VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9131, 2 July 1908, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR J HALLIGAN.

A function of a very pleasing nature to< k place in the Prince of Wales' Hotel, Masterton, yesterday, when Mr J. Halligan, late Rabbit Inspector, at Masterton, and now Stock Inspector at Johnsonville, was the recipient of a handsome presentation from the settlers of the district. A large number of settlers were present, the presentation being made by Mr W. L. Falconer. In making the presentation Mr Falconer remarked that the Agricultural Department was the most important in the Dominion, and it was thus necessary to have capable officers to carry out its duties. No more capable could be found in the Department than Mr Halligan, whose practical experience in stock-breeding particularly fitted him for the position. This practical knowledge, had stood him in good stead in carrying out his duties, without inflicting hardship, and he was invariably courteous, yet firm. He had made no enemies, but instead a host of friends. During his term of office here the rabbit pest bad practically become a thing of the past. Mr Halligan had, outside of his official duties, been able to impart a deal of valuable information to settlers in reference to their herds, and flocks, which had been greatly appreciated. The settlers, whilst regretting his losb to the district, were pleased to hear of his stantial promotion. Mr Falconer then handed to Mr Halligan a handsome gold watch, suitably engraved, together with a gold sovereign case, and an address to which was subscribed the names of forty settlers. Messrs D. Guild, T. Wyeth, and E. W. Pay ton, endorsed the remarks made by Mr Falconer, one and all eulogising Mr Halligan's impartiality in carrying out his duties, and the practical assistance he was so willing to give settlers. Mr Halligan, in reply, said no one regretted more than he did his transfer from a district where he had apparently made a host of friends. At times he had to be firm, but the settlers generally had seen the necessity of doing as instructed, and he had always found his work pleasant. The rabbit pest certainly had greatly diminished, not particularly through his efforts, but owing more to the energy of the settlers. B(e thanked them most heartily for the splendid present, and said he would endeavour to spend any spare time he had in this district. Any knowledge he possessed dealing with stock generally he would be only too pleased to igive to settlers. Mr Halligan left by the afternoon train for Wellington, taking with him the best wishes of a host of friends in the district.