HUIROA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 6, 10 December 1915, Page 7

HUIROA.

(From our own Correspondent)

December 8

Again I have to record departures from the district, this time in the persons of Mr and Mrs W. Phillips and family, who leave here this w eek foJ the North. Mr and Mrs Phillips are among the oldest settlers of the district, and their departure from our midst occasions very genuine and general regret throughout the community. On Friday evening last, they were publicly entertained by the residents of the district at a farewell social in the schoolroom, and at the cud of an enjoyable programme of musical and other items, an opportunity was taken of presenting to Mr Phillips an illuminated address, expressing appreciation of the good work done by him during the period ol his twenty years residence in the district, and notably in connection with the Church, Sunday School, and Public School, he having filled all the offices of preacher, circuit steward, and trustee in connection with the Church as well as having acted for many years superintendent of the Sunday School and chairman of the Public School Committee. The address was signed on behalf of the residents by all the Church officials and by the members of the School Committee. To Mrs Phillips, who has ably assisted Mr Phillips in his good work, was presented with a silver tea service, while Messrs Frank and George Phillips were presented with hooks suitably inscribed. The Chairman, the Rev. C. Aker, and several other speakers (including Mr A. Needham, of Douglas, as representative of the residents of "surrounding districts, who joined u s in tendering the presentations), again emphasised our appreciation of the good work done for the district by our guests, aud after Mr Phillips had feelingly responded, the audience sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” followed by three hearty cheers. After supper (kindly provided by some of the ladies) had been partaken of and the final farewells had been said, we wended our ways homeward, realising that a gap is being created that it will he difficult to fill.

Tho Ladies’ Sewing Guild has been meeting regularly (and working hard) to provide tho necessary articles for stocking the various stalls at the forthcoming patriotic bazaar. I hear that the minimum amount that will satisfy the ladies for their efforts is a three-figure one, and judging by present indications, it will be realised. The great event looming in the immediate future is the “breaking-up” school concert, which is to be held on Thursday evening, December 16lTt. An entirely novel variety programme will be rendered by school children and adults, and by the Huiroa Dramatic (?) Society. Seating accommodation is already at a premium.