VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9149, 23 July 1908, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR B. J. DOLAN. A representative gathering of citizens of Masterton, members of the legal profession, and members of the farming community, and various sports and social bodies' met in the Exchange Buildings last evtning to make a presentation to Mr B. J. Dolan, barrister and solicitor, who, after fifteen years' residence in Masterton, will leave for Napier to-day, to enter into practice thtre. Mr C. A. Pownall occupied the chair, and made the presentation. 'Li the course of a feeling speech, Mr Pownall made eulogistic reference to the ability of Mr Dolan in his profession, and expressed the desp regrefof a large circle of friends at Mr Dolan's departure. The function had only been arranged within a day or so, and it spoke for Mr Dolan's popularity when so large an assemblage had gathered on the short notice to bid Mr Dolan what they all sin-

cerply hoped was but an "au revoiv." ■ (Hear! Hear!) The speaker thought that Mr Dolan was chiefly to be admired and complimented, inasmuch as.be had risen fecy high in his profession, being a most able Crown Prosecutor, while virtually a selfmade rrian. who had to make for himself opportunities made for others. He predicted for Mr Dolan a brilliant future in the profession, and said that nothing would be more gratifying tp his host of Masterton friends than fy hear of him reaching the topmost pinnacle. Mr Powiwll shen handed to Mr Dolaii il Jjurse o" sovereigns subscribed from all. sections of the community, assuring him that the best wishes for the future success and happiness of him- i self and Mrs Dolan went with the ! gift. (Prolonged applause).

Mr 11. J. O'Lcary said he was perhaps Mr Dolan's oldest acquaintance in Masterton, as thsir i'rkndBhip dated from the day of Mr Dolan's arrival irt Masterton. He telt very much the departure of sj estimable, a friend and ho valued an adviser, not alone in business matters, but in other respects. Mr Dolan had ren dered willing and valuable assistance to every good cause in the town, and was looked up to by all as a worthy citizen and a straightforward honourable man. (Applause). Mr S. O'Regan spoke on behalf of the Hibernian Society, crediting Mr Dolan with having been the life and soul of the organisation in it 3 social sphere, and as its first secretary an admirable organiser. Mr J. Colway said he felt impelled to testify to the good influence Mr Dolan had exerted in a certain rphere some year 3 ago. He referred to the • Technical School, Mr Dolan having tutored the spanker and others in the agricultural chemistry classes. The knowledge there derived had been of an invaluable nature, and he thanked Mr Dolan for it. Socially, there wera few in Masterton who equalled Mr Dolan in good qualities, and in his new sphere the speaker fervently wished him the greatest success possible.

Other speakers were Messrs W. L. Falconer, J. C. McKillop, J. Yarr, J. lom3 and M. Foley. Mr Dolan replied in a brief but heartfelt manner. He cordially thanked the various speakers for their kindly remarks, and the donors for the handfiome presentation. He was proud to have earned th 3 esteem of so many valued frienda, anil he felt that in leaving Masterton he carried their goodwill. To the legal profession he expresseJ particular indebtedness for their unvarying friendship and cordiality, and to the Chairman in particular. He felt then as he always had done, that he could look to him as the "generous soldier of the law court." Mr Pownall was a hard hitter, but he was ever • reudy to hold out the hand of friendship to brother counsel. On behalf of Mrs Dolan and himself he again sincerely thanked them all for their handsome present and kind remarks. (Applause). The company then sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and gave hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Dolan. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman, and the gathering ter minated.