MR. AND MRS. BAXTER FAREWELLED

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 405, 30 August 1918, Page 1

MR. AND MRS. BAXTER FAREWELLED

Interesting Presentation

A large company of residents of the district assembled in the Premier Hall, Pukekohe, last Tuesday evening to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Baxter, who consequent on Mr. Baxter's appointment as Secretary of the Waikato A. and P. Association are removing to Hamilton. The gathering was held under the auspices of the Franklin A. and P. Society in conjunction with the Pukekohe oranch of the Women's Patriotic League. During their residence in Pukekohe of about six years Mr and Mrs Baxter have rendered unselfish service in various ways to all sections of the community, and therefore it was only fitting that some tangible expression should be Bhown tbem as a mark of appreciation of the esteem in which they are held. As Secretary to the Franklin A. and P. Society, Mr Baxter has proved himself a worthy official, whilst his Eractical knowledge of stock, comined with his genial disposition, has brought him in close contact with agriculturalists throughout a wide area by all of whom he is held in the highest respect. His judgment of stock has gained him an enviable reputation whilst his expert know* ledge of draught horses is such that he has frequently aeted as judge of these animals at the leading Agricultural Shows in the Dominion. But apart from his official duties Mr. Baxter has been conspicuous by his untiring efforts to aid all organisations in the district and his loyal service in connection with flower shows and patriotic work has been sd unobstrusively performed and consistently practised that both he and Mrs Baxter will be keenly missed. Mrs Baxter, as honorary secretary of the Pukekohe branch of the Women's Patriotic League, has carried out duties of self-sacrificing service for the good of all and throughout the district her valuable help has always been cheerfully given lo aid similar societies. In all ways she has proved a loyal and consistent worker, whilst her assistance in the A. and P. Society's secretarial duties has been invaluable.

After the singing of the National Anthem the Pukekohe orchestra, nnder the baton of Mr J. Hindman, rendered a selection of music.

Mr Dynes Fulton, as President of the A. and P. Society, in referring to the object of the gathering, mentioned that they were there that evening to show their sincere regret at losing Mr. and Mrs. Baxter who in many ways had been such untiring workers in the social life of the town of Pukekohe. He then asked the Mayor (Mr H. G. R. Mason) to address the gathering. His Worship said that on behalf of the Council and town of Pukekohe he wished Mr and Mrs Baxter every happiness in their future sphere of labours. Their devoted work, he stated, in connection with patriotic and other societies was much appreciated and they had proved in every way the best of workers. (Applause). What would be regarded as drudgery by some, their guests had undertaken with a spirit of enthusiasm and he felt sure they would be much missed and that Pukekohe's loss would be Hamilton's gain. He wished them both every happiness and future prosperity. Mr A. B. Barter, speaking as a representative of the Anglican Church, eulogised the splendid ser vice rendered by both Mr and Mrs Baxter in so many ways and referred to the spirit of helpfulness which their departing guests had shown in connection with the Anglican Church and its various organisations. Although they were not members of the Church they had shown by their practical help an interest in all that pertained to the social life of the town.

The Bev 8. Nixon, speaking on b )half of the Presbyterian Church, referred to Mr and Mrs Baxter as a splendid type of men and women from whom they parted with sincere regret. Should, said the reverend gentleman, Mr and Mrs Baxter forget Pukekohe, Pukekohe would never forget them Mrs Baxter, too, had been a quiet and valuable helper in cases of sickness and in many ways she and her husband would leave behind them a memory which would remain. On behalf of the Womens' Patriotic League, the Bev J. F. Martin spoke of the unselfish service rendered by Mrs Baxter in all patriotic work. He also spoke of the way in which both husband and wife had joined to do all that they could for the good and the greatest good to all sections. The ladies would especially miss Mrs Baxter and he sincerely trusted their future would be a truly happy one. Mr C. K. Lawrie, as Chairman of the Patriotic League, added his tribute of the devoted and unselfish work rendered by their guests who had. he remarked, justly "done their bit" towards patriotic work. Mr Dynes Fulton was the next speaker. He stated that Mr Baxter had not only carried out his duties as the A. and P. Society's Secretary with success but had also been a great help to any deserving cause in

the district. In recognition of his worth as Secretary the Executive had decided to make him an honorary life member of the Society (applause). Turning to Mr Baxter, Mr Fulton said that the members of the A. and P. Society and many friends recognised that they could not allow him to depart without a presentation to mark their appreciation of the services rendered by him and Mrs Baxti r and he would accordingly ask him to accept a gift of a purse of sovereigns. Mr. Baxter, who on rising to reply was greeted with prolonged applause, expressed on behalf of Mrs Baxter and himself sincere thanks for all their kind wishes and for their gift. As to the services they had tendered, he said, what they had done was after all what they had considered as a duty and such had been performed with pleasure* During the evening vocal items were contributed by the Misses N. Perkins, Clarke and Messrs. W. Tj Jones, V. S. Roberts and A. Young (songs) whilst Mr. Jonas gave two excellent recitations. Miss Penman acted as pianist. Supper was served by the ladies and the singing of the National Anthem brought the gathering to a close.