BLACKS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 755, 6 October 1876, Page 2

BLACKS.

(COMMUNICATED,) Dn the evening of the SOth lift, at 8 p m., a large number of the friends of Mr j. A. McKay, late accountant of Now South Wales Bank, mot at the Shamrock Hotel, Ophir, for the purpose of presenting him with a testimonial and a gold albert chain and appendages, on the occasion Of Ids leaving the district. Mr Jhmes Corrigal occupied thechair; afid Mr Fitzgbra'ld the vicechair. After ample justice had been done to the good things so liberally provided by Host Uavan, and the cloth removed The Chairman, on behalf of the residents of Blacks, addressed the company in the following manner: Ladies and gentlefneft, wo have come hero this evening for the purpose of expressing our regret at the departure from amongst ns of a gentleman who has gained the esteem of nil who knew him. We wish also, ladies and gentlemen to show him how deeply we feel the many services he has rendered the ‘district, and how sincerely we wish him happiness and prosperity Wherever he may be situated ; and that whilst we earnestly hope that he always fin 1 himself in the midst of“.> ’ Is who wish him’Well, like the present company, ami that he will remember those ho is about to leave behind him. He (the Chairman) would not detain them logger, but would at once raati the testimonial, which was as follows

Mr J. A. 'McKay, Dear Sir, —We, the undersigned residents of Blacks, desire, ■/*n the occasion of your leaving the district, to express our most sincere feelings of respect and esteem for your uniform kindness and urbanity in the discharge of thenlnties of your'position whilst amongst us. and our thorough appreciation of your efforts in aid of all measures for the public good, "and more especially in the cause of education. Wo also beg to tender our warmest wishes for your welfare, and to assure you that wherever you may be we shall be heartily glad to hear of you being prosperous and happy. With these few words we now bog to present you with this gold albert chain ami appendages ; and hope that you will always bear in mind the sincere friends you are leaving behind.

Mr J. A. McKay then replied in a very feeling manner heartily thanking the Chairman and all his friends for their kind wishes and handsome present, which he would value the more knowing, as he di 1, the warmth and sincerity of the feelings which prompted the gift. He warmly reciprocated their good wishes, and felt regret at leaving a place where he had spent happy days. He was sorry that he had been able to do so little for the good of the district, but felt great pleasure iu 'What he had done. Regarding what he had done in aid of education, he (Mr McKay) looked upon it as every man’s duty to forward the education of the young as much as lay in his power, as an educated people makes a country great and prosperous. He 'begged once more to thank th * Chairman and company assembled for their kindness, which he would never forget- ‘ ’

The health of the guest of the evening tvas then proposed liy the Viee-Chairman, who said tliafdlinng a residence of eight or nine years in the district, he had always found Mr McKay one of the most activeand willing supporters of all movements for the welfare of the place, whilst his many social qualities would always cause him to he esteemed wherever he might he, and it was with 'he greatest regret that he found him departing from our midst. He would propose Mr McKay’s health and happiness. The toast was drank with honors. The Mining, Commercial, and Banking interests were drank in succ°ssiou ; and several songs were sung 1.-y some of the ladies and gentlemen present, which helps! to pass one of the most pleasant evenings it has been our lot to witness or assist at.

Mr McKay proposed the health of the Host and Hostess, which was drank with

applause. Mr Gavan replied briefly in a humorous speech, worthy of a son of the Emerald l3le ‘ ds The company soon after broke up, aft4r expressing their best wishes for Mr McKay’s welfare.