THE DEPARTURE OF MR. JOHN GOW.

Kumara Times, Issue 2729, 20 June 1885, Page 2

THE DEPARTURE OF MR. JOHN GOW.

PRESENTATION IN THE TOWN HALL. There was a very large gathering of miners and business people in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, where and when subscribers had been notified that a presentation would be made to Mr John Gow, who since the opening of this goldfield has acted for the Government in the capacity of Waimea-Kum-ara Water-Race Manager and Overseer of Public Works, also in the arduous and oftimes perplexing capacity of Sludge-Channel Manager, but with a result which is satisfactorily testified to in the words of the presentation. J. O’Hagan, Esq., J.P., and an ex-Mayor, was called upon to preside. The Chairman said it was some time past since he had taken any prominent part in public matters, but he had been run in here to perform a very pleasing duty, and it was with feelings of both regret and pleasure—regret at losing Mr Gow, who he had known for the last eighteen or nineteen years, and pleasure that it had fallen to him to make Mr Gow a presentation.—[Applause.] He felt great reluctance in speaking well of a man before his face ; he liked to speak well of a man behind his back and tell him face to face of his faults. They were unexpectedly losing a man who had a most difficult part to perform ; who was at all events leaving us for awhile ; he hoped not for good—[Applause]—he hoped it would not be the last time they would look upon his big sauncy face. They had met tonight to testify in small degree that Mr Gow departs with the good wishes of the people of the district, and they were met to give him a substantial token of this by presenting him with the best and most substantial gold watch they could get. There were also not unmindful of Mrs Gow; in honouring her they knew they would be honouring him, and they had resolved to divide the honours by making Mrs Gow a present also.—[Applause.] He (the Chairman) felt sure there was not one person present, but would regret Mr Gow leaving this district. However, it seemed there was a certain work to be done, and, besides Mr Gow there was only one other person in the employ of the Government to do the work ; this was why Mr Gow was to be taken from amongst us. He would now read the words accompanying the presentations, and hoped if there were anything wanting, Mr Gow would take the will for the deed.—[Applause.] To John Gow, Esq. Dear Sir— On behalf of the miners and other residents of Kumara and Wainlea, we beg to regret that circumstances have arisen which demand your presence in another district, at least for a time. During your residence here, which dates from the opening of Kumara, we were sensible of the arduous nature of the duties you had to perform, and the many difficulties with which you were surrounded ; and it is with pleasure that we now, on the eve of your departure, can bear testimony to the ability and integrity with which you have discharged the duties of your office, and, as a small token of our esteem, we beg you to accept this watch for yourself, together with this bracelet for Mrs Gow, and with best wishes for your happiness and prosperity, We remain, Yours faithfully, George Watson, Thomas Moynihan, Nicholas Rochford, On behalf of the Miners of the District. [Loud applause followed the reading of the testimonial.] The Chairman then handed to Mr Gow a very handsome gold watch (Rotherham’s best) and a massive gold bracelet for Mrs Gow. [The watch will bear the following inscription :—“ Presented to John Gow, Esq., Manager Government WaterRace, by the people of Kumara, Waimea, and Stafford. June 18tb, 1885,”] Mr Gow, addressing the Chairman and fellow miners, said he could not find words to express the pleasure he experienced to-night; he found it difficult to thoroughly realise the extreme pleasure it gave him to receive, such handsome presents. In the pursuance, of his duties to (he depirlnnuit he had had a very difficult task to perform in respect to the giauagemeut of the

sludge-channel, where interests were so conflicting. He had had to strike a course for himself, and had had to use his own judgment, which was to do the greatest good to the greatest number on the goldfield.—[Applause.] He had very rarely any fault from the department; he had been checked when they thought he had been dealing too liberally with the miners. He had done his duty, and a great deal without any authority, and had been called on to account for this. It must now be taken for granted that what he had done was for the best. The token presented to him evidently credited him with this intention.—[Applause.] No doubt in the first place they had had to learn a great deal by experience. It was out of his good nature that he had allowed more to work into the channel than he had a right to. He had known many of them on the Coast for the last twenty years. Ju Kumara they would give him credit that be made it a point to deal with all alike. He only wished, now that he was going away, that all the claims would turn out we’l. Many well knew be had their interest at heart. In every case where he knew that he could assist those who had a poor claim, he had assisted.—[Applause.] He hoped to live a good many years; and he would wear this watch as long as he lived, and ever remember the donors; it was the most substantial present he had ever received. On behalf of his wife, he thanked them heartily; Mrs Gov/ would be as proud of her present as he was of his. He would not conclude without a word of thunks to the wages-men, who had all along done their duty while working under him, and he thanked them for the great respect they had shown him. He wished them all well ; and hoped soon to see them better off than working for nine shillings a day. He hoped they would work well for the new manager, his successor, whom he had every I’eason to believe was a goodhearted fellow. He might have a doubt whether he would do as he had done ; bat if they had anything to lay before him, let them go to him with a straightforward statement. He (Mr Gow) should be delighted to hear of some of them making their fortunes, and making happy homes for themselves and their families.—[Loud applause.]

The Chairman here made some reference to the fact that on this occasion, they bad not conformed to the colonial stylo of doing things by drinking to the health of the guest. The committee had decided to devote the money to the purpose for which it was intended. Mr Griffiths said he could not allow this opportunity to pass to endorse all the worthy Chairman had said. He hoped in the sphere in which Mr Gow was going to labour, he' would be benefited. The Chairman here read a reply to three petitions which had been forwarded to Government against the removal of Mr Gow from Kumara, as follows : To John Monahan, Esq., Kumara. Sir—l have the honor by direction of the Minister of Mines to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ult., with three petitions against the removal of Mr Gow from Kumara. In reply, I am to inform you that Mr Larnach is gratified to find that Mr Gow is so much respected by the miners of Kumara and surrounding districts. It would, however, be contrary to regulation to interfere with arrangements which have been made for the public advantage, and in this instance Mr Gow’s servies are intended to be temporarily utilised in another district, to watch over and control an important work for the Mines Department. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, H. J. H. Eliott, Under- Secretary. Mines Department, Wellington, 9th June, 1885. Mr Gow proposed three cheers for the Chairman, which were heartily given. The Chairman also called for three cheers for Mr Gow, which were most heartily given. Mr Gow shook hands with each man as ho retired.