Valedictory.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 445, 27 October 1904, Page 5

Valedictory.

Prior to his departure from Alexandra, Mr G. P. Blue was met at the Criterion Hotel on Wednesday evening of last week by a number of citizens and friends, who had gathered to wish the guest of the evening bon voyage Mr J. R. Bartholomew occu« pied the chair, and in a happy speech, proposed the toast of Mr Blue's health. In doing so, he paid a high tribute to Mr Blue's capabilities as a dredgemaster, and to his worth as a citizen, and he assured them he would take with him the best wishes of all for his future success in Burmah. Messrs J. Arnott, W. M'Callum, S. Cameron, Buchanan, L. Ryan, R. Strong, M'Queen, and others also spoke endorsing the chairman's remarks ; and Mr Blue suitably responded. A pleasant evening was brought to a close by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."

A large and represensatiye gathering of gentlemen interested in gold dredging in Otago met at the Grown Hotel, Uunedin, on Saturday evening last to bid farewell to Mr &. P. Blue, dredgemaster of the Mazoe Company's dredge in Burmah. Mr George Spencer (Alexandra South) occupied the chair, aud was ably supported by Mr Crawford in the vice chair. Mr Schaumann (Alexandra South),. ,in felicitous terms, proposed the toast of the departing gue'scs —Messrs Blue and J. Thomson (who accompanies Mr Blue). The toast was also spoken to by Messrs Gilkison, Crawford, and Nees (Dunedin), Fraser and Austin (Alexandra), Smart (Clyde), and J. L. Scott (Cromwell). Messrs Blue and Thomson having responded, the toast of the dredging industry was honored. Songs by Messrs Austin and Crawford added to the pleasure of the meeting, which concluded by the company singing ■' Auld lang syne," and bidding the travellers bon voyage. Daily Times,