TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2568, 25 December 1888, Page 2

TE AROHA.

Presentation.—One of our most useful workers for the advancement of the affairs of this town, Mr A. H. Whitehouse, has just left us to take up his abode in the Kaipara district. During his residence here, since the opening cf the field, Mr Whitehouse has always taken an active interest iu all matters tending towards the public good of the place, and has throughout shown pluck, energy and intelligence in enunciating his views. As a mark of the esteem in which lie is held in Te Aroha, a number of gentlomen assembled at the Public Hall on Saturday evening to show in a substantial way their appreciation of him, and to express their regret iu losing him from tho district. Mr James Mills having been voted to the chair, addressing Mr Whitelumse, said, "I have much pleasure in performing the duty allotted to rne to-night, viz.. that of presenting you with a purse of sovereigns from your numerous admirers and co-workers on the occasion of your leaving the district. We all know the loyal and hearty manner in which you have aided with voice, pen, and purso, every movement having for its object, the benefit of your fellows and tho advancement of tha di,=trict, and it must be a source of consolation to you to know that the policy in local matters advocated by yourself, and those who have been associated with you has made such rapid progress in the public mind, so much so that our opponents at the last election for Town Commissioners were simply nowhere having only received 82 votes out of a total recorded of 542, and I am sure I give utterance to the opinion of all our friends, when I say how much we shall miss yon, and that we wish you health and prosperity in your new sphere, and trust that the progress of this district in the near future may be such that it will be to your advantage to return to as, with the assurance that you will receivo a most hearty welcome." Mr Whitsliuuse, who was evidently taken aback, replied as follows: "I need not refer to the surprise you have given ine, but I must admit that you have made me feel proud, as I know that the expression you have given, emanates from feelinps of respect. Not occupying a position that it would possibly be any advantage for you to take such an action from a spirit of flattery, even if you had belonged to the class who would do so, therefore I know that you all at any rate believe me worthy of your esteem and respect, and I earnestly thank all for the way in which you have chosen to mark your appreciation of my efforts to do what I believed to be right whilst amongst you, and for the welfare of the place. With regard to myself and my future movements, I have seen no place which I can compare with Te Aroha, and it is With deep regret that I leave it, as I.have spent the happiest hours of my life here, but also those most heavily laden with sorrow, and it is oil this account that I think well to leave. Whether or not to return at some future day, I know not, but whenever I am I shall look back with pleasnre and pride to the expressions of respect you have given voice to to-night, and it will always give me delight to hear that Te Aroha is progressing. He again thanked them sinserely.— Mr Ahier bore testimony to the high esteem Mr Whitehouse has been held, in remarking that a straighter man he could not conceive.—Mr Cleary and other speakers bore similar testimony, after which Mr Whitehouse briefly returned thanks for the good-will and wishes expressed by all. Fancy Bazaar.—A grand fancy bazaar and Christmas tree, exhibited by Mr Balcke, took place at the Public Hall on Saturday evening, and was followed by a dance. This is the first public indication of tho festive season here. Forty one prizes wore awarded, some of them being of very good value, the chief prize boing an ornamental eight-day clock, which fell to Miss Katie Armit.

Moruixsviixe Racks.—A large number of people proceeded on Saturday by road and rail to witness these races, the To Aroha Brass Band being also in attendance.

Concert. —A most successful concert took place on Friday evening at the Public Hall, Waiorongomai, in aid of the school treat. The attendance was large.