PRESENTATION TO MR. MACLENNAN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 867, 25 January 1879, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MR. MACLENNAN.

About twenty gentlemen met at Messrs. Procter and Steward's offices, at 5 o'clock yestcrdaj-, for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr. J. Maclennan, lately manager of the Hon, R. Campbell's Whitstono Estate, on the eve of his departure for Manawatu (Wellington), where he goes to fill a similar position for for the same gentleman. Mr. T. H. Brown occupied the chair, Mr. A. Kerr acting as Vice-Chairman.

The Chairman said that he had been called upon at very short notice to preside, and lie therefore felt that he would not he able to do full justice to the very nice and pleasant duty he had to perform. They had met for the purpose of presenting an old and highly respected resident in the district with a small token of their respect, upon which he could look in his new home, and remember the friends he had left in the district with which he had so long been connected. Though they might regret losing so excellent a settler, they must all rejoice to know that in leaving the district Mr. Maclennan was improving his position and promoting his own welfare. This was what they had all come to the Colonies to do. He had great pleasure in presenting a tea and coffee service to Mr. Maclennan, as a slight memento of their friendship and regard. He could assure Mr. Maclennan that he would carry away with him the esteem and good wishes of the settlers in the district, who would always gladly hear of his continued prosperity and happiness. The health of Mr. Maclennan was then drunk in bumpers of champagne, and with musical honors.

Mi-. Maclennan, in replying, said that lie did not know how fittingly to thank them for their unexpected present. He was gratified to see so many friends coming forward to show that they respected him. It afforded him some proof that during his residence here he had won their friendship, and that now he was severing his connecti"ii with the district he was leaving In-hind many well-wishers. He had lived in the district for thirteen years, and he wmild willingly have lived and died in it : but circumstances necessitated his removal elsewhere. He was pleased to be the recipient of so handsome a present, not on account of its intrinsic value, but because it gave him a substantial proof that he i-njoyed the respect and friendship of those amongst whom he had resided for so many years. It would, lie hoped, he hereafter prized by his children as a testimony "f the regard and kindness he received from the settlers in the Oamaru distri-'t. He had not words at his command to thank them as he would like to do. but he did thank them very sincerely for their kindness.

Mr. Kerr then proposed the health of Mrs. Maclennan, saying that they would be very discourteous and ungallant if they •lid not remember that Mrs. Maclennan w.-t-t also leaving the district. He took the opportunity of referring to the many publie institutions with which Mr. Maclennan had been connected, and spoke of the good he had done to the district. The toast was drunk in bumpers, and Mr. Maclennan briefly responded. Messrs. Sumpter, Spence, Maude, and Dtmlop each bore testimony to the feelings of regard that were felt for Mr. Macietmaii, to liis great business capacity, and his genial and friendly disposition.

The healths of the Chairman and YiceChairnian having been drunk, the pleasant little gathering dispersed.