FAREWELL PRESENTATION.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 13 October 1920, Page 3

FAREWELL PRESENTATION.

TO MR AND MRS FRED COLEY. Mr aiul Mrs Fred Coley, who have been respected residents of Otuki Gorge for sonic considerable time, during which they have proved worthy and popular, were entertained by residents of Wailioanga and.district las'-' night. when the whole countryside attended to do honour to the guests. The schoolroom was utilised for the purpose, and the first, part of the evening was devoted to a euchre tournament. Many games were well con tested, while fun was at its heigh! throughout. The iirst prize for the lailies was awarded to Mrs W. Dodds, who won eight games out of ten. Mrs Jones secured the consolation. In the men’s contest there was keen cote lost, Messrs Batson, Russling nnjl Blandish being in the filial with seven . games each, lii the play-off the latter I won. Mr 11. .X icol.-on won the booby prize. At a suitable interval Air A. K. Knox, on behalf of the residents Stated till had congregated to bid farewell lo Mr and Mrs Coley, who were shortly to leave New Zealand for Australia. There was, said Mr Knox, no need to elaborate on the qualities of their guests; they were well known, and from, the time of their arrival ’tithe district had proved valuable and useful members. In asking their tic ccptance of a valuable suit case and vase Mr Knox said he hoped Mr aim Mrs Coley would accept same with tli best wishes of all. He then wishe.l them a pleasant voyage arid all pros parity. Mr Coley warmly thanked Mr Kao:- . for his kind winds and the gathering for their expression of appreciation ; He felt the remarks passed, as far ;■ he was personally concerned, too lint J taring. Ho had come to the Gorge I ; * help himself and tit the same time j advance the district, ami it was pica ing to know he had been partially sue eessfui. He had’endeavoured to gel a ! new road, and it was gratifying t know' that fil-ino had been placed os > the estimates for that purpose, but it j was evident more was needed, and li ' j hoped tlic settlers would advance tlieii J claim. He was glad to see progress in j any part of the district, and took the j opportunity of congratulating Otal.i | on electing a'progressive ticket at 11'■ j last Town Board election, and he no- j hoped the town would be successful in j the formation of a borough. Although | the Gorge had progressed, he .hope • settlers would not be satisfied, and urged all to push their claims and ken; lighting for further progress. Bolter postal facilities were necessary as well as other improvements, ami his advii was to jigitate. He had been ttmdde to do as much for the district as l'- 1 would have liked, but Ibis was due !'• ill-health, while Arts Coley was also handicapped by having to look after him. Otherwise she would have been more prominent in district allairs. M * Coley referred to the fact that Otal.i was Thinking of going to the Gorge fot their electric scheme, and if so m hoped till assistance possible would be given by settlers. In again thanking till for their kindness, and expressing regret Unit he and Mrs Coley wore 1o leave so many kind friends, he reminded those present that the County election was approach ing, and advised til! to help in the return of Air Knox, -who. no doubt, would prove a worthy representative. After applause. " For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was heartily sung', and thi'ii came refreshment- - on a libera* settle, after which (bulging and singing was indulged <jt>.