BUSINESS MAN FAREWELLED

Chronicle (Levin), 5 September 1947, Page 3

BUSINESS MAN FAREWELLED

MU. JHING LEE HONOURED A number of business associates, members of the Borough Council and personal friends, gathered in the business premises of Mr. Jhing Lee yesterday afternoon to bid him bon voyage on the eve of his departure on the first stage of his .return to China. Mr. J. T. Bovis outlined the reason for the gathering and called upon Mr. E. Perry as the first speaker. Mr. Perry stated that Shannon would be suffering a great loss in losing Jhing, but as it was- many years since he had vi'sited his native land, the people of the town were happy in the thought that he was going home to see his friends in China. Mr. Perry expressed the desire that Jhing would have a pleasant trip and' would find all well with his friends. He hoped that it would not be too long before Jhing returned to Shannon again. Mr. Perry then called upon Mr. Lee to accept a small gift as a mark of appreciation from his friends who had gathered to bid him farewell. The next speaker was Mr. F. O. Burtt, who spoke on behalf of the school committee and the girls' marching teams. Mr. Burtt endorsed the remarks of Mr. Perry in wishing Jhing a safe journey home and a speedy return to New Zealand and concluded by expressing sincere thanks for his generous contribution towards the school picnic fund and the local marching teams. Other speakers who wished Mr. Lee well were Mr. R. Vinsen, on behalf of the business people of Shannon, the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. R. R. Lind, speaking on behalf of the citizens, and Mr. T. S. Downes, who spoke for the younger people of the town. In his brief but fitting reply, Mr. Lee expressed thanks to those of his friends who had gathered with him to make such a pleasant afternoon. Mr. Lee said that he had resided in New Zealand for 44 years and during that time he had been in business in Shannon and Levin only. He had seen the young people of the town grow up and many of them were now successful business men and good citizens to the town. He had seen two wars and the youngsters called away to serve their country gallantly. Now tha't he was leaving for two or three years to visit his native China he was sorry to leave Shannon but was pleased to be returning home for a vi3it. He expressed the hope that he would re'turn to Shannon and see all those good friends still here to meet him. Mr. Lee concluded by expressing his sincere thanks for the gift which he would always carry as a reminder of his many kind friends in Shannon. The afternoon concluded by all joining hands for the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Mr. Lee will leave for Wellington where he will make arrangements for his luggage to be placed on board ship and will then journey to Auckland by train to connect with the trans-Tasman flying boat for Sydney. Mr. Lee expects to reach his native land in about two weeks. ■■■ MU ,