TESTIMONIAL TP G. F. SHERWOOD, ESQ.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 357, 18 September 1878, Page 2

TESTIMONIAL TP G. F. SHERWOOD, ESQ.

On Saturday evening last, there was a failassemblage o£ influential t,.\vn and country settlers in the Carlyle Town Hall, to witness the presentation, on behalf of friends and admirers, of a testimonial and purse of sovereigns to the above named gentleman. Tbe presentation was of a semi-private nature, and although no public intimation had been given of its taking place, settlers were present from Manutahi, Waverley and intermediate places, whilst the leading Carlyle residents were in attendance. R. E. Mcßae, Esq., occupied the chair, the testimonial being read and the presentation being made by W. Co worn, Esq. The testimonial ran as follows—- “ To Gr. P. Sherwoo 1, Esq. “ We, the subscribers to this Memorial, are desirous of testifying to you our sincere and most hearty thanks for the benefits which have accrued to us from the advancement of the Patoa District, which has so greatly enhanced the value of our property and commercial status as to cause any obligations to ho all on our side. We trace the cause of this prosperity to the unswerving fidelity with which you have personally advocated every measure calculated to bring about the state of affairs which now exists. That you have given your energy and talents to the one object, in the face of (we regret to record) in many instances, great opposition, and by the indomitable perseverance that could recognise no obstacle, you have succeeded in placing the Patea District in that position before the Government and the Public, which its extent, fertility, and natural resources warrants. We are satisfied the claims of the District—both Agriculturally and Commercially--are now fully recognised ; yet much remains to be done to perfect and complete what is so well begun, and in your continued efforts we have every confidence this very desirable be fully attained. Where so much has been done during the many years you have been in our midst, it would be too lengthy to particularise ; but your latest work—the Patea Harbor and River Improvements —which is now in progress (tbe successful accomplishment of which we most heartily desire), builds up a monument which will ever be associated with your name.” The testimonial concluded by asking Mr Sherwood’s acceptance of a well filled purse, “as in some part a recognition for the time you have devoted to the public good. And we wish it was in our power to present you with a Memorial of as permanent a character as that which remains to us and our children from your disinterested efforts,” a list of subscribers being appended. After a few complimentary remarks from Mr Cowern and the Chairman, Mr Sherwood briefly replied, referring modestly to the share he had taken in the Harbor Work movement and other public matters, and expressed gratification at the evidence of appreciation which the testimonial and presentation indicated. During his remarks, the speaker was frequently applauded. The testimonial, which had been engrossed on parchment by Mr E. Tregear, was beautifully illuminated in crimson and gold, and secured favorable comment. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, an adjournment was made to the Albion Hotel, where provision had been made for the entertainment of a numerous company. Mr W. Cowern occupied the head of the table, the guest of the evening (Mr Sherwood) sitting on the right hand, whilst Mr R. E. Mcßae officiated as croupier. The tables were laid out in excellent style by Host Haywood, and after justice had been done to the good things provided, Mr W. Cowern proposed the health of Mr Sherwood, (alluding to the great public services rendered by him to the district) which was drunk with honors. Toasting and singing continued until shortly before midnight, when the company turned out en masse to escort Mr Sherwood home. This done, the company separated. The greatest harmony prevailed throughout the evening, and the proceedings altogether were highly successful, which must have been alike gratifying to the committee and the guest of the evening.