VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9052, 11 February 1908, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR E, RAWSON, S.M.

A pleasing function took place at the Courthouse, Masterton, yesterday afternoon, when Mr E. Rawson, who has been appointed Stipendiary Magistrate for Westport, and who has been Clerk of Court at Masterton for the past nine years, was the recipient of a presentation at the hands of the legal profession of the Wairarapa. About a dozen members of the legal profession were present, including one from Dannevirke and one from Featherston. Mr W. P. James, S.M., was also present. Mr Rawson, on entering the Courtroom, was received with hearty applause, and was invited by Mr James to take a seat on the Bench. Mr W. G. Beard made the presentation, and in a brief but feeling speech expressed the satisfaction which it gave the legal profession to

gee so high a compliment, p?id to a gentleman virtually one of thorn, even though it meant a severance which must inevitably be attended with considerable regret. The eleva-! tion of Mr Rawson to the Magisterial V Bench was a thoroughly well-deserved promotion. Socially, the speaker said, he was universally respected, and as an official Mr Rawsonwas uniformly courteous and obliging, and always adhered strictly to his duty, no friction whatever marring his long term of office in this town. Mr Rawson's influence had been of material assistance to several local institutions, and particularly to literary ones, and in a quiet and unassuming manner he had accomplished, a considerable amount of good in various ways. The Bar were particularly anxious to recognise Mr Rawson's promotion in a tangible way, as they regarded his appointment as a distinct compliment to the profession. Mr Bear j then handed to Mr Rawson a handsome gold watch and gold albert, the watch being suitably engraved. Mr Beard then wished Mr Rawson, on behalf of the legal profession of Wairarapn, and of other members at Eketahuna and Dannevirke, farewell, and a successful career in his new and honourable position. , Mr James followed with a few highly complimentary remarks, in appreciation of Mr Rawson's services as a Court official, and a friend. The, speaker said that when he first heard of Mr Rawson's promotion a feeling of keen regret was experienced by him, as he had such a high regard for Mr Rawson in every respect. However, his regret was tempered considerably by the knowledge that the loss of so esteemed a friend meant a well-deserved promotion, and he felt, with the members of the Bar, that the honour could not have been better bestowed. The speaker said he would miss that gentleman's evtsr-ready assistance very much indeed. .Mrs Rawson, too, deserved a few words of appreciation at least for her sympathetic nature. Possessed of a beautiful voice that lady "had never

hesitated to assist in every charitable <s■ movement in which her services as a singer could be availed of, and no doubt the people of Westport would be equally charmed by her singing and kindly disposition. He hoped that both Mr and Mrs Rawson would be spared mdny years, and he wished them both a heartfelt farewell. , Mr Rawson, in reply, said he could not find words adequate to express his gratitude to the donors of the magnificent present, and for the kind expression made use of by the speakers. Though in a measure warned of the present function by a wellintentioned member of the profession, the splendid presentation, and the whole proceedings,' now fairly overcame him, and he was at a loss to know how to return thanks.> The conbiderationand kindness always shown him by the Court and the Bar had made matters most pleasant for him in fulfilling his duty. He was proud to acknowledge the fact that the mature experience of a gentleman of Mr James' character had been and would be of material service .to him. He thanked Mr James for his kindly remarks concerning him, and in again expressing gratitude for the magnificent present, he wished the donors in return a sincere farewell. Mr Rawson's remarks were heartily applauded, and the proceedings then terminated.