HAWERA.

Patea Mail, 15 July 1880, Page 3

HAWERA.

[from our correspondent.] BRANCH OFFICE OF TILE MAIL, Wednesday Evening. I regret to record the somewhat sudden death of Mr James Douglas, of this town, who took ill of typhoid fever about 10 days since, and did not rally. Ho was much liked for his manly and sterling qualities; and the funeral, which took place on Tuesday, was attended by some 200 people, testifying general regret for his early death, and sincere sympathy with the deceased’s relatives. A man riding in from Normnnby on Tuesday night, fell off his horse and broke hj arm. Dr Richards was promptly .iled in and set the limb. It is rumoured that Mr Wilkinson, Clerk of the Court, is to ho removed to Wellington, and some pensioner put in his place. Should this bo the case, the local public will be much annoyed, as Mr Wilkinson during his short stay here has made himself popular alike in his official and private capacity, .

PRESENTATION TO THE MESSRS MIDDLEMAN About twenty settlers, including Patoe, Hone Piliama’s brother, met at Lloyd’s hotel on Monday evening, to present an address to Thomas and Andrew Middlemas, and bid them a hearty farewell. Mr J. Livingston, J.P., was voted to the chair. The Chairman, in presenting the address to Mr Thomas Middlcmas, said he and Mr Middlemas had been old friends for upwards of thirteen years. The Middlemases with their families would bo in number about as many as the population of the district when they first settled here. The Middlemases might be called the fathers of Hawera. They were the first to build in the township. They had the had and the good times of the*district, and he felt sure that every settler sincerely regretted their departure. He said ho had received a telegram from the Hon. Major Atkinson, asking that his name might be included. Mr Livingston then read the following address;—

“To Thomas Middlemas, Esq. “ Dear Sir, —Wo, the undersigned settlers of this district, take this opportunity of expressing our sincere regret at yonr departure from amongst us. “As one of the earliest settlers here, you took a prominent position in every work for the advancement of the district. “In the native war of 1868 we remember your bravery. You wore the first, together with your brother, to erect a redoubt on your homestead, which you maintained for a period of about six months, and only left it when the district was abandoned by the colonial troops, who were driven by Titokowaru close to Wanganui. “We remember that, after the war in 1870, you were amongst the first of the Europeans to return here, and by your example encouraged others to come back also. “ Since then you have taken an active part in every social movement, and your connection with school matters, as chairman of the Patea Education Board, and afterwards as chairman of the local school committee, for a period of seven years, will not soon be forgotten. “In our system of local government you also took a very active part. In the first County Council that was elected you were a member for some time, and you also acted as chairman of the Road Board for a considerable period. In every position you acted for the best interests of the district, and did your best to promote its welfare.

“ We sincerely hope that prosperity may await you in your new home, and that you will be 'fully: recompensed for the change you are making. “ We hope that Mrs Middlemas may be long spared to you, and that your children may find pleasant and prosperous homes in the new land for which they are about to embark. “ Again expressing regret at your departure, and wishing you every prosperity, We remain, your fellow settlers.”— (Signatures follow). After Mr Mitldlemas’s health and “bon voyage” had been drunk, Mr Middlemas rose to reply. Ho was very much affected, and said ; Mr Livingstone and Gentlemen, —I do sincerely thank you for your kindness and good wishes. It will be a lasting remembra ice to me. Owing to a recent bereavement, 1 feel that I cannot adequately reply to your flattering address ; but although I find it impossible to properly express myself, I can assure you I feel it very sincerely. Mr Livingstone then said he was sorry that Mr Andrew Middlemas was not present, but no doubt if they presented the second address to his brother it would reach Mr Andrew in due course. An address similar in character to the above was then read, and was presented vicariously to Mr T. Middlemas, with appropriate compliments. Mr Middlemas briefly returned thanks on behalf of his brother. Patoe said lie wished to express the sorrow of the natives and of himself at the departure of the brothers Middlemas. Ho grieved for the recent bereavement that had befallen the family. He would like to hear of them from America, and to know how they got on. After Messrs Uaverhill, McLean, Bayly, Galvin, and Bate had spoken, expressing their regret of the loss to the district hy this departure, Mr Middlemas shook hands with those present, who wished him and his family every success in their new home.