PUBLIC MEETING.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 78, 13 May 1902, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

A meeting of residents was held in the Church of England schoolroom last night, to consider the best means of recognising the past services to the district of His Worship the Mayor, Mr R. Hursthouse. Mr J. S. Wratt, who was voted to the chair, read the notice calling the meeting and said he was sorry there was not a larger attendance, which was no doubt due to the short notice and to the fact that a number were unable to be present owing to prior engagements. He had received several verbal apologies from residents, who, however, had promised to assist the object in view. The speaker mentioned that during his long residence in Motueka Mr Hursthouse had occupied a position nearly every public body—he had serVgd them as Member of Parliament, on the'SEducation Board, School Committee an<l Road Boards, to say nothing of the interest he had taken in friendly societies, etc. After so many years of active service on their behalf he thought they should fittingly recognise such services. ' He would not advise a farewell gathering, as they hoped Mr Hursthouse would eventually return to Motueka and settle amongst them. He would invite those to pffer suggestions as to what steps should be taken; He, himself, favored a social, and they could generally rely upon the ladies of Motueka to make it a success. Mr Gilbert said that apart from the political element, which did not concern him as a public official, he would have pleasure in making one to show the appreciation of the people for the past services of Mr Hursthouse with whom he had been personally acquainted since a boy. The suggestion thrown out by the chairman was an excellent one, as it would afford an opportunity of getting the people together, and be a fitting time to make a presentation. The people were unanimous that it would be a disgrace to let Mr Hursthouse leave the district without recognising his services. He had pleasure in moving That a social be held, at which a presentation be made and that a committee be formed to carry out all arrangements. This was seconded and carried unanimously. Some discussion as to details took place and it was ultimately a greed to leave the matter in the hands of the following committee : Mesdames Rankin (3), Leslie, Johnston, Staples, Batchelor; members of the Borough Council and wives ; Messrs A. White, T. Pattie, Macmahon, Everett, Guy, J. Heath, Canavan, Easton, Alexander, A. Manoy, Batchelor, Staples, Rankin (3). Gilbert, with power to add to the number. Mr H. Rankin to be Secretary. It was decided to hold the social and dance on Wednesday the 28th instant. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.