ALEXANDRA

Dunstan Times, Issue 1036, 24 February 1882, Page 3

ALEXANDRA

(From our own Correspondent) Pur.sßNTATimj to Mr Burst. On Tuesday evening last, MrS E B out, who is leaving the district to take charge of the Agency of tlia Bank of X-w Zealand, at West Taeri. was entertained By a number of hUf. lends at Ryan’s Bendigo Hotel. About 3d gentleman were present, including the principle business people of the town, ami several from Clyde, Bald Elill flat, and surrounding district. Mr E. Finlay occupied the chair, supported hy Mr .1 Simmonds as vice After the usual loyal toasts had been disposed of, the Chairman add that the pleasing duty devolved upon him of present, ing Mr Brent with a testimonial as a slight token of the respect, and good. wishes felt towards him bv the inhabi ants lie passed a high euloginm upon Mr Brent not only for his courtesy in the discharge of his official duties, but for bis social qualities, and the great interest he bad always taken in all movements for the advancement of the town and district Hu then read the following address:—

“ Presented to S F< Brent B-q. hy the inhabitants of Alexandra South an 1 the immediate neighbourhood on tho occasion of his leaving the district, as a small Imt sincere token of their reyard for Ins invariable courtesy in the discharge of bis official duties as agent for the Bank of New Z-aland, and bis many amiab'e anil endearing qualities as a gentleman ” The Chairman regretted that the short notice given of Mr Brent’s removal had prevented them from presenting him with on illuminated address before Ins departure, hut as soon as it was received it would bo fi amed and forwarded to him Mo then proronted Mr Brent with a copy of the address and a purse of sovereigns, and called upon the company to drink health and prosperity to tho guest of the evening The toast was drunk with all the honors, winding no with three cheers, and one more tor Mrs Brent. Mr Brent responded in feeling terms, and said ho would preserve the address as a testimony of the friendly feelings of the inhabitants towards him, he had made many friends in the district, and had spent many hinny days there and would always look hack with pleasure to the .time when he was a re.sMent, A number of other toasts followed, including the health of Mrs Brent, The eoinniere'jrd interest, responded to hy Mr Eivo.rs; The dredging interest, hy Messrs McQueen and Seott; The Press, hy M r Forrest, and several others ; Tho ladies, ably responded to hy MrJ McKenzie. The proceedings were enlivened hy a number of songs by Messrs Low, Thompson, Findlay, Simmonds, and others, and a well known amateur performed some selections on the flute in a masterly manner Altogether the meeting, which was a roost enthusiastic one. passed oil in tho most pleasant manner, and it was well into the small hours, before the company dispersed, first giving the’timehonoured “ Auld Lnng Syne” as the liualo