VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9530, 30 June 1909, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR AND MRS J. O'MEARA.

A large gathering of residents assembled at the Occidental Hotel, last evening, to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs J. who are relinquishing their house on account of the carrying of No-License in Masterton.

Mr C» A. Pownall, who occupied the chair, said that' those present only represented a small proportion of the residents, who wished to say farewell to Mr and Mrs Q'Meara. They had both been resident in Masterton for very many years, and during that time they had earned the respect of everyone. They had been gsod hosts and had always displayed the greatest sympathy in charitable matters. (Applause). Those present were all keenly sorry to lose them from the district, but they hoped that wherever they went they'would prosper. Person?.)!;;;, tb§ speaker said, he had known them formal num • ber of years, and he could not speak too highly of their many sterling qualities. Mr Pownall then handed JVTv Q'Meara an illuminated address containing thd signatures of residents frum all parti of the district.

The address read as follows:—"The subscribers to this testimonial regret to know thac yoa are leaving Masterton after having resided in it for so many years, but they hope the change will be to your advantage. You have been well and favourably known as the host of several hotels in this town. Your familiar and genial face will be missed. We desire on this occasion also ti give expression of our appreciation of the guod work Mrs O'Meara has done in assisting you in your business. Her universal consideration to the requirements of your customers has always been commented on. On leaving Masterton you do so. with the knowledge that all who had any business transactions with you look upon you as a straight man. In your new sphere to which you are going Mrs O'Meara and yourself take the best wishes of the subscribers as to your future welfare, and prosperity, and that you may look back with pleasant recollections to your residence :n Masterton."

Mr D. Caselberg said he could heartily endorse the remarks of Mr Pownall. A number of the residents felt that they could not allow Mrs O'Meara to them without showing in some degree the great regard they had for her many estimable qualities, and they had very much pleasure in handing that lady a very handsome silver-mounted hair-brush and comb, The speaker hoped that Mr and Mrs O'Meara would enjoy health and prosperity in their new home in Feilding. Mr O'Meara, in returning thanks, said he had been a resident of Masterton for 25 years, and during that time had been 16 years ift business. He had always endeavoured to do his best to assist in any movement that would be for the benefi't of the town in sport or anything else. He would also like to say that all the money he had made in Masterton had been spent in the town. He had enjoyed a very pleasant time in Masterton, and he could assure those present that there was no one more sorry than himself to leave it. On behalf of Mrs O'Meara and himself hs heartily thanked those present for the kind expressions of sympathy they nad shown them that evening.

Mr A. Hathaway aJso referred to the universal kindness and courtesy that Mr O'Meara had always displayed to everyone during his residence in Masterton. Mr O'xVleara was a thorough sport, as all who knew him could heartily testify, and he wished thetn both health and happinei3 in their new sphere of life. Mr E. Welch also spoke in similar terms.

During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs 1. Thompson and W. Biggs. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" concluded a very enjoyable evening.