MR AND MRS W. EXCELL HONOURED

Southland Times, Issue 24879, 20 October 1942, Page 3

MR AND MRS W. EXCELL HONOURED

Function At Nightcaps The complimentary social and presentation tendered to Mr and Mrs W. Excell, of Nightcaps, arranged by the Town Board commissioners, was a most successful function, a large and representative attendance testifying to their popularity. The chairman, Mr D. Sinclair spoke of the guests’ long service to the district. During Mr Excell’s term of 19 years as chairman out of the 24 years he was a member of the Town Board, the town was provided with amenities unequalled by any other mining place in New Zealand. The District High School, Manual Training School and dental clinic were evidence of his work as chairman of the school committee and a member of the Education Board. The maternity home was also an asset to the district. The recreation ground, swimming pool, and camping ground were evidence of his interest in the sporting life of the people. The chairman expressed his own and the public’s regret that ill-health compelled Mr Excel! to withdraw from public life in the meantime. In asking him to accept an illuminated address on behalf of the residents in appreciation of his valued services, he expressed the hope that both Mrs Excell’s health and his own would improve and that much happiness would be theirs in the years to come. Mrs Excel! was presented with a handbag. Father Fenton conveyed the good wishes of the Catholic community to Mr and Mrs Excell and expressed his own appreciation of the help and assistance he had received on various committees.

Mr W. Bell, of Invercargill, paid a tribute to Mr Excell’s work as a member of the Education Board. Mr A. A. Liddell, representing the Otautau Town Board, and Mr R. Donnelly, for the Ohai Railway Board, referred to the assistance and help each had received over a number of years. In reply Mr Excell expressed his appreciation of the good wishes and the presentations, and hoped that if their health improved in time they would be able to help once more in the welfare of Nightcaps, which was still to be their home.