VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2359, 24 November 1921, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL TO DR, MANDL AND MR. HAWKE.

The local Chamber of Commerce entertained Dr. Mandl (ex-presi-dent) and Mr A. Hawke (postmaster) at a smoke concert, in Perreau’s rooms on Tuesday night. Despite the stormy night, which precluded the attendance of many from a distance, the gathering was very i representative, and a testimony to the public esteem in which the departing guests are held. The gathering was of a purely social character, as the citizens and other institutions had, on an earlier occasion, presented the guests with tangible tokens of esteem. Mr Hornblow, president of the Chamber, occupied the chair, and associated with him was the Mayor (Mr Chrystall), and the guests were sealed on either side of the Chairman and Mayor. Among the apologies for absence received was one from Mr Ed. Newman, M.P., who expressed regret that his Parliamentary duties rendered it impossible for him to be present, but who joined most heartily in every good wish for the guests, and expressed regret that they were leaving the district. - After justice had been done to the good things provided by Hosf Perreau, and the loyal toast and National Anthem had been sung, the Chairman proposed the toast of Dr. Mandl. In doing so, he said he desired to touch more particularly upon Dr. Mandl’s active connection with the Chamber. He then traced the early history of the Chamber and its long and strenuous agitation and struggle for the resuscitation of the Harbour Board and control of the port. In this connection Dr, Mandl had been associated with the late Mr P. Ilennessy, the late Mr John Stevens, who then represented the district in Parliament, and others who had finally succeeded in laying the foundation for the future welfare of the port. Dr. Mandl had also put up a strenuous agitation for making Foxton a port of entry for dutiable goods, lull in this success had not been attained. The great effort on behalf of the port had subsequently sapped the vitality of the Chamber, which, as a result, had become dormant for a time, but the Doctor had assisted to revitalise it, and he was pleased to say that to-day it was a very live and enthusiastic body. Apart from the good work accomplished by the doctor in this connection, lie had sacrificed time to assist; in the welfare of other local institutions. As a professional man, his departure was felt very keenly throughout the whole district. In this connection he would like to pay a special tribute to the Doctor for the splendid work he had accomplished in connection with the epidemic —almost single-handed and without regard to fee and personal sacrifice. Prom a humanitarian point of view his great \y>rk would be ever remembered. ®n behalf of Ihe Chamber he wished Dr. and Mrs Mandl happiness and prosperity in their new home.

The Mayor, on behalf of the townspeople and himself, expressed regret at Dr. Mandl’s departure, and lie feelingly referred to I lie high esteem in which the guest was held by all classes in the community. The best wishes of the Foxton people would follow the doctor and Mrs Mandl wherever their lot may he cast. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Dr. Mandl, on rising to respond, was greeted with a hearty outburst of upplnu.se. He thanked them sincerely for their kindly expressions. When lie fame to Foxton fifteen years ago, he was told that it was a place where lie could expect to witness periodical *‘Don ny brooks,” by reason of its being an industrial centre. At that time the flax industry was booming, and the mills attracted flotsam and jetsom of society seeking employment. The strippers worked night and day. Married men, however, replaced single in the industry, and things were not so bad as they had been painted. The town had progressed almost imperceptibly, right on. Streets which had only possessed two or three dwellings on his arrival were now built upon, and population had increased, Because the milling industry had gone back, there was no need to he depressed, as this had been counterbalanced by the closer settlement of tjie land in the coun-try-side. The port was a valuable asset, and its development, would mean increased prosperity. He touched upon his early association with harbour affairs, and paid a tribute to the present Board in their efforts to increase local shipping, and to Mr Bock for his enthusiasm in the welfare of the port. Foxton’s success depended upon the unity of its citizens —unity of spirit. “I leave you as friends, and have no feeling against any man, and my wish is that Foxton shall prosper. This can only come about by broadness of view, community of spirit —you must all pull together.” (Applause). Dr. Mandl then paid a tribute to Mr Hawke. He said that during Mr Hawke’s eight years as postmaster there had not been “a ruffle on the water.” The Mayor, in proposing the toast of Mr Hawke, referred to him as one of nature’s gentlemen. During his period as postmaster he had not heard one word said against him. In his official capacity he had been ever courteous and obliging, and while wishing him success on his promotion, he hoped that Foxton’s official grade would soon be raised, and that Mr Hawke would return. He wished Mr and Mrs Hawke every happiness. (Applause.) The Rev. Mr Walton endorsed the

Mayor’s remarks, and referred to the high esteem in which Mrs and Miss Hawke were also held in the community.

In responding* Mr Hawke was very warmly received. He said that his eight years in Foxton had been very happy. It had been said Jdiat the public was a hard taskmaster, but he found that if one met the public half-way a public official could get along alright. He had always impressed this fact, backed by courtesy, upon bis staff. During his stay in Foxton he bad made many friends, and he regretted to leave the town, but. when promotion came his way he felt justified in taking it. He was pleased to have the opportunity of saying a few words of farewell to Dr. Mandl, with whom he had been on the most friendly terms during his residence here. On behalf of Mrs and Miss Hawke, he sincerely thanked the speakers for their kindly references and good wishes (applause).

In proposing the toast of “Local Governing Bodies,” Mr Moorhouse briefly traced the rise and development of the right of the people to govern and levy taxes for the common good. He paid a tribunte to the good work done by the Borough Council and Harbour Board. Criticism was sometimes necessary, but whatever the Chamber of Commerce bad done in this connection was in the most friendly spirit, and for the common good. If the general public, would take (lie same keen interest in local public affairs as the guests had done, Foxton would be more advanced than it is. With the coming *of electric power, he looked forward to even greater progress in the.near future/ The Mayor and Cr. Bryant replied on behalf of the Council. The former paid a tribute to the good work done bv (lie Chamber of Commerce, particularly in' reference to the installation of wateV and drainage. Adverse criticism was to be expected in public matters, but service was a pleasure if it meant the'prosperity of Foxton. Cr. Bryant referred to the progress made in street and road improvements during the past nine years. With the finance at its disposal the Council had done remarkably well —the only mistake, in his opinion, was the purchase of the gas works, which had been a burden to the ratepayers. He would always endeavour'-to see that Ibo ratepayers’ money was spent to the best advantage.

Mr Whibley responded on behalf of the Harbour Board. The Board had been up against it. for lack of revenue, but had done all that was possible to improve the port. There had been criticism of a pin-pricking nature in reference to the dredge nnd pontoon, but the Board’s policy in these matters had been more than justified by good results. He paid ii tribute, to Mr Bock, the Board’s treasurer, for his enthusiasm in matters connected with the Board’s administration. Referring to the departure of the guests, lie had been closely associated with them in bowling matters, and the Club was losing two of its best members, and the town two excellent citizens.

Mr W. Jewell proposed kindred “Sports.” He referred to the Racing Club, and briefly outlined its progress since its inception 65 years ago. ITc dipped into the past in reference to the Rowing Club, sind referred to the old “Dolly Varden” outrigger crew —the once champions of New Zealand. Foxton possessed an ideal river for rowing, and lie hoped this branch of sport would lie revived. He referred to the bowling club ns a live institution composed of good sports. He was glad to know that the local footballers had displayed such prowess on the field, and the junior championship had been won last year by the local club. He referred to the games lie had played on the rugby field in this district years ago. He was pleased to know that tennis was well patronised.

Dr. Wyllie (who was welcomed hv Hie Mayor and Chairman), Messrs Bryant (Racing Club), Shaw (tennis), Christie (Bowling Club), suitably responded. The Rev. Mr Holliday proposed the toast of “Kindred Societies” in a humorous speech, and referred to the Horticultural Society, Beautifying Society, and Fire Brigade. Messrs Perreau (president of the Beautifying Society), Cr. Alex. Ross, Poole and J. Bolder responded. Mr John Ross proposed “The Ladies,” which was responded to by Mr S. Diulson, who expressed regret on behalf of the ladies at the departure of Dr. Mandl. The “Hemp Industry” was replied to by Mr A. King, one of the oldest millers in the district, who touched on the fluctuating market during his connection with it, and Mr Ogilvie. Mi* Trueman, in proposing “The Press,” made an excellent little speech in connection with the “fourth estate,” and paid a nice compliment, to the local paper. Mr Hornblow briefly replied. During the evening items were contributed by Messrs Chrystall, Poole, Golder, and the Rev. Halliday. The accompaniments were played by Mr Moorhouse. At the conclusion “Auld Lang Syne” was sung, and cheers given for the guests.

PRESENTATIONS

The pavilion at the local bowling green was the scene of a series of presentations on Tuesday afternoon, when members of the Bowling Club and a number of other friends of the guests assembled for the purpose of bidding farewell to Dr. Mandl and Mr A. Hawke. Prior to the presentations, those present

were entertained at afternoon tea by the lady members of the Croquet Club.

Mr R. Bryant, president of the Bowling Club, in making presentations to the guests from the Bowling Club, expressed the regret of members at the necessity of that afternoon’s function, As* they were all very sorry to know that Dr. Mandl and Mr Hawke were leaving Foxton. Both gentlemen were enthusiastic members of the Club, and had always been only too willing to further the Club’s interests in every way possible. Dr. Mandl bad occupied the position of president for two years, and Mr Hawke had also served on the committee for several terms. They had both proved themselves the best of sports, and the whole of the members were exceedingly sorry that they were Hiking their departure, ns they were the class of members that the Club could ill afford to lose. On behalf of the members he asked Dr. Mandl to accept, a travelling rug, and Mr Hawke a pipe and tobacco pouch with their very best wishes. Mr F. Woods also referred to the loss the Club was experiencing in the removal of the guests from Foxton. He referred to the very excellent services rendered by Dr. Mandl during the epidemic, which the people of the district would never forget. Both gentlemen had proved themselves true sports in every sense of the word, and their places would be very difficult to fill. Mr J. M. Barr also made eulogistic reference to the departing membei’s.

Mr-M. B. Bergin said that on behalf of a number of friends of Dr. Mandl and Mr Hawke, be had been asked to make presentations to each of them. He assured them that when the announcement was made that they were to leave Foxton th® news was received by all with very sincere regret. The friends of both gentlemen felt that they could not let thenT depart without in some small measure marking the esteem in which they were held, and on behalf of these friends lie asked Dr. Mandl to accept a gol dwatcli, inscribed as follows: “To Dr. C. L. Mandl to accept a gold watch, inhis leaving the district after 15 years’ residence, November 22nd, 1921.” To Mr Hawke be presented a wallet of bank notes and a silver match-box.

Mr W. Bock also referred to the very high esteem in which both gentlemen were held, and to the loss to the town through their removal. Dr. Mandl, in acknowledging the presentations, said that be \ci\ much regretted having to leave boxton, but circumstances bad arisen that made this necessary. He would always retain very pleasant recollections of his stay in the town. He was glad to know that any services lie had been able to render had been appreciated, and as mention had boon made of bis professional services during the epidemic, be would just like to say that had it not been for the assistance lie had received from Mrs Mandl during that strenuous period he would not have been able to carry the work through.

Mr Hawke thanked the donors for Hie presents, and said that like Dr. Mandl he very much regretted having to leave Foxton, but as he was going such a short distance away, he did not feel that lie was leaving the town altogether. When lie first received notice of his transfer to Foxton eight years ago lie was told that, lie would not last in the town six months, and was given anything but a, pleasant impression of what the place was like. However, he had found that the picture that had been painted was altogether wrong, and instead of lasting only six months, he had stayed eight years, and was very sorry to have to leave.

All present, joined in singing “For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” and the gathering broke up with (-beers for the guests and their wives.