RIMU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21098, 2 June 1930, Page 4

RIMU NOTES

MR AND MRS H. STEVENS FAREWELLED. On Tuesday evening last a very representative gathering of district people assembled in the hall to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs H. S. Stevens, who have sold their farm and are now residing in Invercargill. Mr J. Shand presided.’ The evening took the form of a dance, and at a suitable juncture the guests were presented with an aneroid barometer and clock as a mark of esteem in which they were held in the district. In his remarks Mr Shand referred .in glowing terms to the worth of both Mr and Mrs Stevens, who since coming to Rimu nearly five years ago have interested themselves largely in the affairs of the district. Mr Stevens took a very active interest especially in hall matters, and it was during the period when strenuous efforts were being made to raise funds for the erection of the present hall that Mr Stevens’ ability to organize money-raising ideas were much in evidence. Mr Shand concluded by wishing the guests every success in the future. Mr K. Henderson, speaking on behalf of the factory, referred to Mr Stevens’ work as a director. His views on dairying matters were always sound and well thought out. He regretted the departure of the guests and like Mr Shand realized the great benefit a man like Mr Stevens was to the district in general. Some time ago a Debating Club was formed and as chairman of that body he performed yeoman service. Mr E. Hargest, on behalf of the school and committee, eulogized Mr Stevens’ work in promoting the welfare of the pupils. He was a valued member of the committee whose help was always ungrudgingly given. Speaking personally, he regretted very much the loss of such fine people as the guests were, and trusted that they, with their children, would enjoy a greater measure of health, wealth and prosperity. Mr Stevens, in reply, wished to thank all the speakers for their kind words, and felt sure he did not deserve all the fine things said about him. On coming to the district he had decided to drop out of public life, later he realized that he must do his part otherwise he would miss the opportunity of making many friends. Both he and Mrs Stevens were extremely grateful for the kindnesses shown them during their short sojourn in Rimu. They would never forget the many friends they had made in the district.

Dancing continued until the early hours of the morning, the music being supplied by Mrs Leonard, Messrs Leonard and Henderson. Mr C. Church ably officiated as M.C.

Mr J. Hewitson, of Woodlands, was the purchaser of Mr Stevens’ farm. While a resident here, the latter, a most successful competitor at the Winter Show, on several occasions taking the prize for most points in turnips, swedes and mangolds. He was in this respect the most successful competitor in Southland within recent years. At the last euchre party held in the hall on Friday evening, Miss Daisy Dawson won the ladies’ prize, while Mr H. Bulling secured the prize for highest score among the men.