PRESENTATION TO DR MACKENZIE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 29 September 1911, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO DR MACKENZIE.

INTERESTING FUNCTION AT LEVIN. An interesting function took place last evening at the Druids' Hall, Levin, when a presentation, organised by the Druids and Foresters, was made to Dr. Mackenzie, who is leaving the district. The Mayor (Mr B. R. Gardener) presided over a large gathering, and 1 the proceedings were of a most enjoyable nature During the evening the Mayor _explained the object of tho gathering, and said that it was to say good-bye —he "hoped not farewell—to Dr. Mackenzie. Dr. Mackenzie had resided in tho district for thirteen years, and during that period 1 he had; been the doctor of the different Friendly Societies in Levin. Willile it was a medical man, in the aamo way as it was impossible for a public man, to. please everybody, Dr. Mackenzie had undoubtedly and unquestionably pleased the vast majority of the members of the various Lodges <jf the Friendly Societies. (Cheers). During tho period Dr. Mackenzie had resided among them ho had endeavoured to do his very hestfor their welfare— (Cheers)—and the applause that greeted the statement indicated its veracity. He had paid the greatest attention to tho members of the various societies, and he hoped when Dr. Mackenzie left Levin he would take some interest—and Itoe felt euro •lie would'—in Friendly Society work. Ho had, as he had 6aid, always endeavoured to do his very best for the local societies, and Ke was certain they admired the work lie had performed. • (Applause.) The Mayor thou handed Dr. Mackenzie a handso 1110 silver cigarette case, silver match box and a gold-mounted cigar and cigarette companion. In doing so, 110 said, " On behalf of the Foresters and Druids I ask your acceptance of this little memento. lam sure, when smoking the cigarette of peace, your mind will revert to Levin, and: you will think kindly of your brethren there." (Loud applause). Dr. Mackenzie, who was loudly applauded, in replying, expressed his deep sense of gratitude at the kindly gift, at the Mayor's remarks, and said that he oonld not adequately express his feelings. They were gifts which he would always very deeply and permanently value. Briefly turning to the work of tlio Friendly Societies, of which, as they knew, he was a member, he urged those present to keep off their medical list the "mean rich." (Applause.) The Friendly Sooieties, for till© man who had to earn hie living, and who had no banking account behind him, were the finest institutions they had ever seen. There was nothing he could conceive, that had helped the labouring man niore than sucih institutions. He llitid always tried 1 to do his best for those societies, and he hoped always to do the same. (Loud rtpplaiuso). Dr. Mackenzie concluded by again tendering his .grateful thanks, to the Foresters and Druids for their very kindly and acceptable present. Mr Mclntyre gave " The Medical Profession," coupling the name of Dr. Davies, successor to Dr. Mackenzie. He was, he said, certain that in Dr. Davies they would have one who would worthilv uphold the prestige of their departing brother. (Loud applause). Dr. Davies, who was received with great cordiality, told the gathering that he Ihiad always taken a deep interest in his work—otherwise he would not have heen in the profession in which he was. (Hoar! hear!) He hoped that the cordial relations that had subsisted between Dr. Mackenzie and the members of the Friendly Societies would subsist between those societies and himself. He felt assured that they wtould. (Loud applause). The Mayor proposed the healtilii of M s Mackenzie, and paid a high compliment to her as a help-mate to Dr. Mackenzie in his professional duties. Dr. Mackenzie responded on beli.ui or wire.

Major Burlinson proposed the to-st "of "The Visitors/' and Mr C'.ins. Williams responded, 'Hire tcast of "The Press" was given Ijy Mr P. 0. Smith in a few happily selected sentences, Mr Smith remarking that t)be Press was an essential institution in the life of a community.

Mr F. C. Rout acknowledged the compliment.

During the evening a number of songs and musical items were given, Mr J. Kearsley presiding at the piano. Much credit is due to those who had the arrangements in hand, as the proceedings from first to last were an unqualified success.