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Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 287, 26 June 1917, Page 3

ONEWHERO. VALEDICTORY. Last Thursday afternoon the Onewhero Hall was packed with a large gathering of settlers of the district, who had met to hid farewell to Mr and Mrs J A. Bark, prior to their departure from the district, Mr Bark having resigned his position as schoolmaster at Onewher3 consequent on his acceptance of an ap» pointment under the Hawkes' Bay Education Board in the Gisborne Bchool.

Mr B. J. Glasgow, ex-chairman of the local School Committee, presided and during the course of his remarks made reference to the many estimable qualities possessed by Mr and Mrs Bark During their four and ahalf years' residence at Onewhero they had, he said, always taken a prominent part in the social life of the settlement and their departure would leave a gap> which it would be very hard to fill. In them the Tennis Club would lose two enthusiastic supporters and players; in Church services they would be mnch missed as they had taken a leading part in the singing, Mrs Bark acting as organist for Anglicars and Presbyterians ; in concerts too they had always been to the fore in musical items, etc.; and as secretary to the Horticultural and Industrial Show Mr Bark had been a tower of strength, the bulk of the work of organising having been carried out by him. Mr C. E. Walter briefly endorsed the Chairman's remarks.

Mr Glasgow then wished Mr and Mrs Bark and family every success and happiness in their new home and presented Mr Bark with an inscribed watch from the scholars and their parents and to Mrs Bark he handed a gold bracelet from her Church friends. Mr Baik returned thanks on behalf of Mrs Bark and himself for the kind wishes uttered and tokens of esteem presented to them. He spoke of some of the worries of a schoolmaster, asking his hearers to extend their help to the new master in the interests of the children. In conclusion he said he left the district with the best of wishes for its welfare and would always remember his Onewhero friends and the many happy hours spent among them. Afternoon tea was handed round by the ladies and the meeting dispersed after singing the National Anthem and giving three cheers for Mr and Mrs Bark.