PRESENTATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2999, 6 November 1882, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

Last Saturday evening a goodly number of the residents of the Waitohi district assembled at the Spur Hotel to give expression to the general regret felt in the district at the removal of the master of the Waitohi School (Mr*Archibald Mahan). and . also 'to present that gentleman with a memorial of; the esteem in which 'he' was held.' Mr Talbot, who was voted to the chair, stated that few words of Tils own wer§ required to eulogise the of Mr Mahan, the ptjrely disinterested services of that gentleman spoke for his kindly disposition. , They felt they could not allow him to leave, the' district Without tendering him, an expression of their hearty good wishes for his future prosperity. He begged his acceptance of a watch and chain, add read and presented the following address. . To Mr A. Mahan-r-“We are desirous that you may bear away with you, db the occasion of your leaving the district, some little token of our. regard and esteem. During your residence amongst os, of nearly eight years, as .master of the Public School, you have displayed in the highest degree, the, courteous and kindly attributes of a gentleman. The frequent occcasions on which the schoolroom has been required for public meetings, has occasioned yon much trouble and perhaps soriie inconvenience and we beg to thank you for the use of that building during your term of bffiqp. We also-beg to tender an expression of our appreciation of your gratuitous services as Librarian and Treasurer of the local library. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying watch and chain, and hope they may prove of service. We trust you may wear them for the remainder of a long and happy life, and regard them as a memento of the regard and esteem in which you are held.’;’ ./

“ Signed on behalf of, the residents of the District. —J. Talbot, J. Anderson, A. O. Gilmonr, L. Scott, M. Weightman, S. Currie.” Mr Mahan said he would be less than human did ho not feel the kindly expressions that had been uttered that evening. Approbation of his fellow men was the true and most lasting reward, if any were needed, and carried with it the true and most sterling ring : of its sincerity. He thanked his friends and well-wishers for the flattering address that they had thought fit to present, and ho assured them that he would wear the watch and chain as a souvenir of their unvarying friendship. It was with no little regret he left the society of many -present that evening, but he thought it possible he might be among them occasionally. He again begged to thank them, and .concluded amidst much cheering. ; ; . _ The night was very wet and boisterous but notwithstanding there was, a Very good attendance ,of the residents. Some capital songs were sung, and “Auld Lang Syne” brought a very pleasant evening to a close.