 's monologue, “I’m Bert,” created roars of laughter, and was a really clever and enjoyable item. "Afy Bally Eyeglass,” his encore item, suited Air Aitkcn “down to the ground,” and delighted the audience, who insisted on yet an other item. We have seldom heard Atiss Robinson sing so well as in “May Along” which she rendered excellently, scoring a well-deserved encore, to which she responded with the old favourite, “Tit for Tat,” sung archly and well. Airs 11. O. Jones, as usual, scored a success with her pianoforte solo, given in brilliant style, and the audience enthusiastically demanded her reappearance Mr D. M- Mathcson’s rendition of “The Carnival” elicited an encore, to which lie responded with “The Gauntlet,” given with vim and in good style. Mr Howard Andrew’s song, “There’s a Big Lump of Sunshine.” called forth storms of applause, the singer responding by telling a humorous story. A musical monologue, entitled “His First Long Trousers.” was contributed bv Air Frank Penn, while Miss Ethel Jones’ recitation. “Chopping Wood.” was a very line effort, and delighted the audience, who insisted on another item, Ethel then reciting “The Bald-headed Alan.” to the enjoyment of all. AHs H. O. Jones supplied nearly all the accompaniments in her usual finished style. At the conclusion of the programme. Air Los. Atkins, who made a capital chairman, apologised for the unavoidable absence of Air J. P. Brandon (Chairman of the Otaki Town Board). Air Atkins also heartily thanked theperformers, and Sister Drake and Miss Bevan for arranging such a capital programme. An apology was also received front Aliss V. alker, who was unable to be present. to sing owing to trouble with a car The Presentations. Mr Les. Atkins said when it was first known that AJA and Airs Andrew and Miss Robinson tv err to leave Manakau and fake up residence m Levin there were more glad hearts in Levin than in Manakau. When they looked back over the years during which their guests had resided there, he ventured io say they had rendered more valuable service than any other family in the district. (Applause.) Of late the exe lama lion had i'm|ueptjy betu beara. “What are we going to do; The Andrews are going away!” !or .years past, said Air Atkins. Air Andrew had been tied to the counter and the -phone emitting rays of energy that had vitalised the whole township, and, as A'r Byron Brown hud once put it. everyone who came into touch with him was “ Andrewised. ” The Andrew.were always to the fore in local objects, and when earth’s shadows came to Alanakau people their guests were always the first to oSex their valuable

Sfasdlattnicc. Ou behalf of the public ot (TAlanakau, Air Atkins heartily thanked jj Air and Airs Andrew lor the noble part jj they had played in building up the t; public and private life of the town, and wished them all prosperity and happiness during their residence at Levin. (Applause.) Mr W. H. Field, member for the district, supported Air Atkins’ remarks, and expressed his pleasure at being present to do honour to such a valuable citizen as Air Andrew had proved himself. As General Birdwood had been described as “The Sou! of Anzac,” Air Field said he thought they might well term Air Andrew “The Soul of Manakau.” (Applause.) Air Andrew was indeed a live wire, and it had been the custom for Manakau people to leave him to take the initiative in practically every public movement. Air Field said lie was pleased that the guests of the evening were not going far away, and doubtless would retain pleasant connections with Manakau. Air Field then presented Air Andrew with a very i handsomely illuminated framed ad- ! dress, the text of which was as under: —“Manakau, Manawatu, N.Z., June Bth, 1920. J. Howard Andrew, Esq.: Dear Sir,—'We, the undersigned residents of Manakau, regretting your approaching departure, feel we cannot allow you to leave our midst without a token of the esteem in which you are held in this district. Your uprightness and your many acts of kind consideration for others during your .residence here have endeared you to till those with whom you came into contact, and will not be forgotten. Your devoted and untiring efforts during the dark days of the war won the admiration of us all. We ask your acceptance of this, with our best wishes for your'future welfare, and also that ot Airs Andrew and family.” Here followed the signatures of Air W. H. f ield, Aid’., Air L. Atkins, and <i<> other residents of

Alanakau. yirs T. Clifford also presented Airs Andrew with a silver teapot, and Alias Robinson with a very handsome gold brooch, on behalf of the residents ot Manakau. while little Aliases Kathleen Dalzell and Mina Gtuppks handed Mrs Andrew and Alias Robinson two very beautiful and artistic bouquets, the handiwork of Mi Penn. After musical honours had been accorded the guests of the evening, with great gusto, Air Andrew replied. He rl be had never been in such a hole before. He had endeavoured to atop this public function, as he considered “the boot should be on the other leg.” tie and his wife had met with so much kindness from the Manakau people Unit they felt they should call them to gether and thank them for their help and sympathies, and not be recipients of such honour as had been accorded them that flight. During his thirteen years’ residence at Alanakau he had seen many changes, but the people had all through been most kind to him and his. and he could safely say that the Alanakau people were among the best in the world. He was not going far away, and still had interests in Malta--I<;■ u: indeed, it, was quite possible he might come back and settle there again. He was shifting at the request of his medical adviser, who hud urged him to lake things more easily. Mr Andrew said Alanakau was a splendid little place, and he urged the people to pull together and help to make it better still; if they all did their best they would beat Levin yet! In conclusion. Air Andrew most heartily thanked the Manakau people on behalf of ATrs Andrew, Miss Robinson and himself, for tlicir splendid gifts, their royal reception, and the luuny kind nesses they had received at their hands. (Applause.) After the presentation a capital supper was served, and then the hall was cleared and dancing indulged in for a while. The function was a distinct credit to all concerned. The committee worked admirably, special thanks being due to Hie able chairman (Air Les. Atkin') and secretary (Air C. N'ees). The ladies' committee fAlesdames W. Dalzeil. C. Noes. T. < lifVoni and Aliss Houghton) also gave splendid service.