VALEDICTORY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 502, 3 February 1920, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

MR. AND MRS. JAS. COSTELLO.

There was ample evidence of the esteem and popularity in which Mi. and Mrs. Jas. Costello were held by Pukekohe residents, at the Premier Hall on Friday evening, -when a public farewell function was tendered them on the eve of their departure to take up their residence on the Hauraki Plains.

There was a very large attendance, including friends of the family, from all over the neighbourhood. Dancing formed the chief form of entertainment, the dancing arena being taxed to its utmost capacity by trippers of the light fantastic, who graced the floor, which was in excellent condition, to supplied by Mr and Mrs Harriman, violin and piano, respectively. Proceedings were enlivened by vocal items rendered by Messrs. Vivian, Jones and Young, and recitations by Mr. Vivian. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Harriman.

Messrs. W. Short and E. Ryan proved efficient M.C.s. A sumptuous supper, handed round, was duly appreciated. After the supper adjournment, Mr A; P. Daysh explained the objects of the function, and called upon His Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. K. Lawrie) to make a presentation to Mr. I and Mrs. Costello, on behalf of their friends and business people. In the course of a brief address, Mr. Lawrie said it was unfortunate that Pukekohe was losing so many of its fineresidents. It was only a few days ago that Mr. and Mrs. Grigor had been farewelled, and now they had assembled to say au' revoir to Mr. and Mrs. J. Costello. The latter had resided here for a period of IS years, and during their stay here had proved themselves able citizens, highly esteemed by all with whom they came in contact. Mr. Costello had worked assiduously in all matters pertaining to the upliftment and welfare of the whole community, and had done his duty as a citizen in a manner not only a credit to himself, but to the town and district generally. (Applause.) He had been issociated with the old Town Board for many years, and it was the Town Board that laid the foundation of the borough. He had done his duty, and everyone appreciated what he had accomplished. As' a veterinary surgeon, Mr. Costello had also performed what was required of him, and his many "cockatoo" friends who had a horse sick or a cow bad would sadly miss him. His Worship referred to the part played by Mrs. Costello in patriotic work of all descriptions, and whenever there was anything required doing for the boys who were fighting in far-off lands, Mrs. Costello would be there doing her little bit. (Applause.) On behalf of the whole community Mr. Lawrie expressed regret at Pukekohe losing such highly-esteemed and valuable citizens, but wished them health and prosperity in their future sphere "of life. He then presented Mr. and Mrs. Costello with a purse of sovereigns as a mark of the goodwill and appreciation in which they were held. (Loud applause.) "For They are Jolly Good Fellows'' was sung wth enthusiasm. After cheers had been given, Mr. Costello returned thanks on his own, and on Mrs. Costello's, •behalf. In so doing he said although he had expected a little memento, he never expected anything like the handsome gift they had received. However, anyone who knew the Pukekohe people knew that they always gave something above the ordinary. He said that what he had done for the district was only his duty, and he had always tried to please everyone. He felt that he could leave Pukekohe with no enemies; in fact, if he had an enemy he would remain until he made a friend of him. (Applause.) He heartily thanked them for the complimentary remarks, and the token cf appreciation and esteem in which the people held them. He hoped to be often paying a visit to his old friends. (Applause.)

A most successful function terminated about 2 a.m. with the rendering of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.

The success of the gathering was due to the work of the painstaking secretaries, Messrs. A. P. Daysh and J. Kennel ly.