PRESENTATION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4464, 8 September 1922, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

EX-COUNTY CHAIRMAN HONOURED. APPRECIATION OF SERVICES. After the monthly meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council on Thursday afternoon a very pleasing little function was held in the chairman’s room, where Mr Pierce Grace, exCounty Chairman, was entertained by the members of the County Council and staff. In introducing the matter Mr Robinson, County Chairman, said that they had met to express their appreciation for the long service given to the county by Mr Grace, who had occupied the position of chairman for seven years, and was next in length of service to the late Mr Barry, who was chairman for eight years. At the time Mr Grace took office as chairman the finances were not too good, but under, his generalship the county had been able to keep the roads open, and also reduce the overdraft. His .experience was a wise one in county matters, and justice was done to all. On behalf of the Council he presented Mr Grace with ah illuminated address in album form. He firmly believed there was no m,an in the whole county who was looked upon with more respect than Mr Grace, and on his retirement from active participation in county matters he, on behalf of his fellow councillors, wished his and his family health and prosperity. The clerk, Mr R. W. Evans, then read the address, which was as follows : “To Mr P. Grace :

“On the occasion of the severance of your official connection with the Ohinemuri County Council we, the members and staff of that council, desire to record our high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by you during the many years you held office as Chairman of the County and as a councillor for the Waitekauri riding. “During that period many matters of far-reaohing consequence to the County came before the council for consideration, and as Chairman you always gave to these your most careful thought, your influence being invariably exercised with the utmost impartiality in the direction you conscientiously believed to be right. And more especially we would convey to you the feelings of sincere regard, esteem, and personal affection which long association with you over council matters has enkindled. We sincerely hope that in your wejliearned retirement from an active participation in the conduct of council affairs you, your wife, and family may enjoy many years, of health, happiness, and prosperity.

“Yours faithfully, A. R. Robinson, chairman ; A. D. McGuire. H. M. Corbett, S. H. Morgan, J. Johnson, and W. F. Johnstone, councillors; E. Shaw, county engineer; C. A. Jenkinson, assistant clerk; R. W. Evans, county clerk; C. B. Gentil, manager of explosions and abattoirs department”

Mr P. E. Brenan, Mayor of Paeroa, said that he was pleased to be able to express his. appreciation of Mr Grace’s services on beha’lf of the town and residents while under the control of the County, Some time back it was decided by the Borough" Council to approach the County with a view to getting control of the water supply, and he appreciated the very fairminded spirit in which Mr Grace had met them, and it was due to Mr Grace’s broad-mindedness that they were able to come to an amicable agreement. He always met them in a very liberal minded spirit, and this was only one of many instances of his ability and tact that the citizens of Paeroa benefited by. On behalf; of the residents of the town he took this opportunity of wishing Mr and Mrs Grace and family every success and a long life. Mr H. M. Corbett said that as one who had been associated with Mr Grace not only as a councillor but as a co-representative of th’.e Waitekauri riding they had always got on well together, and although he did not always see eye to eye with him, he was pleased indeed that the councillors had seen fit to recognise Mr Grace’s services. In public life one sometimes differs with another councillor, but that in no way impaired the respect and esteem he held for Mr Grace, and differences of opinion were soon forgotten and they had always got on well together. As an old comrade he was glad that Mr Grace will be able to show to his people that his services were recognised and appreciated. Mr Flatt said he was pleased to add h’s quota to the remarks of the previous speakers. He had known Mr Grace for the past 30 years, and although the environments of the goldfields had changed from mining to farming Mr Grace had not altered ih his steadfastness. He was one of the old goldfields landmarks, and he was pleased that the county councillors were recognising his ability and giving him some encouragement and thanks foil his public service. Mr Grace had served a good, long, honourable term of office as councillor, and also chairman, and he sincerely trusted that he would still be connected with some public life. He had always found him a remarkably reasonable man. His hope was that MiGrace would still have good health, and congratulated him on his career as a public man. In adding his quota Cr. McGuire said that he first met Mr Grace as a footballer, and he played that game just the same as he had played the game of public life in 'later years. He had found him a good solid man, anl a point he admired him for was that he always took the councillors into his confidence. His wish was that he may live long and enjoy good h’ealtn and prosperity. Councillors Morgan and Johnstone also added their tribute to Mr Grace. In replying Mr Grace said he thanked the councillors from the bottom of his heart for their ktod'Ly expressions. The address would always remain one of his cherished belongs ings. He thanked the councillors for the kindly reference to his wife and family, who would also admire and treasure the gift. He thought that it would be quite an easy matter to drop

out of the Council, but >vas not quite so easy as it looked, and lie missed the association of his old colleagues.. He wished to particularly thank his fellow councillors and .the staff for the great, assistance that they had always given him, for without their goodwill and ready assistance a chairman would not get very far, or be able to do any good. They had indeed made his lot a pleasant one. Although .he had retired from the council he intended to keep his seat on the Power Board. He thanked the councillors and staff for the handsome presentation. (Applause.) The chairman then entertained l he gathering to refreshments and the toast of Mr Grace was drunk with musical honours.