VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1927, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

The Railway Department notifies in this issue particulars of time-table al- / tcrations operating front 2nd. May. \— __ The Christchureh-1 it vercargill express trains will run only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the Christchureh-Dunedin mail trains only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There was a representative gathering of citizens at Keller’s Hotel yesterday afternoon for the purpose of bidding hon voyage to Mr Mm Wilson, Manager of Hokitika Savings Bank, and of the firm of AVm. Duncan and Co., who left to-day with Mrs Wilson on an extended visit to England. The chair was occupied by Hon H. L. Michel, M.L.C. (President of the Savings Bank). Mr Michel apologised for the absence of members of the Trustees of the Bank (Mr W. E. Williams, at Hanmer. Mr D. J. Evans, Tn ton: Mr J. D. Lynch, at Greymouth; and Mr G. A. Perry, in South Westland). Also for the absence of Mr W . Jeffries (County Chairman) absent in Wellington. Yrr .Michel referred to the excellent citizenship of Air AY. Wilson- over a *- long period of years. Since the death of (he late Air AVm. Duncan, Afr AYilson had ably filled the position of Alanager of the Bank, giving the utmost satisfaction to the Trustees, and under his care the position of the v Bank. always satisfactory, had substantially increased in stability. Ibe Trustees were also very greatly indebted to Airs Wilson, who had during the illness of Afr Wilson, ably carried on the work of the Bank, and giving every satisfaction at all times. Tt was felt that they could not let Mr Wilson leave on his homeward journey without wishing him and Mrs AYilson an enjoyable trip home and a safe return in the Post of Health. On behalf of the Trustees he askecl Mr Wilson to accept a gold mounted fountain pen. and for Airs AYilson a gold pencil case, as a slight memento of their good wishes. He. asked those present to drink the health of jlr and Airs AYii son.

Dr Teichelmann (Trustee) joined in the Chairman’s expressions of goodwill. They had known Air and Airs AYilson for at least the hist thirty years and appreciated them as good citizens. He joined in wishing them a pleasant voyage and a safe return to Hokitika. Air C. Evans (Trustee) endorsed the

good wishes. Air T. R. Say well, district agent for the Public. Trustee at Greymouth was glad of the opportunity of expressing appreciation of the good work of Air Wilson as agent of the Public' Trustee at Hokitika since the demise of the late Air Win. Duncan. The officers of the Department from the Public Trustee downwards had nothing hut pleasant recollections of the work as tlieir representative of the late Afr Duncan and his successor. ATr AA’ilson. He tils ) expressed pleasure at Air Wilson being able to secure the services of such an able officer as ATr A. Aitken, to carry on during his absence. He joined in wishing Air and Airs AA'ilson a very enjoyable holiday. v Air Wm. Wilson, on rising to respond was heartilv received. He thanked them sincerely for their very kind-' - l.v references to himself and Airs AA’il-

son and he was sure Mrs Wilson would appreciate them when lie told her and those made in reference to the late ATr Duncan. He had been at many similar gatherings in that room, but this was flic first time he had acted as the funeral, and he felt somewhat embarrassed. He bad a very pleasant connection with Hokitika as boy and man and felt lie lmd done well if lie had merited their goodwill. He would look hack with pleasure on the gathering that afternoon, which would have pleasant recollections. He thanked them sincerely for their gift to himself and Airs AA'ilson, and trusted they would all he in good health when he came hack again. He again thanked them for their good wishes. The Chairman proposed the toast of Afr A. Aitken, who takes charge of the Bank and the premises of AA'm. Duncan and Co. during the absence of Air AA’ilson, stating lie felt sure that the business would not suffer at the hands of such a capable officer. ATr Aitken briefly returned thanks, and expressed good wishes for iv pleasant trip and safe return for Air and Airs AYilson. The singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem eon el tided a very pleasant gathering.

At a farewell social meeting, held in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kumarn, on Thursday evening, Miami Mrs T. E. Dibits were presented with tokens of the good wishes of the congregation, and other friends in Kumara. The Rev. 'l'. N. Cuttle, Greymouth. presided over a large attendance, and on behalf of the members of the P. W. M. U. asked Mrs Dibbs to accept a teapot, with the best wishes of the ladies for her and her work in her new sphere. Mrs Dibbs returned thanks. Mr Cuttle then presented Mr Dibits with a wallet of notes from the congregation, and others in Kumarn, who wished to he identified with the tribute to the recipient. Mr Dibbs expressed thanks for the gift and for the good wishes that accompanied it. During the evening, addresses were given by the Rev. T. N Cuttle, ami an enjoyable musical programme was submitted bv a quartette from Greynioutli. Misses B. Brake and C. Brown and Messrs B. Tennant and .). Bruerton. Mrs Barrow (Kumara) and Mr Dibbs also contributing vocal items. Misses Murdoch. Brown and Drake shared the accompaniments. Supper was then handed round. At the conclusion of a combined Presbyterian. Service in the A rah nr a, Valley Hall on Tuesday night, Mr and Mrs T. E. Bibbs, who are leaving at the end of the month on transfer to the Totara Flat Home Mission Dist l it. were the recipients of tokens of the good wishes of their Arahura and Humphreys friends, a large number of whom were present. Mr Bitelv. on behalf of the Arahura district, and Mr Lonas, for Humphreys, expressed the regret of the congregations at the forthcoming departure of Mr and Mr* Dibbs. and their very best wishes for them iu their work in their new sphere. Air Ditely presented to Mr Dibbs a fountain pen and a set of brushes, and to Mrs Dibits a toilet set, from residents of the Valley. Mr Dibbs suitably replied on behalf of Mrs Dibits and himself, and said they were sorry to leave their many friends in the district.