PRESENTATION.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3004, 1 October 1878, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

A presentation was made to Mr James Mackay for Mrs and Miss Mackay at Shortland last night, consisting of a handsome brooch and earrings for Mrs Mackay and valuable locket and necklet for Miss Mackay. The presentation took place in Mr Mackay's office, and amongst those present we noticed Messrs 0. M. Creaj?h, P. H. Crippen, H. T. Bowe, E. 0. Long, A. Aitken, J. E. Dodd, W. McCullough, W. H. Grace, A. Cookson, — Dodd, G. Symington, S.Stephenson, H. Mcllhone, C. J. Dearie, H. Endres, E. C. Morgan, O. O. Grant, J. Gibbons, W. Strange, O. D. Grant.

Mr W. McCullough was voted to the chair, and in opening the proceedings said he had not expected to be asked to take the chair, as he had attended at the imitation of the committee merely as one of those who felt a pleasure in showing respect for Mrs Mackay. However he would have pleasure in making .fie presentation, and in doing so it would be unnecessary to make a long speech. He could only add to the terms expressed towards Mr Mapkay on a recent occasion that Mrs Mackay was held in high esteem by the Thames people for her many acts of kindness and exertions in the cause of local charities, and her absence had left a void not easily filled. He would read the' address which had been prepared, and which was being illuminated. It was as follows:—" To Mrs James Mackay—Madam,—On behalf of your numerous friends resident on the Thames, we respectfully offer you the accompanying trifling gift, in token of their high respect and esteem, and in remembrance of your many and self-denying acts of benevolence to the poor and afflicted, during your long residence in the district. Your name will be long held in .grateful remembrance, and we earnestly hope every blessing will attend, yourself and your family in your new home.—Signed at Thames, this 30th day of September, 1878.—0. F. Mitchell , John Butt, IT. Endbes, 0. D. Gtbant, Alex. Hogkj, E*. -C. Morgan, 0. O. Gbant,' Henby T. Eowe." Mr McOullough then handed to Mr Maokay the address and articles of jewellery, and said he had much pleasure in making the presentation on behalf of the subscribers. . Mr Mackay said he had much pleasure in accepting the gifts on behalf of Mrs Mackay and his daughter. He was sure Mrs Mackay would appreciate, their kindness in so expressing their sense of her exertions in the cause of their local institutions. Mrs Mackay had always taken a great interest in the Hospital, Ladies' Benevolent Society, Miners' Accident fie* lief Fund and similar institutions, and she would, he was sure, highly prize their handsome gift and also the address, which could not be more kindly worded. He and Mrs Mackay liked the Thames very much, in which they had spent many happy years, and although circumstances rendered it necessary they should leave they would always remember the kind friends they left behind. He was glad to see, in spite of dull times, so many old pioneers around him, some of whom he knew had been here from the first Opening of, the field. On behalf of Mrs Mackay and his little daughter he thanked them for their presentation, and was sure Mrs Mackay and daughter would be gratified at such marks of their esteem.

Mr H. T, itowe said Mrs Mackay had not alone taken an interest in* public charities, but she had distinguished herself by seeking out instances in private where she could alleviate pain and suffering. He had experienced her kindness on one occasion on which he had been prostrated in a hotel, and was left unattended' for nearly 48 hours, until Mrs Mackay had sought him out and had him conveyed to her own house at Parawai, and nursed him for several weeks. His was not an isolated case. (Cheers.) Mr E. C. Morgan said he had been taking an active part in getting up the presentation, and perhaps some explanation was due as to why he had done so. There had been a great deal of conversation for some days as to something being done to show respect for Mrs Mackay,

but no one seemed to take the initiative.. This did not arise from any want of goodwill, but no one seemed disposed to take the matter in hand. So he and Mr Grant and a few others determined to take action. They had done so, and had been met in a liberal spirit. No one had refused to help them, and had it been necessary four times as much could have been got together.

Mr Rowe proposed the health of Mrs and Miss Mackay. Mr J. E. Dodd heartily approved the toast, and, while endorsing all that had been said, could say that Mrs Mackay had deserved well of the whole Thames community. * ; ; Glasses having been filled with bumpers of champagne, the healths of Mrs, Mr, and Miss Mackay were drank with every expression of good will, and Mr Mackay in reply said he could.only repeat, that Mrs and Miss Mackay would be extremely gratified when they learnt how their healths had been drank.

The proceedings then terminated. The jewellery for Mrs Mackay was of Thames gold.and Thames stones, the work of Mr Cookson. The locket for Miss Mackay bore the inscription :—" Presented to Miss E. B. Mackay by pioneers:, of Shortland, Sept., .1878." '