WELLINGTON'S DIRECTOR OF RESERVES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 12, 9 October 1918, Page 6

WELLINGTON'S DIRECTOR OF RESERVES

PRESENTATION AT OAMiABTJ.

A large and representative gathering assembled in the Oamaru Borough Council Chambers to take public leave of and make a presentation to Mr. J. (i. Mackenzie, who has come to Wellington and taken up the position of Director of Parks and Reserves. The presentation took the form of a welllillcd purse of bank notos and an autograph album bearing an inscription and a large number of signatures, together with a collection of photographs of tho gardens and other scenes in Oamaru, Tho Mayor, who presided, said Mr. Mackenzie had gained the high position he was going to on. his merits, and he had no doubt that ho would succeed in it. For thirteen years ho had been in charge of the Oamaru gardens, and had given good service. Ho had brought to bear upon his work enthusiasm and skill, and had been most anxious to succeed. The Beautifying Society had earned tho thanks of the community for'what it had done, but the credit was largely due to Mr. Mackenzie It had been felt that Mr. Mackenzie could not be allowed to depart without sonic token of appreciation of the services lie had rendered to tho community and an expression of good wishes for success in his new sphere He then handed the several articles to Mr. Mackenzie and wished him and Mrs. Mackenzie good health, happiness, and prosperity in their now home. The time for arranging the presentation hnd been short, but he had no doubt that Mr. Mackenzie would value the evidence of tho appreciation of his services.

Mr. J. Kodman said lie had been deputed by the King George's Park Committee'to express to Mr. Mackenzie grateful acknowledgments of the great work lie had done in connection with the park. It was owing to the excellence of Mr. Mackenzie's advice, ability, and skill that the park had been brought to suoli a splendid condition, and ho'was entitled to their gratitude. He hoped, that nil good things would follow him to Wellington, for lie was not only appreciated for what he had done, but was esteemed as a man. Several other speakers referred appreciatively to the work that Mr. Mackenzie had done in the care of the gardens and the beautifying of the town.

Mr. Mackenzie said he felt that he did not deserve all bhe nice things that had been said. He highly appreciated so many citizens coming together to say good-bye to him, and ho thanked them for what they'had 'lone and said, and for the kindness they had shown to him.