PRESENTATION TO MR DUGALD McFARLANE.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1346, 7 June 1878, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR DUGALD McFARLANE.

It having become known that Mr Dugald McFarlane, of Waterloo fame, would complete his eighty-eigth year yesterday, a happy inspiration occurred to that most indefatigable worker in the matter of testimonials, Mr John Ollivier, that it would he a capital opportunity for tho many friends or Mr McFarlane to testify their appreciation of hi» worth as a citizen. Accordingly arrangements were made, Mr Charles Clark having placed his room at the disposal of the promoters, for the presentation to take place there yesterday. The room had been very nicely decorated with flags, pot plants, &c., and about twenty-five gentlemen were present on the occasion, amongst whom we noticed Messrs Studholme, Reeves, J. Hall, J. Ollivier, J. Anderson, H. Matson, D. Craig, A. Garrick, Marshman, Aikman, C. Clark, and T. M. Hassal.

Mr Ollivier occupied the chair, and in a characteristic speech proposed tho health of Mr McFarlane. He had known that gentleman for a number of years, and had found him a true, good colonist and a sterling man. He need not remind those present that their honored guest that day had borne a part in the great struggle between the two nations now happily at peace with each other. He had served his country well, and had won for himself the esteem and appreciation of his fellowcolonists as a good citizen. In their name and on their behalf he had much pleasure in requesting his acceptance of a purse containing a cheque for £225, and _he hoped shortly to add yet another £2o, making £250 in all. [Cheers.] In doing so he felt sure that all would join with him in wishing that Mr McFarlane might he spared to live amongst them many years yet. [Cheers.] The purse consisted of a blue calfskin silver-mounted portemonnaie. Mr McFarlane responded briefly, thanking those gentlemen kindly who had so munificently commemorated his birthday, and especially his old friend Mr Ollivier for the kindly expressions he had made use of regarding him. Mr Ollivier said there was another toast he wished to propose, and that was the health of Mr Charles Clark. _ [Cheers.] Mr Clark was always ready to assist in eyery good work, and foremost to lend a hand when it was required in the recognition of merit. Mr Clark on the present occasion had enacted the part of host, how well the gentlemen around him could testify. [Cheers.]

Mr Clark said tbat he was taken by surprise in having to respond to the toast of his health. It was no doubt by chance that the gathering had taken place in his offices, though perhaps Mr McFarlane’s friends had fixed upon the right place, inasmuch as his gallant friend had been one of his most earnest supporters ever since he (Mr Clark) had been in Canterbury. When he first erected the spacious auction rooms in which they were now met, an intimate friend had suggested that his extravagance in building would be his ruin, hut Mr McFarlane’s opinion, which he valued highly, was that in the end it would turn out right. He felt very proud that a gathering of such a character had taken place in his offices that day, as he honored Mr McFarlane as a private friend, and hoped he would be spared to him fpr many years. [Cheers.] As to himself he felt proud of the trust reposed in him by the people of Canterbury aud all he hoped was that when in tho course of time he gave way to a younger, and he trusted a better man, he might retire with that amount of esteem of his fellow citizens which he felt sure Mr McFarlane possessed, _ Mr Hassal proposed “ The Health of Sir Julius Yogel,” coupling with it the name of Mr W. Reeves, who had held a responsible position in the Administration. Mr Reeves responded, and, at the instigation of the chairman, proposed the health of Mr R. Wilkin, who had first suggested to him the presentation which had just been made. Mr J. Anderson proposed “ The Health of Mrs McFarlane,” paying a high tribute to that lady. Mr McFarlane briefly responded. Hon. John Hall proposed “ The Health of the Chairman,” remarking upon tho felicitous manner in which he inaugurated and carried through to a successful issue such gatherings as the one of that day. Mr Ollivier responded in a humorous speech. This concluded the proceedings.