Half A Century Of Service Recognised

Chronicle (Levin), 15 October 1949, Page 2

Half A Century Of Service Recognised

Offlcers, stewards and members of the Otaki- Maori Racing Club gathered at the accommodation house on Saturday hight to pay tribute to the long service of Mr. Hone McMillan, who recently retired from the office of president. The new president, Mr. Nepia Winiata, presided over an attendance numbering approximately 50. In welcoming those present, he said, the club felt that it could not let the opportunity pass without offering some small tribute in return for the sterling service rendered to the club over a long period by the guest of the evening. Mr. Winiata -mentioned that Mr. Rangi Mawhete (patron) , Mr. Tom Parata (vice- president) and several members were unable 'to attend and had tendered apologies. AfLer the loyal toast had been honoured,' the chairman called on Mr. Lou Bevan (vice^president) to propose the toast of. the guest of the evening. In doing so, Mr. Bevan said it was with regret that the club had heard of Mr. McMillan's desire to be reieased from N his duties. His valuable advice and careful administration had meant much to the cliib •during times both good and bad. He extended the very best wishes of all present to Mr. McMillan. for continued health and happiness. Mr. McMillan was greeted with musical honours on rising to reply, and offered his sincerest thanks for the club's gesture. He related incidents to do wilh the start of the ciub, adding that his connection dated back to 1894, when the stewards carried out all duties. He had served as president at intervals from 1926 to 1931, and had held the office from 1933 until his retirement this year. He in turn thanked the many who had striven hard to place the club on the firm footing it now enjoyed, adding that all had helped to make his task a pleasant one. A travelling rug, gladstone bag, a pipe and pouch ' and a unique scarf, with the heads and the records ofjall the winners of the English D^tby from the time of its inception to the present 'day beautifully worked thereon, were featured in . a 'presentation. made to Mr. McMillan by Mr. Winiata on the club's behajf. Messrs P. Kihg, ■?$.'; Puti, W. Seymour arid R. :(3$.rkeek, representing older s.tewafds -' and members, and Messrs •p^'J&kihana and M. Baker, .-Al%/iiaiCj tribute te jthe man^ste^PRh^^W^f dispiayed by ' the - guest of the evening. . * A variety of items contributed by Mesdames B, Bell and T, Winiata, and by Messrs D. Rikihana, W. Seymour, N. Winiata, M. Hakaraia, R. Carkeek and C. Winiata, all forme'd part of a most enjoyable evening, as did an- appetising supper furnished by Mrs^ H. Jacob and her willing- band of helpers.