VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1058, 1 February 1913, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWEEE TO CR. GREIG.

At the invitatrn of His Worship the Mayor a number of prominent citizens gathered together at Mr Perreau’s rooms last night for the purpose of wishing Cr Greig bon voyage. Cr Greig, with Mrs Greig and their son, leave for England next week. The chair was occupied by the Mayor arid the guest of the evening was seated on his right. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Eiggins (President of the Flaxmillers’ Association), Horublow, Stewart, Bock, Wrigley, Collins, Gallaud, and Clemett. Alter the good things provided by Host Perreau had been done justice to, and the toast of The King duly honoured, the chairman rose to propose the health of the guest of the evening. He said he was proposing the toast with a good deal of diffidence, as he felt that he could not do justice to the guest’s many good qualities. However, his actions during his residence in Foxton spoke more eloquently than he was able to. All who had come into contact with Mr Greig recognised him as one of Foxton’s most upright and straightforward citizens, and as a Councillor he had been of great service to Foxton. His business ability, wise counsels, and good judgment had been of great assistance at the Council table, and the speaker regretted very much that they were to lose him tor at least a lime. As a flaxmiller Mr Greig was iu the van, he having led the way in the matter of improved machinery, and very shortly the men’s accommodation at his mills would be a pattern for other millers to copy. As a flaxmiller, the speaker knew that no other men had done as much for the industry as Mr Greig bad. He wished him. Mrs Greig and their son a pleasant voyage and a safe return.

The toast was drunk with musical honours.

On rising to respond, the guest was greeted with prolonged applause. He sincerely thanked those present for the manner in which the toast had been honoured and the Mayor for his kind remarks. He said he only wished that half of what had been said was true, as he would then be indeed a very happy man, instead of a very embarrassed one. He appreciated all that had been said, but appreciated still more the kind sentiment and friendship which had induced them to meet and entertain him. He had only been in Foxton a few years, and during that period his private business had taken up a great deal of his time and left him very little to devote to the affairs of the town and district. He did not think anyone deserved praise for doing only his duty, and in this respect he considered the little that he had done for the advancement of the town was barely his duty. The days that he had spent in Foxton had been very pleasant indeed, and he would have nothing but pleasant memories of his stay among the Foxton people. Wherever he was he would always look back on the pleasant time he had spent here. He heartily reciprocated the good wishes, and concluded by expressing the hope that during his absence one and all would have their full share of health, prosperity and happiness.

Other toasts honoured were “The Borough Council,” proposed by Mr Hennessy and responded to by Cr Adams ; “Foxtou Harbour Board,” proposed by Mr A, Speirs and responded to by Mr Hennessy; “Local Industries,” proposed by Mr Witchell and re* sponded to by Mr John Ross ; and “The Press,” proposed by the Chairman and responded to by Mr Whibley. The evening was brought to a close by the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and three hearty cheers were given for Mr aud Mrs Greig.