KIMBOLTON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9092, 11 March 1908, Page 5

KIMBOLTON.

FAREWELL TO MR L. E. JACKSON. Poole’s Hall, Kimbolton, was crowded to the doors last evening, on the occasion of a farewell social and dance to Mr L. E. Jackson and family. Mr E Orabhe presided, and apologised for the absence of Messrs D. H. Guthrie, A. G. Oarty, Fred. Pirani and O. A. Levett, Messrs Fowler, Kidd, Mathieson, Brook, Gorton and Evans occupied seats on the platform. The Chairman welcomed those present, but regretted they had assembled to say “Good-bye” to one who, for the past twelve years, had been a most prominent citizen. He also personally regretted Mr Jackson’s departure because it marked the close of a pleasant acquaintance for three years. Mr Jackson had been ever ready to assist other settlers with advice, but it was not merely because of his social qualities that they were there that night, but because, during his residence in Kimbolton, he had been ever one of the foremost in advocaing and working for any movemeu he considered would be a benefit to the district. Mr Orabhe then referred to Mr Jackson’s connection with the Sports Club, Swimming Club, and other local institutions, and said that since the formation of tiie Farmers’ Union he had been one of the foremost in its iutreests. He did not feel called upon to dwell on the work done by Mr Jackson for the Feilding A. and P. Association, as that body intended to entertain him. In regard to education, Mr Jackson had been a true friend to the children, who had found him a constant and strong advocate of their interests, and in this movement he had reaped the reward most coveted by all public men, that of seeing his work live after him, more particularly in regard to the cause of agricultural education. The local school had ever found in him a keen champion of its interests, and his place would be hard to fill. He would like to say that the district had not been unmindful of the work Mr Jackson had done ; they regretted extremely that he had found it necessary to leave them, and they wished him good health and prosperity. Whenever he could find it convenient to visit them, he could be sure of a hearty welcome. The Chairman thou presented Mr Jackson with a purse of fifty sovereigns, and read the following address, which is to be illuminated and handed to him later, signed by nearly every settler in the district:— “L. E. JACKSON, Esq.,

“Dear Sir, —We the undersigned friends and well-wishers, feel that on this, the eve of your departure from Kimbolton, we cannot allow you to leave without some mark_ of our appreciation and esteem. During your stay amongst us you have taken such an active part in all matters conected with the welfare and progress of the district that your .“absence will most keenly be felt. As a slight token of our remembrance and of our respect and esteem, we therefore beg your acceptance of this address and accompanying gift. “Wishing you and your family good health ami prosperity in the years to come, we remain, yours sincerely——” Here follow the names of all the prominent members of the community.

Mr Jackson, in responding, said that he appreciated their kindness very much. He had come to the district some years ago a stranger, and he would have been unable to have done anything had he not had the assistance of others. He had been thanked for his assistance as a practical farmer and although he had done what She could in this direction, he felt that he might have done more. He had felt that home life was the basis upon which farmers should build their lives, and part of that home life should be the education of their children. He had done his best toYorward education in the district and had been amply repaid by the success attending his efforts. He thanked the men in his employ for their faithful service and hoped that their future would be happy. During the evening Mesdames Hazel, Hooking, Shapleski and Palmer and Messrs Booth, Matheson, Baynes, Ramsay and Archibald contributed vocal items. Mr Baynes and Miss Pamelka provided the accompaniments. Mr Periohou provided the music for the dances, and Messrs Hansen and Evans acted as M.O. ’s Mr A. J. Hart, Feildmg, provided the refreshments.