“AU REVOIR.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3765, 10 March 1928, Page 2

“AU REVOIR.”

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENTERTAINS MR. A. ALSOP.

. The local Chamber of Commerce met at Fairey’s rooms last night to- say au revoir to one of their members in the person of Mr. A. Alsop, and to wish him bon voyage prior to his departure for a trip to England and Australia. Mr. J. K. liornblow (president), occupied the chair. There was a good attendance of members.

■ln proposing the toast of Mr. Alsop, the chairman referred to the guests long and honourable service

in the railway department. Upon ■retiring from the service some years ago, Mr. Alsop had linked up with local activities, particularly in connection with school affairs and the Chamber of Commerce. His sense of citizenship and service was eulogised by the speaker, which, he said, was an example and inspiration to others. He extended the Chamber’s best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Alsop for a pleasant trip and a safe return. The Mayor (Mr. Perreau) and Messrs Christie, Mason, John Ross, G. Smith, R. N. Speirs, H. Hornblow and C. A. Pearson also endorsed the chairman’s remarks, and paid personal tributes to Mr. Alsop after which Mr. Alsop was asked to accept a tobacco pouch from the Chamber as a small token of esteem. , .. The toast was drunk with musical honours and cheers.

Mi-. Alsop, in thanking the speakers for their good wishes tendered on behalf of himself and wife, said whatever he had done on behalf of the school and Chamber had been a real pdeasure and a labour of love. He 1 referred to his long connection with the railway department, which he joined in 1886, and which, he was pleased to say, he had left with a “clean sheet” (applause). Reference had also been made to his services in connection with popularising the local seaside, this also had been a pleasure to 1 him and he spoke of the possibilities of the seaside, as a healthgiving and residential resort. So far as the Chamber of Commerce was concerned he had been proud to be associated with the members, who had no personal axes to grind but were actuated in forwarding the best interests of the town and district, and he was pleased to say that it was a real live body. ' He expected to be away for about a year, and when he returned he would be pleased to relate his observations and experiences to them. He did not remember much of the Old Land as he had left it as a child, but he looked forward with pleasure to the visit. He again expressed his warmest thanks to the members and assured them that they would be in his thoughts when on his travels.

Several members related some interesting items, and the gathering broke up with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”