VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1922, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

MR AND MRS R. S. GALBRAITH AND FAMILY. There was a very representative gathering at, tho Town Hall yesterday afternoon, including a good number of tho fair sex when Mr and Mrs R. b. Galbraith and family were tendered a farewell h.v, tho citizens. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presided, having Mr Galbraith at liis right hand. Mr Perry- said it had been thought fitting and proper to give Mr Galbraith (late Commissioner of Crown Lands for Westland), Mrs Galbraith and family a public send-ofi. During tbeir stay in Hokitika they had won the esteem and respect of the people. Mr Galbraith had always been courteous and - eohsiderate in his official duties. Ho had always treated the public with every courtesy and the whole district regretted his departure. Tile citizens desired to make a small presentation to Mrs Galbiaitb with which to procure a memento of their stay- in tho district. Mr Perry read apologies from Messrs Park, Williams, and Robertson, and continuing wished Mr and Mrs Galbraith and family every prosperity and happiness, expressing pleasure- at Airs Galbraith’s recovery from her recent illness. Mr Pern- then liaucled a well-filled envelope'to Mr Galbraith, asking his acceptance thereof, on behalf of Mrs Galbraith. with the utizens’ best wishes. Hon H. L., Michel said he voiced the general, regret at the departure of Miami Mrs Galbraith from Hokitika. They had been long enough here, over 3,r years, to enable their sterling qualities as citizens to ho very fully appreciated. Mr Galbraith, as Commissioner of Crown Lands bad taken a personal interest in the settlers of thc> district, and his quiet gentlemanly manner had won him hosts ol friends. Ho was glad to find Mrs Galbraith had recovered from her recent illness, and conveyed the best of good wishes to them for tbeir future. Rev P. B. Fraser said Mr Gqlbraith was a gentleman in every respect., He heartily- endorsed the remarks made and extended best wishes for thehappiest of times through life.

Rev A. C. Purchns said Mr Galbraith had used Ids great influence ns a public officer for the 64 od and progress of the people. , He had proved a great help on the Church Committee and well deserved the tributes paid by tho previous speakers, which he heartily endorsed. Mr B. Ward t-cid as a nienilier of the Westland Land Beard Ids experience of Mr Galbraith for 3’ ; ears bad been a very pleasant one. Mr Galbraith had always shown a great caro. and scrupulousness in dealing with business and their relations had always been ol a. most friendly nature. He was going to a bigger district and In- trusted lie would cqiifinue going up the ladder of the service. Ho sympathised with Mrs Galbraith -•• her recent illness and was glad to know she had now recovered. The good wishes of the community- would go with them to their new home.

Air J. A. Afiirdoch said it was verypleasing to see. such a rcpiesentntive gathering present to honor Mr and AT is Galbraith. Tbeir 3.5 years here bad been well spent and be hoped the day would come when Air Galbraith would come back to West-land as Sur-veyor-General. His experience in Hokitika would stand him in good stead. He had pleasure in endorsing the s-t.u----tiincnts voiced, which wore so well deserved. Hci was glad to find that Air Galbraith bad been followed by a worthy- successor in Air Alorpeth. He joined in the general expressions of goodwill to All- and Alls Galbraith and family, wishing them every happiness and prosperity. Air R. S. Galbraith, who was visiblymoved on rising to reply, was very warmly greeted. He thanked those present for their great kindness that day-. Ho was by no means insensible to tho expressions of goodwill <xtended. Since coming to Westland ho had received the greatest kindness and warm hospitality of all kinds throughout AYestland. which be bad deeply appreciated. It was in times of anxiety and stress that one realised true friends, and their sympathy and support had boon a great lit Ip and comfort in ilie troubled period now happily past. (Applause). Ho would like to say that bo bad been able to carry out his duties, and achieve n modicum of success, largely owing to tin* help and support of llu* Board and the offieara of the staff. They had brought to'him loyal support and a wealth ol intimate local knowledge and experience that had proved a great help to him in assisting in carrying out the duties of Commissioner of Crown Lends. Tie bad always taken a great interest in Westland, and looked to dairying in the future to make it prosperous. fl<t was glad to allow bis successor was Afr -Morpeth, as he knew lie was leaving the office in the capable hands of an old friend. lie thanked them for tbeir present, : t, will ever remind them of tbeir friends in Mostland, but more than all they would prize the kindly feeling always so freely extended to them. (Applause). The Alavor took the opportunity to formally introduces Air .Morpeth, who has succeeded Air Galbraith as Commissioner of Crown Lands and extended an official welcome to the district. Mr Alorpeth briefly thanked the Alavor. Air Alurdocli and Mr Galbraith for ’kindly references made. Tho singing of “For They arc Jolly Good Fellows” and the National Anthem concluded the gathering | in ■mu