PRESENTATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1254, 4 June 1914, Page 3

PRESENTATIONS.

At the euchre party and dance held on Tuesday evening opportunity was taken by members of the bowling club to make a presentation to Mr H. Witchell, president and ex-secretary, as a mark of appreciation of the services he had rendered the club. The presentation was made by Mr F. Woods, one of the club’s vice-presidents who, in doing so, referred to the excellent work done by Mr Witchell both in the formation of the club and since, and to which its present satisfactory position was in no small measure due. Mr Witchell had devoted a vast amount of time, labour and enthusiasm to the interests of the club, of which he was really “the father” and but tor his excellent work as secretary the position would not have been as satisfactory as it is at present. None would regret Mr Witchell’s departure from Foxton more than the bowlers and croquet players. The green would remain as a memorial to his efforts. He felt sure that Mr and Mrs Witchell would carry away with them the best wishes of the whole of the members of the club, on behalf of whom he asked Mr Witchell to accept the presentation which took the form of an 18 caret Rotherham lever, inscribed as follows: “Presented to H. Witchell Esq., by the members of the Foxton Bowling Club as a mark of esteem 2/6/19x4.” A call for three cheers for Mr Witchell was heartily responded to.

In responding, Mr Witchell expressed his sincere appreciation of the expression of goodwill towards him shown that night. He said that although he had done all he could to further the interests of the club in every way possible, had it not been for the enthusiastic manner in which he was assisted by the committee and members, the institution would not be in its present satisfactory position. The club’s progress was due to the interest taken in it by every member. Mr Witchell expressed extreme regret at leaving Foxton, It was his first managership and the time he had spent here had been very pleasant. He would always be interested in the progress of the town and district and appealed to all to take an active interest in everything that would tend to add to its prosperity. He referred to the necessity of the wharf being controlled by the Harbour Board and also to the necessity, for an efficient water and drainage system. In concluding he again thanked them for their handsome present and said that the days he had spent in Foxton would ever remain a pleasant memory. Mr Stunell, vice-president of the club, said that in addition to members, several citizens had voluntarily come forward and tendered donations for the above and to s these gentlemen the club expressed their thanks. It was mentioned that the lady croquet players intended making a presentation to Mrs Witchell, but through an oversight the present had not arrived in time but would be given to her prior to their departure from Foxton.

At a general meeting of members of the local horticultural society last night, presentations were made to the society’s late president and Mrs Witchell. In making the presentation on behalf of the society. Mr Hornblow said the society regretted the loss it would sustain through Mr Witchell’s departure- Mr Witchell, by his enthusiasm, had stimulated a greater interest in horticultural affairs, in procuring and giving trophies for competition he had created a stimulus particularly in the cultivation of sweet peas and roses- As president of the society he had not been a mere figure head but probably the keenest worker. He felt sure if Dargaville did not possess a horticultural society it would not be long before Mr Witchell would interest himself in the formation of one. The rug which he asked Mr Witchell to accept came from the society members as a whole and was symbolical of the warmth of their feelings. Members recognised also that Mrs Witchell had had to sacrifice a good deal of social enjoyment to the society and they asked Mr Witchell to accept on her behalf, a silver set consisting of shoe horn, glove and button hooks. Mr Witchell feelingly responded. He said be had always taken a keen interest in flowers and it had been a pleasure to work in the society’s interests. He referred to those members who had worked so willingly with him and made particular reference to the secretary. He hoped the society would continue to flourish and that the committee would take their full share of work. He referred to Mrs Witchell’s interest in the society and on her and bis own behalf thanked the society for the presentations.