VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1926, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

MR ALEX. AITKEN. Tliero was a representative gather-, ing of citizens at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon to hid farewell to Mr Alex. Aitken, late manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Hokitika, who has retired front the service of the Bank and is leaving on Thursday morning for Christchurch where he intends entering into business. The Mayor (Mr 0. A. Perry) presided and said they had gathered to say-good-bye to a very highly respected resident of the town and district over a long period of years. Mr Aitken had it I wavs the welfare of the West Coast at heart and had always responded freely to any call made on him to advance the interests of the district. His departure would he regretted as it meant the severance _of many warm personal friendships.' He asked acceptance of tile accompanying wallet as a memento of that friendship. He also wished to join Mrs Aitken and familyin their expressions of good will. They would he sorely missed from the community. The departure of Mr and Mrs Aitken would he regretted deeply by a wide circle of friends, who wished them good health and prosperity wherever they went. lion H. 1.. Michel associated himself with the Mayor’s remarks. Air Aitkcn’s record as a hanker on the Coast was unique. He had started us a lad in the local office and finished as manager. From a hanking point of view Mr Aitken had done a great amount of good work. Mr Aitken would always he remembered as a good citizen and his departure would he deplored though he was going only- as far as Christchurch. lie felt sure .that Mr Aitken would succeed ni the business he is entering tut in Christchurch. He was pleased Alj- Aitken was to lie succeeded by- Mr Shaw who came with a fine record of past experience. The community would miss Airs Aitken, who had proved also a worthy helpmate. He deeply regretted their approaching departure. Mr .). A. Afurdocli apologised for the absence of the County Chairman. He joined in the expressions of good will. Air Aitken had filled many parts in the social life of AYostland, and luid never done anything lie could regret. He. leaves behind him a most honorable record of good work done. They were not losing him altogether as lie was going only to Christchurch and lie felt sure the lure of the Const would draw Afr Aitken hack on many occasions. He hoped Air and Mrs Aitken and family would have the best of health to spend many long years of happiness in

their new home. ATr T. Condon said he had known Air Aitken for forty years and had found him very obliging, always ready at anytime to do anvtliing to oblige. Air R. AVild speaking as a mere citizen, not as a bank customer, expressed his appreciation of Air Aitken. He was satislied that Mr Aitken would he a credit to the place he was going to as lie had been in this district, whore he had won and held their esteem and respect.

Mr Aitken, responding, heartily thanked those present for their kind references to Airs Aitken and himself. He was sure their flattering remarks were uttered in good feeling. He was a native of Hokitika. 2f!tli on the list of those horn here. His mother had come here in 181)5 and liis parents were the first pair married in the town. He was not among those who thought Hokitika was done and knew lie was leaving a good district behind him. Tt was a wonderful little district hut then' was a wider field in Canterbury. He wished his fellow citizens every good wish in the future. The AVest Coast contained a very honourable community. References were made to a number of the earlier managers of the Bank. He looked forward to many years of work, recognising he had a service to vender to his King and country and fellow men. Tie thanked them again very heartily for their expressions of good will. The Mayor stated that a number of apologies had been received from eiti.zons unable to he present. Mr Perry then took the opportunity to extend a welcome to Al.r fsliaw. who lias succeeded AH Aitken as manager at Hokitika. Air Shaw said he appreciated the welcome and lie hoped when his term was completed to he worthy of a few of the good wishes that had been extended to his predecessor.

POPULAR F IRKA! AN FAR I WKLLFD.

Blenheim " Kxprexs.” of Tuesday

Afav fill.)

Lust evening at the Fire Station tlie members of Fie Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade tendered a popular comrade in Fireman Reg. Fane a farewell social. Fireman Fane has resigned from the Brigade on account of the fact that he is entering into business in Wellington. .Mr Fane In; been a member of volunteer brigades for eight years, six years in Blenheim and two years in Hokitika, where he joined up. Captain R. V. Bythell. in proposing the toast of the guest of the evening, staled that his conduct and service had been exemplary in every wav and all deeply regretted that such a capable conscientious and well-liked member i was leaving the Brigade. The speaker was especially sorry that Mr Fane would have to drop right out of Fire Brigade work, as he would have no opportunity ol continuing the good work in Wellington. The toast was honored wit'i remarkable cordiality. Fireman Fane responded, and in a neat speech returned thanks for the demonstrations of good feeling towaids him. He declared that it was a real wrench to leave Blenheim and to sever his connection with Fire Brigade’ activities.

J Lieutenant It. .J. Dunokley, in i subsequent toast, referred to Firema l Fane as the winner, at the demonstra j ' tion two years ago. of_ the Bytliel ) One-Man Coupling Shield. The condi ). Rons governing the Shield were tha 1 the winner should hold it until defeat ed. but since the demonstration then ! had been no competition, although on< was now being arranged and good entries had been received. Fireman Fain had given a remarkably good performance in winning the Shield, which he had handed hack to the Brigade, as he would not lie available to defend it. 1 be sneaker hoped that, the next winner would put up as good a run for the trophy as the original holder. (Applause.) His Worship the Mayor (Mr M. McKenzie), responding to a toast proposed by Captain Blythell, paid a tribute to Mr Fane, both as a good citizen and as a fireman. The speaker said he always regretted the departure of a good citizen, and in this case his regret- was deeper, since Blenheim was also losing a man who was prepared to do more than was expected of a citizen. I in that he made big sacrifices in carrying out his Brigade duties. The speaker congratulated the Brigade upon its allround efficiency, which was due to the ability and enthusiasm of such men as the guest of the evening. Pleasant music was contributed by the Charleston Orchestra, whilst Mr A. E. Woodman gave a saxophone solo, and songs were sung by Messrs ITarrv Hodson and Arch. Smith. Altogether a very enjoyable evening was spent. \