Personal.

Manawatu Herald, 13 September 1904, Page 3

Personal.

'Mr and Mrs Hunter are leaving for Palmerston North to-day. Their absence will be very much felt, since they have been of great assistance in many of the social functions of the town. Mr Hunter has been an active member of the local Debating Society and of the Good Templars’ Lodge, and both these bodies will find it very difficult to replace him. Mrs Hunter’s powers as a vocalist are well-known to Fovton audiences, and it is in this capacity more particularly that she will be missed. We wish Mr and Mrs Hunter prosperity in their future career, and feel sure that they will prove as useful and popular citizens in Palmerston North j as they have been in Foxton. , * * * * Another well-known Foxton resident has recently left us in the person of Mr Edmund Osborne. Mr Osborne first came to Foxton m 1876 in the employ of Mr J. J. Beatty and Messrs J. Nathan & Co. He started in business for himself as a draper in the “ Centre of Commerce, where he continued until 1902. He then took over ** Manchester House, which prior to that had been in a state of ruin and to which he effected extensive repairs. He conducted a drapery there until the beginning of the year. Mr Osborne has been associated with many local institutions. He was a member of the first Licensing Committee in the district and or the first School Committee, and was also a Borough Councillor for a time. Mr Osborne was connected with tlax in the early days when the industry was practically of no importance. e was interested in two mills; one at Wirokino and the other at Piaka, With the exception of Mr Rutherford s. these were then the only two mills in the neighbourhood. Church matters have also claimed a good deal ot Mr Osborne’s attention. He was one: ot the founders ot the Primitive Methodist Church in Foxton, and for 12 years he was Superintendant of the Sunday School. Some time ago when the Levin-Greatford Railway line was first mooted, Mr Osborne took pait m an attempt to float a private company to construct the line, but the Government blocked matters by refusing to consent to the line being formed. It is with a feeling ot regret that we chronicle the departure of Mr Osborne and his family. He was essentially progressive and enterprising as he sometimes says himself, too progressive ; but whether this be so or not, it is progressive men that we require in Foxton now, and it will probably be a long time before we secure such a pushful citizen as Mr Osborne has been. , . , , • Mr Osborne has entered into business in Palmerston, the centre to which other Foxton business men have .departed at various times, though tew so long a residence here. In conjunction with our many readeis, wish him every success m his new sphere, and feel confident in saying that the best feelings will accompany Mr Osborne and his family to thennew home from many Foxton residents.