PRESENTATION TO CONSTABLE MORTON.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2341, 9 April 1892, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO CONSTABLE MORTON.

Last night Constable Morton, who has retired from the police force, was entertained by his fellow citizens and friends at a smoke concert, at the Star Hotel. A ' eiy representative gathering was presided oi u by Mr M. Quinn, who, prior to the formal proceedings, apologised for the absence oi Messrs A. M. Clark, E. Dignan, and J. Lawson. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were honored, alter which the chairman proposed the health of “ The guest 01 the evening.” In doing so he said he was sure they would honor the toast right loyally. Constable Morton had been in charge of the district for over eleven years—a position by no means enviable. A policeman’s duties brought him into contact witn friends as well as foes, and he had to discharge his duties without fear or favor. That he had succeeded was evinced by the lari re number of citizens there assembled to do him honor. Mr Morton had served his Queen and country for 30 years, and he now left the service in an honorable manner. Mr Morton, he was glad to say, was retiring to a farm at Mount Egmont, where he hoped he might spend many happy days. He had in his experience some rough times, and on one occasion, as some of them knew, an attempt was made to attack his character, and to have him not only removed from the district but from the force. The charges against him were boldy met, investigation was challenged., and Mr Morton was honorably acquitted. That they were scurrilous and false was clearly shown by the esteem in which Mr Morton was now held. He might perhaps be blamed for mentioning this matter, but it was one of which Mr Morton had no occasion to be ashamed. He was sure they would all join him in wishing Mr and Mrs M orton all health and happiness in their new home. Mr Morton they knew as a good neighbour, a kind friend, and a zealous officer. Mrs Morton’s unassuming manners did not lead her much under the public gaze, but he was assured she was a most religious and charitable woman imbued with all kindly feelings. He had one other duty to perform, and that was to beg Mr Morton’s acceptance of a silver tea and coffee service, which he hoped he would accept as a token evincing the esteem in which his friends held him. (Applause). The service, which was a very handsome one, supplied by Mr J. Sim, bore this inscription—“ Presented to Mr and Mrs Morton by their friends, as a token of their esteem, on the eve of their departure from Temnka.” The toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr Morton, in responding, said that his thoughts were more scattered than he ever recollected them to have been before. When he looked around he felt he had never been so honored as on that occasion. Since he left the cot, which was the scene of his birth, he had never stayed so long in one place as he had at Temnka. He knew no reason why he should be so honored, nor why he had made so many kind friends towards the close of his career. On occasions of sickness and departure the sympathy of friends was the more valued. He had experienced their kindness in the one, and he now did in the other, and he assured them he felt it keenly. With regard to the disagreeable incident referred to by their chairman, it was certainly very trying, but he could hardly help smiling at the thought that he should have been charged towards the close of his career with ill-treating a prisoner, for he could assure them that in over thirty years experience he had never used the baton. He found his fist quite good enough as a rule. (Laughter.) All disagreeableness was now banished and forgotten, and he could assure them the last few years of his life were ones of unalloyed happiness. The handsome gift they had presented him with would always be valued by him on account of the memories it would bring him of their considerate feelings towards him. He thanked them most heartily for all the kind expressions used towards him. Other toasts followed, the speakers taking the opportunity to refer in kindly terms to their guest. Songs were sung by several of the gentlemen present, an da very pleasant evening was terminated by the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.”