PRESENTATION TO MR M. J. M'GINNIS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 950, 2 July 1880, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR M. J. M'GINNIS.

On Friday week a testimonial, consisting of a purse of sovereigns and a handsomely illuminated address, was presented to Mr M. J. M'Ginuis, the member for Earnsclengh Hiding in the Vincent County Council. The presentation took place in the Library Hall, Alexandra, and most of the leading residents of Alexandra and the Earnscleugh Hiding were present on the occasion.

The Mayor occupied the chair, supported by Mr Theyers as Vice-chairman. After the usual loyal toasts, the Chairman in a few appropriate remarks introduced the business of the meeting. In the course of his remarks ho passed a high enconium on Mr M'Ginnis for the energy and ability ho had displayed as member for Earnsoleugh, and concluded by calling on Mr J. Butler to present the testimonial. Mr Butler said that he would have preferred if the duty had devolved on some one more able than himself to do justice to the subject ; but the fact that such a handsome testimonial had been subscribed by the inhabitants spoke far more eloquently of the appreciation in which Mr M'Ginnis’ services were held by the public than any words which he could use. He had much pleasure in presenting Mr M'Ginnis with the testimonial.

The address, which was neatly framed in maple, was to the following effect‘ Presented to M. J. M'Ginnis, Esq., in recognition of the zeal and ability displayed by him in forwarding tbe interests of the district while member for the Earnsoleugh Biding in the Vincent County Council, and especially for his services in connection with procuring the erection of a bridge across the Molyneux at Alexandra.”

Mr M'Ginnis made an appropriate reply, in the course of his remarks stating that as a rule he was opposed to testimonials, and had he been consulted when the affair wss first mooted, he should have felt com-

polled to decline the honour. He had merely done his duty to the best of his ability, and was amply repaid by the success which had attended his efforts. He tha .kuil them from his heart for the honour which they had conferred on him, and would treasure the address as a testimony that his efforts to advance the interests of the district had met with the approval of the residents. After the presentation a number of toasts were proposed, the proceedings being enlivened by occasional songs, and the meeting concluded in the small hours by the company singing “God Save the Queen..” [The above was received too late for insertion last week.]