CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 372, 11 June 1869, Page 2

CROMWELL.

(from a correspondeht.)

Last week a few of the friends of Mr. Alexander Bathgate, late accountant in the Bank of New South Wales* at Crom well, met in tire Council Chamber for the purpose of presenting him with a gold watch and an address previous <o his leaving for another situation in Dunedin. The Mayor, W. H. Wbettc'-, Esq., occupied the Chair, and a''ter a h’glily complimentary speech, in which he congratulated Mr Bathgate on gaining the esteem and confidence of all classes of the community both in his public and private dealings with them, presented the address and watch

The address was as follows “To Mr. Alexander Bathgate, late accountant of tbe Bank of New South Wales, Cromwell, —Dear Sir—As you are about to leave Cromwell, where you have resided for nearly two years, we desire to give expression to the sincere and hearty appreciation with which we have viewed earnestness and ability which you have uniformly brought to bei ir in promoting movements, educational and otherwise of the deepest social importance to our small community.

Whilst regretting that you should require to go from amongst us, we feel assured that in pursuance of the same upright and manly conduct which has distinguished you with us will secure you many true fi lends in your new position, and we do not doubt that yi air abilities will be rewarded with the higher position in life to which they arc entitled. We ask you to accept the accompanying gold watch which is inscribed with an expression of our esteem, and with the heartiest wishes for your future welfare.—We arc dear Sir, &c. The watch, which is a very handsome go d hunting watch, hears the following inscription.—“ Presented to Mr. Alexander Bathgate by a few of his friends, as a token of their esteem Cromwell, May 28th 18G9.”

Mr. Bathgate replied very shortly, trusting that the novelty of the occasion to him wouhl be an excuse. He was glad that any efforts he might have made to promote the social well d >ing of Cromwell were noticed, but he had thought, and thought now he was only doing the duty which was incumbent upon every man without prospect of such handsome reward ;he could only thank his friends and assure them that their kindness would be long remembered by him. After a few remarks Irom other gentlemen present, the meeting came io a close.