VALEDICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 106, 7 January 1915, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

MR. A. McCOLL. A large number of men t rum far and near met at the Fire Brigade Hall last night to bid farewell to their old and much-esteemed friend, Mr. A. McColl. Indeed, the number present alone showed conclusively with what esteem Mr. McColl is held in the district. Mr A McColl has been for some seven years' in the employ of the "New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency, Company, in Taihape, and has just been transferred to Ractihi. > His AVorship the Mayor (Mr. A. L, Arrowsmith) occupied the chair, and the proceedings went with n swing from beginning to end in the most jovial manner. 'Vocal items were rendered by talented members present, to the enjoyment of everyone, while the pitch was kept at the highest by witticisms dung here, there and everywhere. The chairman, in presenting Mr. McColl with a travelling bag and rug, a cigarette• ease and a cigar holder tor himslf, a silver hot water kettle for Mrs. McColl, and a parcel of toys for Master McColl, addressed the gathering in the f©lowing well-chosen words: —Gentlemen: I have very great pleasure in proposing the health of the guest of the evening, and in so doing I must mention that this gathering was called at about an hour’s pot ice. which accounts for many of Mr. McColl’s 'friends "bffihg absent! But those present are fully representative, of the community and testify by. their presence fTle'universal esteem in which Air. McColl is’ lield.' 'He has" lived iu this district since-he was a boy and all who ■have known him, either in business or in. private life, van testify to his I on-e-sty and uprightness. I am pleased to say that he has been given charge of the branch which the L. & M. Co. L about to open at Ractihi —a proof cl the Company’s confideuce in him. Well, oiu less is Ractihi’s gain and lam sure he will make many friends and gain the esteem of nil who have business, relations .with the’ Company. I have known Mr. McColl for the past fifteen years and 1 can say that he has always borne the character of a straightforward, honourable and upright man. In asking Mr. McColl to accept these trifles, I would ask him to consider them not for their intrinsic value but as a‘ momento of the esteem in which he is held in this district. And as to his better-half, all I can say is that since she lias been among us she has done all iu her power to help forward every movement for the benefit of tne women of this district. And we inns! not forget ‘Broncho, ” and I hone this little present will bring joy to his little heart. On behalf of all I wish Air. Ab-Coll. ‘ good luck’ in his‘ new sphere and trust we sail see him among us again at no distant date.’’ (Lour applause). Air. AicColl suitably responded, thanking those present for the way lie vas being farewelled, and thanking them for the presentations and the kind words accompanying’ them. “I have been,” he continued, J‘a resident of the district for some time and during that time I have made numerous friends with whom I am very loth to part. ’ (Prolonged applause).

Toasts were honoured as follows: ‘ ‘ The King ’ ’ (the chairman), ''Army and Navy” (Mr. J. G. Oldham and Mr. il. .1. Juggard), "Parliament’’ (Mr. Lyndon and Mr. R. \V. Smith, M.P.), "Our Guest” (the chairman), "The Farming Community’” (Mr. G. A. Gar-rat-t and Air. E. Spooner), "The Ladles” (Mr W. AlceLnnan and Mr L. Walker), "Auctioneers” (Air. Overton ami Alessrs. Oldliani, Powell, Wailace, iSrapson, and aßrnes), "The Yisitors (Air. S. Bebau and Alessrs. Laughton, and Follltt), " The Press’’ (the chairman and Alessrs. Follitt, Wanganui Chronicle and Barton, "Taihape Daily Times”), "The Chair (proposed by Air, W. AlcLennan). Songs.wore rendered by Alessrs. T. A. Garratt, J. Cody. Ax. Anderson, G Parker, Downing, a. .Tames, Barnes, Laughton, S. Powell. Follitt, Williams, H. J. Doherty, Simpson, and Fitzherbert. Festivities were continued till the "wee sma’ ’oors.” Air. Ale Coll left for Ractihi by this, morning’s express.