Accolade for a Popular Lady

Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 34, September 1990

Tribute by the women of Waihi was paid to Waihi's Mayoress of 12 years, Mrs Rosemary Morgan, at a gathering to over 300 women in the Waihi Memorial Hall on Sunday, September 16, 1989.

The function took the form of a "This is your Life" programme and had been quietly arranged that Mrs Morgan did not have an inkling of what had been going on among the town's women over the past three months.

Mrs Morgan had been lunching with Mrs Jocelyn Wilson when it was suggested that they go to the Memorial Hall where some of the "oldies" were having their photos taken. She was very mystified when on arrival at the hall she was presented with an orchid spray and escorted onto the stage. She was still more puzzled when she was handed a gold embossed maroon album by the compere, Kathie Worker, who asked her to read the inscription on it. Briefs about her life in Waihi and her involvement in the varied organisations were then recalled form the well-compiled book.

Mrs Rosemary Morgan displays her presentation.

Husband, Owen, complete with the Mayoral Chain of Office, then took the opportunity to present Mrs Morgan with what he said was a very overdue prize. Some years ago the Borough Council held a competition for designs to beautify the Seddon Street commercial area. Mrs Morgan's entry was the only one received and it had been discovered recently that she had not received the $50.00 prize money.

The President of the Waihi Rotary Club, Chris Hale, then presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation of Meritorious Service Award on the club's behalf.

On behalf of the women of Waihi, Mrs Nancy Saunders unveiled a large framed recently completed water painting by local artist, Val Tubman, of the Morgan's Waitete Road home in spring. Mrs Morgan expressed her pleasure at receiving this gift and in reply said that it had been a pleasure being mayoress but that her husband, Owen, had the difficult job.

The afternoon concluded with the Paeroa District Choir ending up their list of items with "At the end of the Day", after which afternoon tea was served.