VALEDICTORY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2183, 6 May 1908, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

Mil. W. J. l-lAWLET. A largo ami' thoroughly represcntalive gathering of< commercial' ami shipping men met yesterday in the Fanners’ Union CJub Booms for the purpose of saving larcwell to Mr. \V ■ J. Hawley, Collector of Customs., who has been transferred to Timaru. His Worship tlio Mayor (Mr. John Town ley) presided, and said that Mr. Hawley’s many friends had decided that they could not allow him to leave the district without, in some way, expressing their appreciation of him, and the esteem in which lie was generally held. The chairman concluded his remarks by asking those present to drin’k to the health of Mr. and Mrs Hawley. The toast was honored with the singing -of “For lie’s a Jolly good fellow.” Mr. A. F. Kennedy referred to Mr. Hawley as a man of• integrity, and spoke of liis fairness and attention to duty. He had administered -the Customs'with discrimination, and had preserved the balance between the Government and the importer. He (the speaker) wished Mr. Hawley every success in the sphere to which lip had been promoted. Messrs G. Matthewson, W. I). Lysnar, W. Pettie, and J. W. Bright added their testimonies to the worth

of their guest and wished him every happiness, and. prosperity. The Chairman then presented Mr, Hawley with a handsome set of brushes, accompanied by a sum of money for Mrs. Hawley, with which to purchase a piece of plate, Mr. Hawley, who was received .with acclamation, expressed his gratitude to those present for their kindness to himself and his wife, and stated that lie was very sorry indeed to leave Gisborne.

Apologies lor non-attendance were received from Messrs A. Dewing, J. B. Kells, C. Rosie, J. W. 'Preston, J. Pettio, and F. IV. Eure. The gnthering terminated with the singing of “Aiim Lang Syne.”