PRESENTATION of an ADDRESS TO MR D. L. SIMPSON. C.E.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 37, 27 July 1870, Page 5

PRESENTATION of an ADDRESS TO MR D. L. SIMPSON. C.E.

On the ere of hia departure from Cromwell, a number of the citizens resolved to present Mr Simpson, District Road Engineer, with an address expressive of their appreciation of the many valuable services he has rendered to the people of this'district. Accordingly, on Friday evening, a meeting was held at the Kawarau Hotel, and Mr Simpson was invited to attend. The attendance was numerous and influential. The following address was read by Mr Whetter, who took tho chair on the occasion : "To D. L. SniPSOJf, Esq., C.E., Cromwell. “ Dear Sir, —It is with a feeling of unfeigned regret that we learn your intention to leave this district ; and we therefore desire, before your departure from amongst us, to express our apEreeiation of tho many valuable services yon ave rendered to the people of Cromwell, both in your official capacity as Road Engineer, and also as a private citizen. “Wo need not dilate upon your professional skill and ability. Ample evilcnce cf these, in the shape of roads and other public works, exists throughout the extensive district which has been under your charge ; and if any further proof were wanting to c mvinco ns of your high professional status, it is to be foimd in the fact that yon have been asked to accept the responsible post of engineer of tho first railway works over undertaken in Otago—a position for which we believe you are eminently fitted. You have been distinguished for the zeal, energy, and promptitude yon have displayed in tho performance of the arduous duties necessarily devolving upon yon, and have ever striven to promote the wcl fare and advancement of Cromwell and the various districts adjacent. _" Of your worth as a member of tho community, we shall ever retain the wannest remembrance. During your residence here Mrs Simpson and yourself, in lending your valuable aid at amateur entertainments for the benefit of our public institutions, have done much to foster a refined musical taste in tho community ; and we desire to assure you thpt your efforts in that direction are appreciated by all who have had the pleasure of your acquaintance. " We cordially wish yon all success in your new sphere, and bog that yon will oauvuy to your amiable lady our hearty good wishes for the happiness of herself and family. " We remain, dear Sb* “ Yours faithfully,” [Here follow twenty-four signatures.] Mr Whetter, in presenting tho address, said that he had spent some of the happiest hours of his existence in the society of Mr Simpson, and he was sure that many of his fellow-townsmen would share the feeling of regret at that gentleman’s departure from among them. Mr Simpson, in reply, said ho felt extremely obliged to the kind friends who had signed the address, although ho very much feared that tho terms used were too flattering. M r Whetter ha 4 remarked that he was now leaving Cromwell for the second time ; but ho (Mr Simpson) hoped he would be enabled to return to tho district once more, and if hie third visit was not made on the “ iron horse," possibly he might como for the purpose of making a preliminary survey for a line of railroad between Balclutha and Cromwell. (Applause.) A number of other gentlemen present spoko in feeling terras of the good that had been done in various ways through the exertions of Mr and Mrs Simpson, and expressed regret at their leaving the district. The remainder of the evening was agreeably spent in conviviality, and some very excellent music, both vocal and instrumental, was discoursed fSr the amusement of the company. [lt is intended, we believe, to have the address engrossed and illuminated, and afterwards sent to Mr Simpson in Dunedin.]