PRESENTATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1257, 25 October 1884, Page 3

PRESENTATION.

On Wednesday evening last a vary pleasing ceremony in connection with the Geraldine Philharmonic Society took place in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Geraldine, the occasion being the members bidding farewell to their talented conductor, Mr J. H. Edmonds. There was a large attendance of the lady members. The Secretary having read the balancesheet of the past year, wherein it was shown that there would be a small balance to the credit of the Society when all the members’ subscriptions were got

tu^ Dr Fish then came forward and, addressing Mr Edmonds, said he had been requested by the members of the Society to bid him farewell, and he took advantage of the occasion to thank him for the attention and patience he had bestowed on them. They were deeply indebted to him, and it was mainly through his exertions that - the Society had so far succeeded. He had done good work in Geraldine, and it was sure to bear good fruit in the future. As a small mark of the esteem in which he was held by the Society he would request Mr Edmonds to accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns. (Applausej. Mr Edmonds remarked that he had been quite taken by surprise, and would highly esteem the gift of the donors. He would especially thank Dr Fish for the kind expressions he had used in regard to himself. He regarded the careful performance oi bis work as a duty oh his part. He had been taught music and he loved it. He hoped his feeble endeavors in assisting the Society would bear fruit* as all his labor would otherwise be in vain. He would say a few words to the members of the Society and others,who sang solos. He would advise them to read the words well before attempting to sing the music. In doing this they would see where the points were. He considered that during the term of his connection with the Society be had made more friends than anywhere else, and he should in the future remember with pleasure the members of the Philarmonic Society of Geraldine. He thanked them for their kind present, and it was with regret he bad to inform them that he would leave for the North in about a week. If ever he did come back he should come and live amongst his friends in Geraldine. He would now bid them farewell. Mr Edmonds desired to move a hearty vote of thanks to the Misses Fish for the great help they had been to himself and also to the Society, They deserved a hearty vote of thanks, not only from the Society but also the residents of Geraldine,

Mr Willoughby seconded the motion, and on being put to the meeting it was carried by acclamation. Mr Hughes proposed a vote of thanks to the Secretary, Mr Willoughby. It was mainly through his exertions that the Society was out of debt. This was seconded by Mr Lloyd, and carried by acclamation. Mr Willoughby briefly responded, and remarked that although the Society had virtually ceased now to exist, yet the members would no doubt be frequently called upon to assist at any concerts that might be given in the township. The Cricket Club concert wojjld come off shortly, when they would be waited to assist.

The proceedings then terminated