COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

Otaki Mail, 1 March 1922, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

TO MR AND MRS HONI McMILLAN.

After a connection of some years with Otaki as proprietor of the local picture theatre.. Mr Houi McMillan recently disposed of his business interests

ests. The citizens of the town determined that tho,y could not allow him to depart without some recognition of the very generous spirit he had displayed in assisting and forwarding every local movement, for the betterment of the community at large. Mr McMillan responded in a liberal way to every appeal, and was a consistent and generous patron of all local sports. With this in mind a committee was formed lo arrange a tilting farewell. which tool; place in the Otakl theatre last evening in the form of a social and dance, during which presentations were made to both Mr and Mrs McMillan. Prior lo the commencement of the social, the Otaki Band pla3*ed a number of selections on the balcony of the theatre,- and when the dancing commenced there was a fair attendance of the public. The Mayor, Mr J. P.*Brandon, was chairman of the proceedings, and at an interval in the early part of the evening said that the people of Otaki had all come to recognise the public spirit of Mr McMillan, and for that reason were making presentations to him and to Mrs McMillan that evening. The Mayor said he was not going to say anything of the good qualities of Mr McMillan, as they were known to everybody for years. If there was an object that deserved support. Mr McMillan not only gave his hall free of charge but his services as well (applause). The whole town regretted thai they were losing such a man both

from a business point of view and so dully. He had made many friends and Ihev all wished him well.

Mr 11. C. E. Stable spoke on behalf of the commercial interests of the town. During the speaker's stay here, he had found Mr McMillan ever ready to assist any local object, anil it was with regret that they learned Mr McMillan had severed hi* connection with the business interests of the town.

Mr .1. Fielding, on behalf of the Otftki Band, stated that when the Baud

was in ils infancy and was struggling, Mr McMillan was always ready fro assist, and his help had gone a long way towards placing it in its present good position. The Band wished Mr e 1 - 1 Mrs McMillan every prosperity a. ', success wherever they went in the future. (Applause). The Mayor then asked Mr:- McMillan to accept a piece of silver plate from the citizens of the town in recognition of the good work Mr McMillan had done on behalf of the town. Such service, the Mayor said, was greatly appreciated. To Mr McMillan, the Mayor presented a handsome illuminated address from the citizens. The Mayor said it wtis unnecessary for him to refer fo the good qualities of their guest. He was a generous and worthy citizen, and they all regretted that ho hud severed liis connection with the town. He hud pleasure in handing,him the address n.-t a token of the goodwill and esteem that, was fell for himself and his wife. IShc address, an artistic piece of work, read as follow-: "To Iloni McMillan, Esq.. dear *ir: On the occasion of yum- 'departure from our midst we desire, on behalf of the citizens of Otaki, to place on record our high appreciation of your generous and disinterested Kcrviccs to all worthy objects for the davancenicnt of our town and the district generally. Th/; quiet and ■ unassuming way fa which you have given aid justifies w. in recognising mosf heartily 'and thankfully voir co-operation in all good work.-, and we cannot allow y#«j to leave Otaki without, some expression of our regard and esteem. We therefore ask you to accept thi> address as on earnest of our appreciation and goodwill. We trust that you may ho long spared to enjoy good health, ani continue to scatter the seeds of kindcess wherever your lines may be cast." The address was signed on behalf of the citizens of Otaki by the Mayor and other prominent townsmen. Mr McMillan, who was received with applause, returned thanks for the presentations to Mr- McMillan and himself. Ho remarked on the trials of s picture showman, and he claimed that it was by tiffing tact he had made e success of his ent'-rpriFe F . The presentations that he and his -wife had received that evening were greatly appreciated, and would be highly prized in the years to come. An enjoyable musical programme was given at interval* between the dancing, songs being given by Miss Edroorids and Mr Notley. of the Robinson Crusoe Company, and Mr Titchner. of the same company, convulsed the gathering with a series of humorous recitations, and stories. Otaki talent was represented by Miss Lowry, who •ang delightfully, and Misi Bevan and Mr L. "Bevan. who contributed a duet in excellent style. Music for the dancing was supplied by Miss Bikihana and thft o*ttki Band, decides extrsi by several other?, present. Mr W. H. Bowden, as M.C., kept the proceedings going merrily which helped greatly towards the enjoyment and success «f the evening. The committee and secretary (Mr Testis) deserve a word of praise for the manner in which the ar raagemeata were made and carried out.