VALEDICTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1930, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

' There was a very representative attendance of citizens at Keller’s •Hotel yesterday afternoon, when a civic farewell was tendered to Mr W. T. Morpeth, ex-Commissioner of Crown Lands, who has just retired from the public service, and left to-day for Blenheim, en route for New Plymouth, where along with Mrs Morpeth, his permanent residence will be taken up. His Worship the Mayor (Air G. A. Perry) presided, and stated they were assembled to larewell Air Morpeth, who had been with them for several years, and had performed useful public service. Air Morpeth had been courteous and considerate, and had been interested in the progress of the district which he had assisted through his department. He asked Air Alorpeth to accept their best wishes for the future of himself and Airs Alorpeth, and wished them every happiness. Air Bernard Ward, County Chairman, had pleasure in associating himself with the Mayor’s remarks of approbation. During the seven years Air Alorpeth had been here he (Air AVard) nad been identified with Air Alorpeth on the Land Board, and could; speak intimately of his interest in the district,. his courtesy to the public, and his desire Ao help the struggling settlers. There had been a clouding experience during Mr Morpeth’s sojourn here- gnd their sympathy; went out to Mr,' i'Morpeth and his wife in their bereavement.

*• The Revd.‘J. AV. Hayward, Air R,. Wild.. (.Chairman of the Canterbury Education Board), aiid Air J. A. Alurdoe.h, also spoke in support of .the Mayor’s opening remarks, and' paid tribute to the zeal and earnestness with.which Air Alorpeth went about his jlutieSj striving at all times to do the best..for. the . advancement of settlement.

Air . Alorpeth, who was the recipient of . a, gold mounted pen and pencil, replied very feelingly for . the . kind remarks made. He felt greatly honored by so representative an attendance, and such an expression of cordial sentiments. He found it a pleasure to work among the people, and had every assistance from a far-seeing Board am* a good staff. He liked the people and was beholden to them all for all the good'things said ‘of him,"and the pleasdrttTAvay, in. which - he( had been me 1 ' jit ■, (ill times,, He ■' bespoke the same •[generous" consideration for his sue-; cessor-, Mr Cagney. - •

The- -health of Mr Morpeth ■drunk -with musical hours, after which Air Cagney’s health was toasted. Mr Cagney, in acknowledging the recognition of his appointment, said he hoped to stay with them for many years. He had had a good training under Mr Morpeth, and recognised the good work he (Air Alorpeth) .had done in seeking to open up the district, especially. South . West fan d... Personally,, [lie would 1 endeavour to follow in Air.Morpeth's fc-otsteps and do what lie canid;-to- assist -the development .of. the district, and. promote its. general welfare.

A very cordial gathering closed with the sinking of “Anld Lang Syne,” and those nrecent took the opportunity o ivrslmig Mr ' Morpeth and his good lady every health and happiness in the future. ; T-\;