Selwyn.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 258, 18 October 1928, Page 1

Selwyn.

Valedictory—Mr. J. O’Flaherty. The friends of Mr. J. O’Flaherty tendered him a smoke concert at Mangatapu on the eve of his removal, with his family, to Rotorua. There was a large attendance, and the spirit of the evening bore striking testimony to the worth ol; the guest, who has taken a leading part in the public life of the settlement during the past ten years. As chairman of the local school committee, one of the founders of the Catholic Church, and in other walks of life, Mr. O’Flaherty has taken a leading part and became to be regarded as one of the fathers of the settlement.

In opening proceedings, Mr. H. Geddas expressed the regret of those present in losing so good a neighbour. The evening was given as an appreciation of the prominent place which Mr. O’Flaherty had filled in the social and public life of the township. He had been to the fore in practically every movement for the benefit of the district for many years, and had been an exceedingly active and practical worker on behalf of the local school. The present fine building and school equipment was largely the result of his endeavour.

Mr. H. Nixon, manager of the Selwyn Timber Company, expressed his regret at parting with so highly esteemed a friend and neighbour. He referred to the long and happy relations that had been maintained between the families, and stated he was of the opinion that the company would experience great difficulty in ■filling his place as tram foreman. He sincerely hoped he and his family would achieve the success they so well deserved in their new sphere. Mr. R. Knap endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and recounted his years of experience as a next door neighbour throughout which unbroken good feeling had existed.

Mr. C. E. Hollard read numerous apologies from friends who were unable to be present. He testified to the cheerful and sportsmanlike spirit Mr. O’Flaherty had always shown, saying that though he might hold very divergent views on any subject, which he never hesitated to express, he never allowed any disagreement to influence his personal feelings. Their guest had been a tower of strength to the old athletic club, of which he had been the very backbone, and he had much pleasure in presenting him with a solid leather gladstone bag and hoped it would be a slight reminder of the goodwill of the many friends he was leaving behind at Mangatapu. In responding, Mr. O’Flaherty said it was very difficult for him to express his feelings. He thanked them for their very kind references to himself and family, and for the gift, which he would highly prize. He reciprocated the warm feelings of his neighbours, and said he was very proud of the sentiments expressed that evening. Anything he had done

was purely from a sense of duty, and he intended to continue in the same way wherever he might be. (Applause). He considered it a privilege to be associated with educational matters, as he thought it one of his most sacred duties to do everything possible to promote the education of his children. In changing his abode it was solely in the belief that he was bettering his family, and he had many genuine regrets at leaving Mangatapu, where he had spent so many happy days. Even in his misfortunes he had the happiness of appreciating the kind sympathy that had always been shown. In his ten years’ service with the firm he had received every consideration, and he regretted the depression in the timber industry which had caused the company some anxiety, as, as employers, they would stand comparison with any similar company in New Zealand. At the close of his remarks Mr. O’Flaherty was very warmly applauded and accorded the usual musical honours.

Songs and a recounting of old experiences filled in the rest of the evening, which closed with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Mrs. O’Flaherty.

On Monday evening the local friends of Mrs. O’Flaherty gathered at the residence of Mrs. Buckthought to wish her good-bye. There wa» a large attendance, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mrs. H. Lilley presented the guest of the evening with a jardiniere, and wished her success. In returning thanks; M”s. O’Flaherty expressed the hope th~t she would continue to meet her friends of Mangatapu as she was not moving far away.