PRESENTATION TO MR R. L. M'LEAN. »

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 41, 16 January 1880, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MR R. L. M'LEAN.

On Wedneadoy evening last a gathering of a very pleasing nature took place at Whyte'a Hotel, the occasion being the presentation of an address and purse of sovereigns to Mr R. L. M'Lean, lute Foxton agent of the Bank of Australasia, on thu occasion of his departure for Invercargill. There was a very large attendance of jjeatletnen, including not only constituents of the Bank of Australasia, but the townspeople generally, besides several leading country settlers. Mr Francis Loudon was voted to the chair. The Chairman expressed the great pleasure he felt at being present on the ocoa-

sion. Those present were aware they ha,dr^._ met to do honor to their guest, Mr fcl'Leaij. Foxtou had beeu twitted by other district* with a want of unanimity, but he was in a position to state that on this matter the feolings of the Foxton people were unanimous. When he solicited donations for the testimonial, he found the people anxious to assist the movement, and some persons thrust their subscriptions upon him. They thus showed their esteem for Mr M'Lean, and that be was appreciated as a banker, as a citizen, and as a member of society ; and that in whatever position he stood he was regarded as a man. The people of Foxton had the satisfaction oi knowing he was leaving to accept a more remunerative position, but he felt certain if the people had a voice in the matter, Mr M'Lean would never be allowed to leave. However, they had to submit, and show their feelings in another way. He then read an address expressing regret at Mr MLean's departure, assuring him of the many friends he left behind, and wishing him future prosperity. • He thought that expressed the feelings of the people, and would conclude by handinw the address to Mr M'Lean, accom* panied by a purse of 20 soveriarns. Mr M'Lean, who was considerably affected, replied. He said that the kind speech Mr Loudon had jusi made had made him very bashful. He never thought he could make a speech, and he felt sure he could not on this occasion. He would, however; strive to say a few words. He felt sure the presentation just made was the outcome of good feeliug # towards himself; and more so, as he knew in these hard times it was very hard for a banker to do his duty nnd yet be popular. He was pleased to see that not only the Bank constituents, but also other gentlemen in tho town were present on the occasion, thus showing that their feelinar was not only on account of his banking, but also owing to friendship. He would keep in memory all the kindness he had experienced, and although there were many pleasant scenes to look back upon, so hearty an expression of goodwill made it almost a pleasure to be leaving. He had expected to have gone quietly away, not knowing the people felt so kindly towards him, but their kindness would remain with him as long as memory. Mr D. A. Foole thought the intended departure of Mr M'Lean was not generally known, or far more gentlemen would have been present He knew from personal experience that the gentlemanly be»ring and thorough business habits of Mr M'Lean, had gained for him the esteem of all- with whom ho carao in contact. The address just read expressed the view 3of the whole district, and whilst they felt great regret at Mr M'Laau's removal, that regret was assuaged with the knowledge that he was goin<r to an advanced position. He felt certain that if Mr M'Lean continued to evince the same steady character, and good business habits that he had shown in Foxton, he would gain a high po.-ition amongst the officers of the Bank. Mr A. Gray seid he wae no great speaker, and had not intended to make a speech, but as he could do so legally (laughter), and as ho was quite certain this meeting was legal, he would say a few words. It had been said insufficient notice was given of the presentation. He quita agreed with this, but as little notice was given to the gentleman about to depart. Mr M'Lean was about to receive promotion by gmbj^Jk^ Juvercargill. but he hoped the litne wouj^^ come when that gentleman would be glad to receive promotion back to Foxton. la the present case, Foxton's loss was hi* gain, on account of promotion. Ho thought all Foxton was unanimous on tho present oocasion, and he could say that from a busi'-V, ness point of view he never met a more • business man than Mr M'Lean. He hoped they would be able to say the same thing of the next man. He would conclude by wishing prosperity to Mr M'Lean and all his family. Mr Loudon wished to add one or two re» marks. Mr Gray had said this meeting was legal (laughter). He (the speaker) was glad to hear it. It also showed that there was a time to fight, and a time- for jollification, and that on occasions where the prosperity of the place was coucerned, or whero tha people wished to do honor to one they esteemed, all other feelings wero at once buried. Ho was glad to say that the Bank of New Zealand had given a good donation to the testimonial, showing there was a kindly feeling between the two Banks, lie would also add that several letters had been received, apologising for the absence of influential gentlemen. Tho speeches being concluded, refreshments were brought in, and the evening devoted to conviviality, the following toasts being drunk — " Our parting guest," proposed by $5. r Loudon ; '' The ladies of Foxton," coupled with the name of Mrs M'Lean, replied to by Mr Loudon ; •' The Press," replied to by Mr Russell ; " Tho Local Board," coupled with the name of Mr Coley, who replied ; " Absent Friends," _. replied to by Mr Poole ; '' Foxton Regatta,*^ coupled with the names of Messrs Batt nnd Young, who replied ; and a number of other toa&ts. Between the toasts, several songs were given, and added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening.