SOCIAL AT OKATO.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1918, Page 3

SOCIAL AT OKATO.

MR. C. ANDREWS FAREWELLED. Okato hall was crowded on Thursday evening, the occasion being a social gathering to farewell Mr. C. Andrews, who has given up farming after a residence of about 33 years in the Okato district, during the whole of which time he has been prominent in every movement for the advancement of 'the district. Visitors were present from as far apart as Oakura and Opunake. Dancing and cards made the time pass pleasantly for all, Mr. L. S. Hart making an efficient M.C., whilst excellent music was played by Mr. Pearson, an extra being played by Miss Corbett. During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs. Baxendale, and Mrs. Jones (a visitor to' the district), the accompaniments being ptaved by Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Baxendale. Botli songs were very well rendered and were worthy of the applause with which they were greeted. After fall justice had been done to the good supper provided, several speakers paid a tribute to the good qualities of the guest, Mr. J. S. Fox remarking that he had known Mr. Andrews for 27 years, and looked forward witli regret to his departure from the district. He considered that he was voicing the opinion of all fn expressing the hope that Mr. indrews would stay in the district, because he was far too useful a man for a small community to lose. The speaker did not know of anyone who had done more work on local bodies or who had taken more interest in local affairs than had their guest. He had been connected with the school committee for years, and had been the prime mover on the hall committee; in fact, the hall would never have been built but for Mr. Andrews, who for a long time shouldered the whole expense. He had also been chairman of different boards, and had been their representative on the county council for years. In concluding, ho hoped that Mr. Andrews would build a home in Okato and remain in the district. Mr. J. Wooldridge stated that he had known Mr. Andrews for twenty-five years, eight years after Mr. Andrews came to the district, and he paid a high tribute to his public-spiritedness, and to his work on the School Committee, Hall Committee, Road Board, County Council, Efficiency Board, and Patriotic Committee. He also referred to the esteem in which Mr. Andrews' family was held, expressing pleasure at seeing so many of them present. Mr. Roebuck spoke on behalf of the older settlers, having known Mr. Andrews since he landed in Taranaki over 33 years ago. He also touched on Mr. Andrews' association with local and public affairs and, in expressing regret at his departure, wished him long life and happiness. He then, amidst hearty applause, presented Mr. Andrews with a handsome case of pipes as a slight memento.

Mr. Andrews stated that he would always have a warm corner in his heart for Okato, which he was sorry to leave after a residence of 33 years. He had been associated with practically all that had gone on, because he felt that it was up to everyone to do what they could to advance the interests of the place and of the people. Personally he felt that he should leave the place a little better than he had found it. He recognised that if he had not stuck to the hall as he had they would not have had a hall now. He had fought tooth and nail for two years against it being erected as a volunteer hall, because he felt there would be too much red tape to deal with when the hall was wanted for other purposes. He was pleased that he had succeeded. He had always done the best he could to help everything on, and he hoped that he took it as a great compliment his place. In concluding, he remarked that he took it as a great complement to his family to see so many present.

After enthusiastically according the guest "musical honors" dancing was resumed and kept up until the early hours.