Presentation to Mr E. W. Burton.

Gisborne Times, 8 December 1906, Page 3

Presentation to Mr E. W. Burton.

A largo luintbor of prominent townspeople, commercial travellers, and otlior gontlemon met in tho Turf Club room of the JMasonio Hotel at live o’olook yostorday aftornoon to assist in making a presentation to Mr E. W. Burton, of tho local firm of Messrs Burton and Grilliths, Tho Minister of Nativo Affairs (lion. James Carroll) presided, Similar presentations have boon iuado to Mr Burton (who is extremely j popular) at Dannovirko, Hastings, and Musterton, and yesterday’s presentation was made by a number of Ins innuodiato porsonal friends and fellow travellers, being in the form of a purse of sovorigns, Tho lion. Mr Carroll said it gavo him i tlie greatest pleasure to bo present to join in doing honor to Mr Burton who many of them lmd known as a friend for some years, and who had come to take up iiis residence in their midst. Gisborne accepted him as a valuable addition to their ranks. Tho speaker referred to Mr Burton's business capacity, saying that ho had nerved Ins firm srnly and wed dating ttio dd yoara ho had been on She road. Mr Burton had now entered into business in Gisborne, and with his hudiueaa knowledge ha would get on. Ho (Mr Carroll) understood Mr Burtou had boon iho reojpiant of a letter from the head of his Into turn, Mr John Duttiio. Ho knew that gentleman very well, and a testimonial from him wont a long way indeed to prove tho merits and character of Mr Burton. . Tho apeakor had groat pleasure in presenting Me Button with Shis gift from his fellow companions uud travellers. It was not the only present their friend ha 1 received. Mr Carroll then turned to Mr Burton, presented the purse, uud concluded his speech with — •' May you live long and prosper. Kia ora ”

Mr J, W. Blight followed, find endorsed all Mr Carioil had said. Tho spoakor humorously furrc-d to Mr Burton's celibate condition, hoping ho would remedy thas. Mr Bright said it struck him aa something oi a coincidence that tho day wao’tho anniversary of his owa marriage, and ho folt abla to givo Mr Barton some

advioo on tho matter. (Laughtor.) Tho speaker also referred to the great progress of Gisborne, and said that they were glad to welcome fresh blood and enterprise in *'• ir midst.

Messrs McLean, Murray, and J. D. Bioelo all spoke enthusiastically of Mr Barton, aftor which Mr Carroll oallod upon tho company to drink Mr Barton’s health.

Tua toast waa drunk with hoarty goodwill and “For He’s a Jolly Good Fallow.” Mr Burton thanked ail most heartily and sincerely for their kindness, and for

the present, whiob was more than ho

deserved. Voices: No, no. Tho Chairman called on Messrs Pettie, Bigg, and Whimsy in succession,' each adding their tribute to what had been said,

Mr W. Miller proposed the toast of Mr Burton’s partner, wbioh was enthusiasts oally drunk, Mr Griffiths suitably responding. Mr Hardiog added a few enlogistio re-

marks with regard to Mr Burtor, whom

ho had knowa for about 20 years. The Hod. J. Carroll said Mr Bright had told them it was the anniversary of his

weddiDg, and that he had been married 26

years. He asked them to join him in drinkiog Mr Bright’s health, Mr Bright’s health was drunk, and that gentleman replied, stating that ho had never regretted his matrimonial step. He had five children, and was a grandfather at 47. Mr Sieelo proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, which was oarriod.

Me Arabridgo proposed a voto of Shanks to Mrs Steele for organising she gathering,

after which the proceedings terminated.