Presentation to Mr B. Skeen.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2860, 15 April 1878, Page 2

Presentation to Mr B. Skeen.

A number of gentlemen met at the Governor Bowen Hotel on Saturday , evening at eight o'clock for the purpose of presenting Mr K. Skeen, late mining reporter to the Herald and Advertiser, with a purse of sorereigns. Amongst those present we noticed—Mr A. Brodie (County Chairman), Messrs J. H. Smith, J. Smith, G. McVey, J. Wilson,. T. B. Hicks, T. Kadford, H. McCade, A. Price, J. Darrow, It. Comer, J. Brown, L. Ehranfried, J. W. Walker, G. Small, T. A. Dunlop, Steedman, Wickham, four representatives of the Press.and other gentlemen. - . • ■ . ' Mr. A. Brodie, who .waj Toted to the chair, made a few remarks, and called, on Mr L, Bhreofried to make the presentation. ... .

! Mr Ehrenfried said that it gave them grekt pleasure to be present on this occasion for the parpose of wishing their old friend Mr Bkeen good-bye, and presenting him with a slight testimonial of their regard; but therewas also a feeling of regret that Mr Skeen, who had-been amongst them for a number of years, should be learing the district. Mr Skeen had fled the onerourpontion of mining reporter to the If. Z. Herald, and, he believed, to one of the local journals, and he had always given accurate and impartial reports on ,tke different minesfand districts. On former occasions they had felt the evil effects of false and untrustworthy reports, as in the case of the Tairua, when, he beliered, if they bad had a man like Mr Skeen, the disastrous results of the speculation in that field would aot hare been felt. Knowing Mr Skeen's worth a' number of the gentle-, men present had subscribed a purse of sovereigns which with, the list he now presented him with. Nod only as a reporter, but as a friend and a citizen, they respected Mr Skeen, and though they were about to lose his services another district would be the gainer. The list contained the names of many of the most influential men in the town, and he might say that no one had refused to subscribe. In conclusion he wished Mr Skeen long life and prosperity.Mr Skeen laid tie could hardly express the feeling of satisfaction and gratification that be experienced on receiving this recognition of his services, and he also felt regret that the ties of friendship that bound them together were about to be severed./; Mr Ehrehfried had spoken of his career as a reporter. He might say that since he came to this place, a few months after it was opened, he had filled almost every position, and labored in every sphere that it was compatible for a man to do, until he had filled np his. niche as mining reporter. In no place since the days of his youth had he spent so many happy days, and he would remember it till memory ceased. ■ He experienced regret at leaving,- as he felt he possessed their confidence and respect. In his sphere as a reporter he bad endeavored to report a-mine as it was, and not give his own opinion of it. He had never written egotistically, and he thought that the verdict was in his favor that he had done his duty faithfully. With the nnlooked for testimonial with which they had presented him he would purchase some memento, which he would keep in his household as a thing to be : prised, and handed down to bis successors, of which there were a good many. Mr Skeen concluded by referring to the kind manner in which he had been treated by the mine managers. The Chairman referred to his acquaintance with Mr Bkeen, and bore testimony to the accuracy of his reports.. The meeting here assumed a convivial turn.

Mr Brown proposed the health of Mr Skeen in a neat speech; Drunk with three times three and i musical honors. Mr Skeen briefly responded, and he proposed the "Health of the Chairman (Mr Brodie)," who he said was " the first man in the land." Drank enthusiastically, after which Mr Brodie responded. ■>-'•■. Mr Wickham proposed the "Mine Managers." - . The toast was drunk with cheers, and was responded to by Messrs Comer,. J. W. Walker, Hicki, Dunlop, H. MeCade, and Smith, who each expressed regret at Mr Skeen's departure. Mr Hicks ptoposed the " Commercial Interests," which wflii; responded to by Messrs McYeyj Bhrettfried, Smith, Price, and Steedman. > • ''The Corner" was proposed.by Mr Brown, and responded to by Mr Wick* ham, who proposed the "Agricultural. Interests," to which Messrs Hicks and Darrow responded. Mr Ehrenfried proposed ■ the Press, which was responded.to by Messrs W. S. Aicken (Advertiser), G. A.Buttle (Herald), and Fhilp (Star). The convivial party then separated, each shaking hands with Mr Skeen, who, we understand, leares for Auckland tomorrow. .