VALEDICTORY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 11, 7 July 1911, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MRS. E. M. SMITH FAREWELLKD. At the Hygienic refreshment rooms yesterday afternoon about sixty ladies and gentlemen, friends and co-workers of Mrs. E. M. Smith, met at afternoon tea to wish her good-bye, on the eve of her departure for Levin, where her daughter, Mrs. Dyne, now resides, the change being rendered necessary by her failing health. Mrs. Smith was made the recipient of a small presentation as a token of the appreciation of her many valued services to the community and also as a souvenir of the warm friendship and esteem with which slip has come to be regarded by ali. Mr. E. Dockrill presided, in the absence of the Mayor, who wrote apologising for his and Mrs. Tisch's absence on account of his illness, and thanking the guest for what she had done for the town. The speakers were Mr. Dockrill, on behalf of the ladies' committee, with which Mrs. Smith had been so long associated, Lieut.-Col. Okey, V.D., and Captain Fletcher, on behalf of the Taranaki Rifles past and present; Superintendent F. 0. Bellringer, New Plymouth Fire Brigade; Mr. F. E. Coleman, Taranaki Garrison Band; Mr. L. Hill, Star Football Club; and Mr. Fletcher, East End Bathing Shed Committee. All expressed the regret they felt at Mrs. Smith's departure, and all hoped that restored health would soon enable her to resume her accustomed active interest In these and other institutions which she had so loyally helped for many years past, the chairman also reading a letter of appreciation of her efforts from the Recreai ion Sports Ground Committee. All bore tribute to the readiness with which Mrs. Smith had for long years past associated herself with all manner of functions in aid of the institutions enumerated and in every benevolent cause brought under her notice, and to the great personal sacrifice of her leisure to assist in this way. Reference was made to her value as a true-hearted and constant friend. Mrs. Smith was much moved when she rose to reply to Mr. and Mrs. Dockrill, the other speakers coming subsequently. She was sorry, she said, to leave her old friends in New Plymouth,. but it was not for good. She would soon be back amongst them, she hoped. The kindness shown to her that day and ever was greatly treasured, and she wished to thank all those with whom she had worked for their kindness and consideration towards her. Some of those present could understand why she had a warm corner in her heart for the volunteers, while she considered every citizen ought to be glad to assist the lire brigade, whose members voluntarily risked their lives in the public interest. Her boys' interest in athletics accounted for her interest in the Sports Ground. A gift was made to Miss Alison Blair also, Mrs. Dockrill impressing upon her to "look after grandmother, and bring her safe back to New Plymouth." Mr. Thos. Smith also thanked friends for his mother. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" concluded the gathering.