VALEDICTORY TO MR DARBYSHIRE

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 474, 15 June 1912, Page 5

VALEDICTORY TO MR DARBYSHIRE

PRESENTATION BY CITIZENS

A representative gatnering of citizens assembled in the County Chambers, Te Kuiti, on Wednesday evening to say farewell to Mr G. Darbyshire, who is leaving Te Kuiti to take up the position of town clerk to Dargaviile. The Mayor, E. H. Hardy, occupied the chair and there were also present Messrs J. Boddie ex-Mayor, and several councillors and ex-councillors. An apology for his absence was received from Mr A. Scholes, county chairman. The Mayor presided, and in a felicitous speech, referred to the manner in which Mr Darbyshire had conducted himself both in public and_ private life. Personally, he could testify as to the worth of Mr Darbyshire as a public servant. He had been thrown much into association with him from the time the hornugh had been formed, and always found him ready and anxious tu do his utmost in the interests of every section of the community. Te Kuiti'a loss would be Dargaville's gain and he felt sure Mr Darbyshire was destined to earn high distinction as a public officer. In his official capacity his work at Te Kuiti had been accomplished in a manner which was a credit to himself and to the borough and his worth was fully recognised by the auditors to whom the work was submitted. The Mayor also made mention of the services rendered by Mrs Darbyshire in assisting at concerts and other entertainments promoted for the public benefit. He wished Mr and Mrs Darbyshire long life and prosperity in their new sphere. In presenting Mr Darbyshire with a travelling bag and rug the Mavor said he trusted the recipient would treasure the gift, not so much for its intrinsic value as for the evidence of goodwill which it symbolised. Mr Boddie, ex-Mayor of the borough, said it afforded him great pleasure to add his testimony to that of the Mayor. Mr Darbyshire and he had worked together since the inception of the borough and he was in a position to appreciate the fine work done by the clerk. He could not s~eak too highly of the ability and energy displayed by Mr Darbyshire who was an enthusiast in his calling. He wished Mr Darbyshire every happiness in his new home. Crs Lusk and Somerville also paid a j tribute to the character of Mr Darbyshire and made eulogistic reference to his work as town clerk.

Messrs Hine (borough solicitor), Howarth and Mclndoe made reference to the able manner in in which Mr Darbyshire had conducted his office and paid a tribute to him as a citizen. Mr C. Stevens in proposing the toast of the guest of the evening said as a member of the first council he had every reason to appreciate the valuable services Mr Darbyshire had rendered to the borough. They all regretted his departure and heartily wished him God speed.

Mr Darbyshire, in replying, said he hardly felt he deserved all the good things that had been said about him. He felt deeply grateful for the appreciation which had been accorded him and it would always be a happy memory to him to think that his efforts had been so appreciated. He wuuld always have a warm corner in his heart for Te Kuiti, and anything he could do to further its interests at any time would afford him pleasure. Words could not express all he wished to say, and he would welcome the opportunity to assist them at any time.

Mr J. B. Young said he wished to pay his tribute to a citizen and a public official with whom they were all sorry to part. He had only learned of Mr Darbyshire's impending departure at a late hour and had mentioned it to a few friends. They Wished to present Mr Darbyshire with a small token of appreciation and trusted it would serve to keep the memory of Te Kuiti green with him. Mr Young then handed to the Mayor a handsome dressing case for presentation to Mr Darbyshire. The toast of the Borough Council was proposed by Mr Boddie and responded to by the Mayor and Mr Hine. Mr Somerville proposed the toast of the Cuuntv Council to which Mr Mora, county clerk, responded. The Press was proposed by Major Lusk and responded to by Mr Matthew and a very pleasant evening dispersed after bidding a hearty good bye to the guest of the evening. Mr Darbyshire left for Dargaville by the 11 a.m. train on Thursday.