PRESENTATION TO MR ROBERT CRAMOND.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 203, 31 May 1878, Page 5

PRESENTATION TO MR ROBERT CRAMOND.

It having a few clays ago become known that Mr Kobert Cramond, of Balclutha, was to start to-day for Melbourne, en rqute on a visit to the home country, it was felt by his numerous friends here to be a fitting occasion- on which to acknowledge the many valuable services he has rendered to the inhabitants, and to testify to the the respect in which he is universally held. Mr Cramond has had conferred upon him. the highest honour it is in the power of the citizens to bestow — that of Mayor. He has also, with the exception of one year, held a seat at the Council Board ever since the township was created a Municipality — about eight years ago. During the whole of tbat time Mr Cramond has taken a very active interest in the affairs of the township, and has often sacrificed his personal interests to those of the public. In private life he has been most genial and obliging, and ever ready to lend assistance where such was required. The short notice of his intended departure rendered any public demonstration impossible, while the unfortunate state of his health also rendered this undesirable. It was therefore resolved that a few friends should ask him to join them for an hour at the Criterion Hotel (Mr Canning's) last evening, that they might have an opportunity of expressing their parting greetings.

His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and said the duty he had to perform was a pleasant one, while he regretted the occasion should have been the departure of their friend, Mr Cramond, for a time from amongst them. He hoped, however, he would speedily return reinvigorated in health. He then read the following address: — To Robert Cramond. Esq., Member of the Borough Council of Balclutha, Otago, New Zealand. Siu, — We the Mayor and Borough Councillors of Balclutha, embrace tlie opportunity of your- departure on a visit to the home couatry I to express to you our sincere respeot and good I wishes. The zeal with which you devoted yourself to promote the best interests of the community during your term of office as Mayor, and durina; tlie eight years you have occupied a seat at the Council Board, has gained for you the gratitude and esteem of your colleagues and the public generally. "We ask .your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a tangible evidence of tho feelings we hsive expressed. We wish you a prosperous voyage and a speedy return, restored to health, to your wife aud family, and your duties here. We aro, &c, John M'Neil, Mayor. Robert Hogg . It. Doull J John Macdonald > Councillors. P. S. Canning j John Dunne ' Thos. Paterson, Borough Clerk. The Chairman then handed to Mr Cramond the purse of sovereigns amidst the applause of the company. Mr Cramond, in reply, said he was at a loss in what terms to express his thanks for their kindness. They were aware he had been advised by Dr Smith to leave Balclutha for a time. He hoped shortly to return, and yet be of further service to the citizens. It was peculiarly gratifying to him to receive the address jii3t read from his colleagues. They hid not at all times agreed in matters political, bnt the address was sufficient evidence that his colleagues gave him credit for the sincerity of his opinions even when differing with them. It also showed that while they might have small bickerings in the Council, yet personally they were friends. Mr Cramond then explained that 15 years had elapsed since he had arrived at Balclutha. He explained its then appearance and contrasted that with its present prosperous condition. He referred to several influences which pointed to the future prosperity of the town and district, and he had no doubt that great future prosperity was in store for them. He concluded by again thanking them for the address and handsome gift. Cake and wine followed. The Chairman proposed Mr Cramond's health, which was drank with enthusiasm. Other toasts followed, and a pleasant hour was spent. The company broke np at an early hour, all being greatly pleased with the proceedings.