PRESENTATION’ TO MR W. A. BARTON.

Kumara Times, Issue 1548, 13 September 1881, Page 2

PRESENTATION’ TO MR W. A. BARTON.

It is well known that as soon as it became positively understood that this district was to lose the services of Mr W. A, Barton, the respected Clerk of the Resident Magistrate's and Warden’s Courts for the Kumara and Greenstone district-*, a committee was organised and a subscription list opened for the purpose of testifying how the public—among whom the miners form a most prominent part—appreciated the services of an efficient and obliging civil servant of the Government; and a very respectable sum of money was found to come freely in to aid in the purchase of a suitable recognition of those services. Last evening seeming to be a convenient time for all parties concerned, by the kind permission of the R.M. and Warden (H. A. Stratford, Esq.) the Court House was granted as a suitable place for presenting the testimonial, and shortly before eight o’clock the prominent members of committee who had exerted themselves in the matter, and as many as chose to witness the ceremony (the Court doors being opened) availed themselves of the opportunity. Among those present we noticed his Worship the R.M. and Warden, J. O’Hagan, Esq. (Mayor), A. C. Campbell, Esq., J.P., J. Gow, Esq., L.C., and others holding prominent business positions: His Worship the Mayor presented the testimonial, and, in doing so, said ; Gentlemen—Yon have imposed a very pleasing task upon me—not pleasing in one way, that we are to lose the services of so good an officer, but from the fact that the testimonial which I hold in my band is well merited ; and that is the opinion of the whole district.— [Hear, hear.] The testimonial may be regarded not for its intrinsic value, but as a token of our appreciation of Mr Barton’s services, and for that alone. One thing I am pleased to notice, we have a good successor. I am of opinion that so f ir as Government officials are concerned Kumara has been very fortunate ; scarcely a Government servant that has left us has done so unregretted. However, the address will speak better than I can do. Mr Barton J I have much pleasure in handing you this address and gold watch; also a gold locket for Mrs Barton.—[Cheers.] [copy of testimonial.] To William A. Barton, Esq. Dear Sir—lt. is with mingled feelings of disappointment and pleasure that we, the inhabitants of Kumara and Greenstone' 1 districts have heard of your removal to another sphere of usefulness. , Disappointment ; inasmuch as we were in hopes of having a longer intercourse with you in the exercise of your various and responsible duties in connection with the Warden’s and Resident Magistrate’s Courts in these important districts, duties which we unhesitatingly say have been discharged to the satisfaction of the public and with credit to yourself. ’ Pleasure : on learning that in yonr removal the Government have recognised your ability by a well-merited promotion.

We feel that it would be ungenerous of us were we to allow you to depart from amongst us without 'offering some -testimony in appreciation of your worth, and of the esteem in Which you are held ; and therefore beg you will accept this addresS and accompanying gold watch as encouragement to continue the discharge of yoiir. duties ill the sime eafAest fend obliging manner, and in remembrance of the many friends you leave behind you. Signed on. behalf of the residents of the above-named districts.

Jno. o ’Hagan, Mayor, Patrick Kjely, JX S. Shaw, William William Baas, Alfred Skelton*, Denis Hannan, James Wyldb, Michael MAloneV-. Kiimara, Sept. 1881; These words were beautifully inscribed on parcjbmeht, and around then! a well-executed wreath of convolvuluses ('* Morning Glory”) in Wdter-colodr was painted-.

Mr Barton, in acknowledging the pie l sentation, said : Gentlemen—l feel it tb be an uncommonly difficult task to express my sincere thanks to you for this beautiful address and gold watch; and further, thank you on beb&lf of Mrt Barton. I regret having to leaVe you j the fact is the change is not uiy own seeking; I was rather against it. It will be a satisfaction to you to know that I arn succeeded by a gentlematl who is equally obliging. I Wish yoil all success and prosperity.—[Cheers.] Mr M‘Ennis: Gentlemen—l scarcely merited any mention. I hope to giro satisfaction ] and if it be only a small measure of the praise accorded to my pre* decessor in office, I will be thankful.— [Heat, hear;] The proceedings then terminated.