VALEDICTORY.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 20 August 1920, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO THE JOULa FAMILY. The esteem in which Mr and Mrs B.; ,0. Jones and family are held in Otaki, land the general regret felt at their intended departure lor Wellington, was demonstrated by the large and representative attendance at a social gathering held at Brights' Theatre, Otaki, on Wednesday night last. Mr and Airs Jones have resided here for nearly thirty years, during which lengthy period they have proved good citizens, while Mrs and Miss Evelyne Jones have been specially useful members of the community, on account of llieir musical abilities, which have been generously placed at the disposal of the public whenever required. It was therefore most pleasing to see such a large and enthusiastic gathering as that held on Wednesday night, to show the appreciation and good wishes of the community. Musical Programme. The Theatre had been nicely decorated with nikau fronds, flowers, etc. After a couple of dances, to allow the young folk to " warm their toes," a short but most successful musical programme was gone through. Mr Stable commenced by singing "Did'st Thou But Know," a line song, done full justice to by the singer, who at once ingratiated himself with his audience, and received a great reception. As an encore, Mr Stahlo sang '•ftifournelle" with equal success, and a further item, a beautiful, pathetic "Oastilian Lament," was a most ,pleasing effort, also greatly enjoyed. Miss Evelyne Jones, always a favourite, sang "A Birthday Song" tunefully and sweetly, ber hearers insisting on an encore, to which she responded with "A Lilac Cottou Bonuet." We have seldom heard Miss Kilsby to such advantage as on this occasion. Her song, entitled "luvitaiton," exactly suited her sweet, pure soprano voice, and the song was greatly enjoyed by all present. As an encore Miss Kilsby rang "Spring Shower*,." Mr Henaro Tahiwi's song, "When Love is Galling," was another most enjoyable item, which was also encored, Mr Tahiwi responding with an lold favourite, "Absent," nicely rendered. Mrs H. O. Jones' rendition of Chopin's Polonaise in A flat was a masterly effort that greatly delighted 1 the audience. j Presentation. At the conclusion of the musical items, the Rev. G. F. Petrie. M.A., said that, being a comparative stranger, he had to apologise for taking the position of chairman at that night's function. They were gathered together to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs H. O. Jones and family, who for nearly thirty years had played an important part in connection with the town, and during the , whole of- that time Mrs Jones had been an exponent of beautiful music, and , had closely identitied herself with nearly every social function in the town! and many outside Otaki itself. Mr.- Jones had been at the beck and call of people of all denominations, and Miss Evelyne Jones had also given valuable help in singing. Mr Petrie said Mr and Mrs Jones had proved valuable citizens, and the people of Otaki. while regretting their departure, were glad of the opportunity of expressing appreciation of their service-. Whatever else Otaki might be proud of. said the speaker, it was, unfortunately, lacking in musical talent, and the loss" of such a talented family would indeed be a serious blow to Otaki. However, they would have greater .cope in the city, and their many friends in Otaki would be glad to hear of their gaining fresh laurels in Wellington. Mr Petrie said it was a citizen 's'dutv to use his or her talents lor the benefit of the people among whom they lived, and in this respect Mrs lone- had been an exemplary citizen, and had given of her best cheerfully whenever required. in bidding their I guests farewell, Mr Petrie said he trusted good luck would go with them, and that they would all be happy and prosperous in their new home. He then presented Mrs Jones, on behalt of the residents of Otaki. with a beautiful leather handbag, suitably inscribed, together with a handsome sum of monev. Musical honours were accorded the guests, with much entbusiasm. , Mr Jones, replying in a neat speech .aid the oldest resident of Otaki could not remember his ever having made a ' speech; indeed this was his ntaiden 1 speech, and to be acceptable it must 1 be short. Mr Jones referred to the ■ progress made by Otaki since his first ' arrival here, some thirty years ago. • and said, though Otaki did not move , ' very quickly, it was forging ahead and ' he believed it had a good future ahead 1 of it. He referred facetiously to the ; need of modern improvements in the 1 town, and said doubtless these would be provided when the town became a ' 'borough, in the near future. Mr Jones ' said he and his wife and family had > always been treated with the utmost 1 kindness in Otaki, and though they '• were going to a bigger town they e could not hope to find friends more ae--1 eeptable than they had made rn Otaki. " which they would always take an ,n- ---* terest in. and look upon a* a home. e I Mr Jones said words failed him to exl! : ; re <, the deep thankfulness he- and his >, : IW and family felt for the kma ! " i word- spoken, the handsome preseuta- >■ i ttoni-and * he s P leDdid rece P UOn V™ y : them that evening. After this pleasing function danemg whs indulged again. The Cook Orche.tra provided excellent dance music. while the floor was in ti£*P "j** and Mr L. St. George worked hard as . f M.C. to ensure a pleasant evening -- ,„ amusement for all present. _ J An appetising supper was served in ~ the supper-room, supervised by the \. ladies. The committee -of oi 5 ' which Mrs Hodgson was a most

efficient and energetic secretary, is to be congratulated on the eminent suecess of the whole function.