FAREWELL PRESENTATION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 264, 20 February 1873, Page 5

FAREWELL PRESENTATION.

Allan's Commercial Hotel, Tapanui, was the scene of a most enjoyable and harmonious meeting, on the evening of Monday last, whon a number of friends and well-wishers invited Mr. Neish to ; a farewell entertainment, previous to his leaving the district. Mr. Alex. M'Duff, who was \manimously chosen to act as chairman, said the meeting had been called to bid Mr. Neish good-bye, and to wish him Godspeed wherever he might go to. It was unnecessary that he should enumerate the many invaluable services and important assistance that Mr. Neish had gratuitously and cheerfully rendered to the district. For it was well-known that he had either been the originator, or the most active supporter, of every progressive movement undertaken for the advancement of the place in which we live. Important boons had been secured for the township, and many privileges and advantages were now enjoyed, which could solely be attributed to his painstaking and continued energy ; and which, for many years to cotue, 'would prevent bis name from being lost sight of or forgotten. — (Hear, hear). He was quite sure that whatever happiness was to be experienced during the evening, it would be considerably lessened by the remembrance of the great loss the township was so soon to sustain. Although the ' meeting had been hurriedly culled, he was glad to see so many present, which would itself afford Mr, Neish a gratifying proof of the estimation in which he was held. He would conclude by wishing him health and future prosperity. Dr-mk with musical honors. Song, — Mr. Thos. Hewitt. Mr. Adam Swan then rose and said, Chairman and gentlemen, — I have a very pleasant and agreeable duty to perform, and I think this is the proper time to discharge it. On it becoming known that Mr. Neish was so soon to leave the district, an effort was made to get up a testimonial to be presented to-night, aud I now hold in my hand the result of that effort. Very few have been asked to subscribe, for there was no time, so tliatthe amount is com-pai-atively small. I hope it will be accepted, not for its own worth, but for kind and friendly spirit which it indicates. lam not good at speech-making, but if I -were, I could say a great deal in favor of Mr. Neish, and what he has done for the township. I will only add that he will be long and keenly missed, and I deeply regret his departure. Then turning to Air. Neish, he said I have much pleasure on behalf of a few friends, in presenting you with this address and purse containing twenty sovereigns. — (Cheers.) Song, Mr. J. A. Mooney. Mr. Neisli : It is not often that I experience a difficulty in finding words to express my feelings, but, really on this occasion your large-hearted kindness and unexpected generosity, have so much surprised me, that I don't know how to thank you. The flattering remarks of the chairman, and the no less eulogistic speech of Mr. Swan, combined with the presence of so many friends, and the hearty repast to which I have been so kindly invited, are sufficient to make any one pi'oud, even without the adjunct of a purse of sovereigns. And being subject to the emotions of common humanity, you cau better imagine than I can describe the feelings that swell through my breast. Whatever efforts I may have made for the advancement of Tapanui, were made with the sincere desire for its permanent progress, and I am pleased to know that they have been so hiirhly appreciated. At the same time, I found several strong and willing helpers from among those now assembled. On leaving Tapanui, I shall leave behind me many kind and sincere friends, with whom I have enjoyed much happiness, and whom I shall greatly regret parting with. Once more, allow me to thank you sincerely for the hearty and handsome testimonial, and for the enthusiastic manner in which you responded to the chairman's toast. Song, Mr. John Vallance. An hour or two was then devoted J to social and jovial conversation, tfur- j ing which time song, lecitation, and anecdote followed each other in rapid j succession. Several' other toasts were then proproposed, among which weae " The Commercial Interest,'* replied to by Mr. A. M'Duff, in a busmess-Jike speech. w The Ladies," honored by Mr. A. Swan, in a most happy and characteristic speech. " Tte Press,"' rt s; onded to. by Mr. N'ekh, and the " Host " acknowledged by Mr. Allan. Between the toasts, songs were rendered by Messrs Price, M'Duff, Crawford, and Brown ; and recitations by Messrs M'Milkn, Allan, Swan and lSiooaey. ' After the Chairman's health had been duly honored, th& company broke up, after having spent a most genial and harmonious evening, by singing the immortal Burns' time-honored and animating " Auld Lang Svue."