PRESENTATION CONCERT TO MR. ALFRED COX.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2996, 2 November 1882, Page 2

PRESENTATION CONCERT TO MR. ALFRED COX.

A presentation concert was given at the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, last evening, to Mr A. Cox, who is leaving the district. Mr Angus McDonald occupied the chair, and the building was crowded. The concert was one of the most successful that has been held in Temuka for a long time. During the interval the Chairman, in a few appropriate remarks, referred to the many services that Mr Cox had rendered to the district, and then read the following address, which was . beautifully illuminated;—

“ To Alfred Cox, Esq, “ Dear Sib, —On your leaving South Canterbury we wish to convey to you the assurance of onr high esteem for your personal qualities, and our acknowledgement of the truly beneficial influence which you have exercised upon all around you during, your residence amongst us.

“We desire to approach you to-day in the capacity of a private citizen, rather than as a public man, , but wo cannot forget that in times past you took an active, and always a useful, part in the public affairs of the colony, or that to yon was due, in a grout measure, the establishment of that admirable form of local government which made South Canterbury first independent and then prosperous, and afforded a model of local administration which lias never since been rivalled for simplicity, economy, or effectiveness.

“Those who are now addressing you, however, include many who can only have known you since your retirement from public life, and whose esteem and attachment, therefore, is solely the result of your private beneficence. “We see in you one who has successfully endeavored, by patience, ,consistency, and steadfast adherence to a lofty guiding principle, to elevate and improve the moral, social' and domestic condition of all classes of the community among whom you have lived. “ You have boldly and firmly upheld all that is right and true, and discountenanced all that is wrong and false, and you have done so with a magnanimity, a greatness, and a forgetfulness of self which have furnished a , most valuable example of conduct, and of manners.

“By the aid of your family, every member of whom has been a fellow worker with you in these efforts, you have diffused peace and goodwill, inculated sentiments of honor and kindliness, but unwearying benevolence. “ We beg your acceptance of this expression of our respect and affection for yourself and your household, and of'our hope that you may long be spared to enjoy the society of those who are dear to you, and to spread still further the influence of a noble life.” The Chairman said there .was one thing he regretted, and that was, that he was not the composer of the :address.. There was nothing too little or too much in it, and every word was well deserved. They were there that evening not to hear the concert but to do honor to whom honor was due, and that was Alfred'Cox, The presentation took the form of a cheque for a good round sum, but the amount was not made public. Mr Cox, in a very able and feeling speech, acknowledged The presentation, and thanked : those present for their kindly expressions of good-will towards himself.

Votes of thanks were then passed to the ladies and gentlemen who took part in the concert, and a similar compliment having been paid to the Chairman for presiding the proceedings terminated. A ball was afterwards held, and dancing was kept up till the small hours of the morning.