PRESENTATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1172, 15 November 1913, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

A presentation was made to Mr A. D. Clemett, our departing postmaster, at the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon, by the Mayor (G. H. Stiles Esq.) on behalf of the citizens. There was a representative gathering present. The Mayor expressed the general regret of townspeople at Mr Clemett’s departure, but said their regret was mingled with pleasure at the knowledge that Mr Clemett’s transfer meant welldeserved promotion. He was a zealous, obliging and experienced public servant. It was a coincidence, said the Mayor, that Mr Clemett should have succeeded Mr MacDermolt in Foxton and again in Cambridge. The Department recognised that it required an efficient officer to follow iu Mr MacDermott’s footsteps. When Mr Clemett took charge of the local office, about eleven years ago, the staff consisted ot three. Since then the postal business had developed to such an extent that the staff had increased to ten and a new office had been erected which was an ornament to the town and a credit to the Department. The good wishes of Foxton residents would follow Mr Clemett to his new home, and he expressed the hope that the department bad still higher honours in store for such an efficient officer. The Mayor paid a fine tribute to Mrs Clemett, and said her loss would be keenly felt. In handing a gold watch to Mr Clemett, as a token of their esteem, the Mayor assured the recipient that the collector, Mr H. Coley, had met with a hearty response from subscribers and no refusals. The watch was inscribed: “Presented to A. D. Clemett, from Foxton friends, Nov. 1913.” The Mayor said Mr Clemett would receive a warm welcome if he ever returned to Foxton, for he was held in the highest esteem by all sections of the community (applause). Eulogistic speeches were also made by Messrs H. Coley, Witchell, and T. Henderson. In responding, Mr Clemett thanked the speakers for their kindly expressions and the donors for the handsome token, which he would always treasure. He had endeavoured to discharge his duties without fear or favour. It had been a pleasure for him to meet the public iu the way he bad done. He was not leaving an enemy behind him. It was a wrench to break away from so many staunch friends, because as one went forward iu years new friendships were not so deep seated as the friendships of youth. He liked this district and had the transfer not meant promotion he should have objected to the removal. The young fellows who had passed through his hands, and referred to by one of the speakers, were all making first-class headway iu the service. He had not beeu iu a town where the public were so considerate and there had beeu no conflict with headquarters in this respect. Mr Cle nett’s health was subsequently drunk in bumpers. Mr and Mrs Clemett leave Foxton for Cambridge on Tuesday morning.