VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1920, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL TO MR JOHN CAMERON.

There was a representative gathering of citizens at Mclntosh’s Club Room last evening at the invitation of tile Westland Hospitals and Charitable Aid Board to bid farewell to Mr John Cameron, of Arahura, who is leaving the district. Mr R. Wild presided, and the proceedings wore of a very ' hearty nature. Messrs R. Wild, G. Davidson, G. A. Perry (Mayor), S. Evans (Ross), J. J. Breeze, D. J. Evans, J. J. Mclntosh and T. W. Bruce were the speakers to the toast of the health of Mr Cameron, and their references to the guest of the evening were full of appreciation of the splendid services rendered during his fifteen years’ stay' in the district. . Special references were made to the splendid success achieved in the inauguration and carrying on of the Arahura Dairy Factory, the generous advice always freely given to other communities in connection with dairying j matters, his good work on the Charitable Aid Board, and recognition of his per-, sqnal worth as a citizen, his honesty of purpose and fearless outspokenness being commented on. The speakers expressed many regrets at the approaching departure of one who had done such yeoman service, of special value to the community, and the heartiest of good wishes for the future of Mr and Mrs Cameron and family were severally voiced, the toast of his health being honoured musically with much enthusiasm. The proceedings were enlivened with songs by’ Messrs Bruce, Breeze and Stuart, and with recitations by Messrs Ohesterman and Coulson.

Mr Cameron, on rising to reply, was received very heartily. In the course of a. vigorous speech he expressed his deep appreciation of the many kind references made by the several speakers, and expressed his sorrow at leaving so many warm hearted friends that he had made during his stay in the district. Considerable reference was made to his work in the Arahura Valley and his appreciation that a success had been made of the venture. lie felt that there was' a bright future for Westland, with its timber and dairying resources. The speaker, referring to hist work an the Hospital Board, made an appeal to the people to provide sufficient money to complete the new wing and administrative quarters at Westland Hospital, and also to erect an infectious diseases annex. He tributed the splendid work of tin- Matron and nurses, and expressed his appreciation of the lino set of men forming the present Board, who were all working so well to further the best interests of the institution. In conclusion, ho again thanked them most heartily for their kindly reception, and assured-them that he would go away carrying with the heartiest of pleasant recollections of Westland and its people. There was a warm round of applause at the conclusion, followed by the singing of “ For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and the drinking of another toast to his health. Auld Lang Syne'and the National Anthem concluded a very warm hearted gathering.