VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9529, 29 June 1909, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

PLEASANT SOCIAL GATHERING

At the invitation of Mr and Mrs Barclay, who. through the carrying of no-license, are relinquishing coa« trol of the Prince of Wales Hotel tomorrow, about sixty friends gathered in the hotel last evening to partake of their hospitality. A sumptuous supper was provided, and Mr J. H, Pauling occupied the chair. In proposing the toast of the host and hostess, Mr vi. G. Sumiuerell stated that it was a good many years since he had first made the acquaintance of Mr Barclay, but the lapse of time had only served to cement their friendship. He had done a very great deal of business with Mr Barclay, and he had always found him genial, straightforward and honourable, snd in all their transactions the most pleasant relations had existed. He sincerely regretted the circumstances that had forced Mr Barclay to relinquish the proprietorship of the Prince of Wales Hotel, for the conduct of it had been exemplary. Those who had been privileged to stay there had found it more like a home than otherwise, for their personal comfort had always been studeid to the minutest detail. Mrs Barclay had been a great; help to Mr Barclay in the-conduct of the business, and by her tactfulness and consideration for patrons had endeared herself to a very wide circle of the public. Those who had gathered at the invitation of Mr Barclay were pleased to have the opportunity of expressing their appreciation of the many sterling qualities of the host and hostess of the Prince of Wales, and though the time had been limited since the gathering was proposed they had been enabled to prepare an illuminated address which was signed by representatives of all classes cf the community for pre* sentation that evening. In handing the address to Mr Barclay the speaker expressed the hope that although circumstances had forced them out of business, Mr and Mrs Barclay would not be lost to Masterton as citizens. The addroas read as follows: "We, the undersigned residents of Masterton and district desire to convey to you our expressions of regret that you are ceasing to be the host of the Prince of Wales Hotel after conducting it successfully for over five years, On such an occasion it is,

opportune fdv us iiS express ari opinion on the exemplary manner in which you conducted your business. We, therefore, gladly do so, and can assure you that you have earned the respect and goodwill of all sections of pressing our appreciation of the assistance you have received from Mrs Barclay. Visitiors to your hotel, and especially the ladies, bear testimouy to the kindly and homely manner in which Mrs Barclay has looked after their comfort. In losing you and Mrs Barclay as host and hostess of the Prince of Wales Hotel, the subscribers to this testimonial consider they are parting with two respected citizens, but at the same time they wish you both health and prosperity in the future, and that your recollections of your stay in Masterton may be pleasant ones."—Then followed the names of over sixty signatures.

Mr Barclay made a very happy response to the presentation, and stated that although he was leaving the Wairarapa temporarily he hoped to again settle within its boundaries. Numerous othev speakers testified to the many sterling qualities of Mr and Mrs Barclay, and after the usual toasts had been proposed and honoured, interspersed with songs by Messrs W. Iggulden, W. Jago, Frank Evans. J. B. Maodie, Elcoate. and Holland, one of the most enjoyable social gatherings yet held in Masterton dispersed, with three cheers for Mr and Mrs Barclay.