PRESENTATION TO MR. JOSEPH NANCARROW.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5307, 29 March 1878, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO MR. JOSEPH NANCARROW.

On Friday, March 1, a number oJ gentlemen (principally personal friends of Mr. Nanoarrow) comprising old and valued residents in the colony, met at the Occidental Hotel to make a presentation to that gentleman prior to his leaving the colony on a trip to England. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. He stated that he had been rather taken at a disadvantage in being called upon at a moment’s notice to preside upon such au occasion, as he understood that Mr. Hunter, the member for the city, was to have taken the place. He had not the slightest hesitation, however, in officiating, as when he looked around him ho saw that they were all Mr. , Nanoarrow's friends, and as well acquainted with his good qualities as he was himself. He (the Mayor) had known the gentleman for the last 22 years, and he had every pleasure in wishing him a pleasant trip to England, and a safe return to the colony again.

Mr. R. S. Ledger then read the testimonial as follows ; 1 To Joseph Nancarrow, Esq.. Inspector of machinery.

Drau Sir, —Your contemplated departure for England affords us the pleasing opportunity of expressing to you the feelings of estimation and regard in which you are hold. Connected, as most of ns have boon with you in your official capacity, we have had every opportunity" of observing the faithful'manner in which your duties have been performed ; while your unvarying courtesy and kindness have won tile esteem and respect of those with whom yon have been associated- As a small token of our regard, we ask your acceptance of the accompanying souvenir ; and, wishing you a pleasant voyage, we hope soon to welcome you hack to our shores.—(signed) J. Ouaxsfikli) (Mayor of 'Wellington), Chairman ; It. y, Lkdoeu, lion. Secretary, upon behalf of the subscribers.

Wellington, Sexy Zealand, March Ist, ISTS. Mr. Ledger stated that the amount collected at present was £l2O, and there were sundry other .lists yet to come in, both from the Northern and Southern parts of the colony; consequently; it 'was proposed to present Mr. Nancarrow with a - purse containing a cheque for a £IOO, and the balance could afterwards bo sent to'him wherever he directed.

The toast of the guest having been drunk,

, His Worship the.MAVO.il then handed him a purse containing a cheque for £IOO, and in doing so’observed that’it was only a small testimonial from his fellow colonists. He (the Mayor) could only say that if he was in Mr. Nancarrow’s position he would feel proud of it. . It, was a great credit to a man like him to be able to ; leave so many friends behind him, as, there, was nothing that a man could be so proud of ,as to feel that he was respected by such a large body of his fellow- colonists. (Cheers.) :

. Mr. Nancaeuow, in accepting, the flattering address, together with the parse, observed that he felt very much gratified indeed at what had been done for him, and could not but express the great pleasure and satisfaction it gave him at seeing so many of his personal friends

around him. It was indeed pleasing to feel that he had made himself so respected, and it would be an especial pleasure to carry that testimony to the many friends he had in the mother country. Some of the gentlemen present, perhaps, could remember the first steamer which traded to the colony; when the Nelson arrived in April, 1854, and ran along the coast; and he felt proud to say that he was on board of that steamer, and had been connected with the coasting steamers ever since. That steamer was sent Home afterwards, as the proprietors thought it would not pay. But now, what was the result ? Why, that the colony had 135 steamers—a fleet, the like of which he had no doubt he would not find around the coast of England. (Cheers.) The Union Steam Shipping Company’s fleet in itself was a credit to the colony, and showed how well they were advancing in national progress. The Idndness he had all along received, and which had exhibited itself upon that occasion, might make them assuredly believe be would never forget New Zealand. In conclusion, he had to thank them for their flattering testimonials.- (Cheers.) Song—“ Eor he’s a jolly good fellow.” Mr. Naxcaekow proposed the “ Health of Mr. Ledger ” with a few brief and appro-' priato remarks. Mr. Ledger, in ■ responding, referred to the many years he had known the guest, and to the coastal trips he and other gentlemen present had made near a score of years ago. He likewise observed that there would have been many others present but for the pressure of business in consequence of making up the homeward mail, and stated for that reason he had to apologise for the absence of Mr. E. W. Mills, who, being shorthanded in the office, could not attend.

Mr. Seed next proposed the health of his Worship the Mayor in a few appropriate and complimentary remarks, stating that he ha 4, done his duty as a Mayor and a man. ; The toast having been duly honored, The ' Mayor stated that in being present that afternoon it was only part of his public duty, although he was sorry he had not had longer notice of it. He thought he had shown the citizens of Wellington that he was always very careful to avoid a political part in regard to any public proceedings during the time .he .was in office, and if there was one thing he took credit to himself for it was that he had avoided taking a party view in public matters. -But wherever large classes of the community were gathered together, . they would find he would not fail to do his duty. (Cheers.)

Several other toasts followed, and the company separated with many wishes for a safe and prosperous voyage to Mr. iSTaucarrow.