COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO W. L. SIMPSON, ESQ., R.M. AND WARDEN OF TUAPEKA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 214, 7 March 1872, Page 5

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO W. L. SIMPSON, ESQ., R.M. AND WARDEN OF TUAPEKA.

Warden Simpson, having been appointed to the Dun3tan district, and being about to visit his native land previous to entering on his duties, a number of gentlemen determined not to allow him to depart from Tuapeka without carrying with him a substantial token of the feelings of respect and esteem they entertained towards him. The district was accordingly canvassed for the purpose of collecting a sum of money sufficient to purchase a gold watch. The required sum was raised without any difficulty, and a very handsome watch purchased from Dunedin. It was further decided by the gentlemen who initiated and took charge of the movement to entertain Mr. Simpson at a farewell dinner, and to present the testimonial thereat. The Chinese residents of the district also resolved to express thfir regard for Mr. Simpson, by presenting him with a diamond ring and an illuminated address. The members of the legal profession also determined to present Mr. Simpson with an address. We will take the proceedings connected with the presentation of the testimonials in the order in which they occurred. THE LEGAL PROFESSION. The members of the legal profession were first in the field. On Friday List, the Ist inst, before the business of the Court commenced, Mr. Copland read the following address, on behalf of himself aud the other members of the legal profession :—: —

To TV. L. Simpson, Esq., R.M.

Sir, — Before the business of the day commences, I, as the first practitioner in Lawrence, am anxious on my own behalf, and have been deputed by my learned friends at the Bar, to express to you the regret which we feel in the fact that we are not likely for a long time, if ever, to have the honour and pleasure of pleading again before you.

In doiug so, we take the opportunity of expressing,' not only our very high esteem for you personally, as a gent'enion whose friendship has always been the source of great gratification to us, but also of acknowledging your talents as a Magistrate, and your uniform courtesy to the Bar.

Many cases involving intricate points of law have arisen before you in your capacity of Resident Magistrate, and many involving vast interests, in your position as Warden, and in all we (who have made the law our study) have been stiuck by the care and study which have guided you to your decisions.

Although we are specially addressing you on our own behalf, we believe we are expressing the feeling of the public when we thus give utterance to our regret at your departure from amongst us.

In conclusion, we wish you every success, honour, and happiness in whatever station of life it may please God to place you. Mr. Simpson acknowledged the compliment in appropriate terms.