PRESENTATIONS TO RENTON FAMILY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1920, Page 4

PRESENTATIONS TO RENTON FAMILY.

(From Timaru Herald)

After the last shoot of the season of the Mount Nessing Rifle Club on Tuesday, Sept. 21, the members present were given a farewell’address by the President (Mr J. D. Renton, formerly of Hokitika), who, owing to ill-health, has had to dispose of his property, the Mount Nessing Homestead block, and retire from active life. The president complimented the Club on the high standard of shooting which had been reached and maintained and on the genial and sportsmanlike spirit that had prevailed among the members. Then wholly taken unawares, the president' was surrounded by the members of the Club, and marched to the stirring strains of Highland music to his residence, where a large number of people were congregated to bid farewell to their, friends and neighbours, Mr, Mrs, and Master Renton. Their house was taken possession of, and within a very short space of time the drawing room was converted into a ballroom, and for two hours a very enjoyable time was spent in dancing and singing, etc. At the interval Mr Win Bray, as chairman, presented to Mr Renton on behalf of the Rifle Club a handsome Loewe pipe and to Mrs Renton a dainty afternoon tea service, at the same time expressing regret at the loss the Club would sustain in the departure of their president and Mrs Renton, whose generosity and hospitality had greatly helped to maintain enthusiasm in the Club. On behalf of the Club he wished air Renton recovery of health and to him and Mrs and Master Renton long life, health and prosperity. Messrs Guthrie, Kidd, Waters and Macauley also eulogised Mr and Mrs Renton as friends and neighbours. Mr Renton, in replying, heartily thanked their friends for their kindly invnson and the handsome gifts of the Rifle Club. They deeply regretted having to leave the district and such kind people, but it was the doctor’s orders that he must give up active work until his health was restored. He wished the Club success in the future. Supper was then partaken of, after which dancing, song and amusements were resumed till a late hour, when cheers for the host and hostess and “Auld Lang Syne” closed a very enjoyable evening.