Presentation to T.B. Hicks, Esq.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2953, 2 August 1878, Page 2

Presentation to T.B. Hicks, Esq.

A large number of Friends of Mr T-. B. Hicks met at the Governor Bowen Hotel last night for the purpose of presenting that gentleman with a silver tea and coffee service, upon his leaving the Thames Goldfield, as a-mark of the esteem in which he is held by his numerous friends and acquaintances.

Mr W. M cCullough was requested to make the presentation, which he did in a few neat and appropriate words. He referred to the length of time Mr Hicks had been upon the Thames, the position he had always held as a mine manager, and the high character he had of being a' hard working, energetic servant to his employers. The service of silver was principally subscribed for by the workmen of the various mines Mr Hicks had managed, and spoke of the respect he was held in by those working under him. On behalf of the subscribers, the Chairman said he regretted that Mr Hicks was; leaving the Thames, but at the same time ■ as Mr Hicks did not intend to go more thau a few days' journey away he trusted that the Thames had not seen .the last of him. After some further remarks the Chairman said he had the greatest pleasure possible in presenting the silver service to Mr Hicks, and trusted that he would prosper in his new undertaking. The service is to bear the following inscription—Presented to T. B. Hicks, by his friends, upon the eve of his departure from the Thames, August Ist, 1878.' ■ - ■•-•■. .- ■••■■■ ■■> : -..:. , .-...;

Mr Hicks, in returning thanks for the presentation, said it was the first of the; kind he had received, and that it was so pleasing a gift that he scarcely knew how to adequately express his feelings. He was never in a community he so thoroughly identified himself with as that, of the Thames, and he was now leaving it with regret; still in carrying out what he thought for his welfare, he determined to try farming for some years, but was not going so far away but he could often visit the place and would always feel interested in its prosperity. He thanked those present for their valuable gift, which "he esteemed, most for the kindly feelings it was evidence of, entertained towa-.ds himself by his Thames friends. (Applause.) The service, a very valuable one of four-pieces, was provided by Mr James Rensuaw. -

Messrs McVey, Comer, Quint, Johns, and Taylor all expressed regret at the departure of Mr Hicks,'and wished him prosperity in his new undertaking. Mr D. It. Gellion, in happy terms, proposed "The Mining Interest," which was duly responded to, and the Chairman, Mr McCullough, that of "The Agricultural Interest," which was responded to by Mr Buttle, Mr White and Mr Hicks. Mr Buttles remarks were anything but encouraging to Mr Hicks, as the speaker's views were that farming did not pay, gathered in a great measure from his own experience of a bucolic life. •■• The Local Industries " was proposed by Mr Gellion, and responded to by Mr Watson of. Price Bros.' Foundry, and -Mr McVey of the Shortland Saw Mill • Company. " The Press," " The ladies," and " The Chairman " brought the programme of toasts to a conclusion.