PRESENTATION TO MR. L. MORTON.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 418, 30 August 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR. L. MORTON.

A very pleasing ceremony took place last evening at the "Volunteer Hall after the inspection by Major Steward of the Citizen Cadets, consisting of the presentation of a handsomely illuminated address signed by the otiicers and members of the Citizen Cadets to the former captain of the company, Mr. Lewis Morton. The hall was nicely decorated for tlie occasion, the arms being piled in the orthodox manner, with hxed bayonets, on the stage. A table was placed from end to end of the room, and this was well laden with pastry, sweetmeats, and fruit. About thirty of the Cadets sat down to this repast. Major Steward occupied the chair, and was supported by the guest of the even'ng (Mr. Morton), while Captain M'Coikindale occupied the vice-chair. The following gentleman were also present as guestsLieut. Greenfield and Sub-Litut. Kennedy, 0.A.; Lieut, Headland and Sub-Liiut. Morns, Iso. 1 Company ; Lieut, Itice and Sub-Lieut. Davidson, Grammar School Cadets ; SergtMajor M'Pherson, Stall; ol. Hastie, Iso. 2 (Hampden) Company. A letter from Captain Sumpter, 2so. 1 Company, was read by the Chaiiman, apolugising for his unavoidable absence. The company having fully regaled themselves with tea and the good things provided, The Chairman proceeded to make the presentation to Mr. Morton, which formed the principal object of the pleasant little gathering. In the course of a lengthy speech, lie complimented the corps upon its highly creditable position, and said this was greatly attributable to the energy of the late captain of the company, Mr. Morton. Although the piesentation which he had to make to Mr. Morton consisted of neither gold, silver, or jewels, it would be highly appreciated by that gentlemen, as it was an evidence of the esteem an el regard of those with whom he hatl been associated. In the name of the ollicers and members of the Ci-'izen C;:d; t Corps he had now to prev sei.it to their ex-c.tpta:n a handsomely illuminated address, which read as follows : To I ewts Mokton, Esq., I'ite Captain (janiaru Citizen e adets. Dear Sir, —"We, the uudei signed officers and numbers of the Oamaru Citizen Caileu-, on the occasion of year retiring from the conmtaiul, take this e>p[ oitunity of ino- our rtgrefc Jit the loss of \ our scr\ ices ami (.ur high regard for yourself personally. To you the cup.- owes ic-3 initiation, and to your eneigy is due its successful pi* lutliei to ; ain't now, in wishing you iareweli, we desiie thus to put on record our e. teem ior your soldierly and gentlemanly qualities, and our earnest deques for your iutuic happiness and pro.-penty. Mr. Moiiton, in returning thanks for the presentation which hail been made to him. said he felt that it was moie than he deserved. tie said he had always taken, and should continue to take, a waim interest in the Company, and iheit rrjft would be cherished by him as long as he lived. He expressed his satisfaction at the fact that many who had been trained m the Oamaru Citizen Caeiets hail passed into companies in other parts of the Colony as well as here, and some of them had made their mark as volunteers and gooel shots. He conclueleii by expressing the indebtedness of toe company to Stati Sergeant-Major M'Pherson. Sevti nl souses and recitations w ere gu en dining the evening- Cheois v.eic gi\en for the oufcst of the evening, the Major commanding, and Captain M'Corkindale, while votes of thanks were accorded to the visiting othcers, to the Chaiiman, and to Serge ant-Major M'Pherson. After singing 0 " Auld Lang Syne" and a verse cf "the National Anthem, the pleasant little social gathering was brought to a close.