PRESENTATION TO MR JAMES HUME.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 359, 27 October 1898, Page 7 (Supplement)

PRESENTATION TO MR JAMES HUME.

Ons of the most pleasing incidents in connection with the "Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Associations' show held at Claudelands yesterday was the presentation of an illuminated address and solid tea service and saher to Mr Jas. Hume late manager of the Bauk of New Zealand who has lately resigned his position if the Bank to take over the management of the business of Messrs Bycroft and Co. of Auckland. About half-past three the spacious luncheon tent was filled to overflowing with visitors from all parts of the Waikato, many of whom were ladies. His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton, (Mr Wm. Dey) said he had been requested on behalf of a large number of subscribers to present Mr Hume with a illuminated address and silver tea service as a token of their good fellowship and esteem, on his departure from the district. Mr Hume, he said had been closely identified with the Waikato ever since its infancy. He had been for 35 years a most useful member of society aud although his occupation had prevented him taking that active interest in municipal and political matters he might wish to have done, lie had always had the welfare of the Waikato at heart and done his utmost to further ita interests. He (the speaker) had much pleasure in making the presentation, but he did not think it would be required to kiep the Waikato fresh in the memory of Mr Hume. He would be sadly missed in the Waikato, as his many acts of kindness had endeared him to all with whom he had come in contact. He hoped Mr Hume would be long spared to use and enjoy the souvenir. (Applause). His Worship the Mayor of Cambridge (Mr A. Bach) said he oul' add little to that already said by Air Dey. On behalf of the inhabit n v « "f Cambridge and the surrounding districts, lie would like to say that he had known Mr Hume for a great many years, aud during that time had never heard a word said except that which tvould redound to his credit. There waa no doubt in his mind that Mr Hume's many sterling qualities would be fully appreciated by those persons, among whom his future lot was cast. He had taken a very keen interest in agricultural matters, and had been President of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association ever since its inauguration, and although removed, no doubt would still continue to take ao active interest in the Society. Meetings of this sort, the speaker said, were always tinged with a certain amount of regret. In this case they were exceedingly sorry they were losing a man of Mr Hume's capabilities, and glad that he was not going faraway, so that he might still take an interest in the welfare of the district. The speaker concluded by wishing Mr Hume every success in his new sphere (Applause). Mr Thos. Wells, who was called upon to speak, said he was proud of being able to number himselt amongst Mr Hume's oldest friends in the district, as their acquaintance dated back from '63 or '64. During his long stay in Waikato, Mr Hume had done his utmost to merit their expressions of good feeling and approbation. He spoke in the highest terms of praise of Mr Hume, and said that a thousand and one actions done during the troublous times passed through had made him the lifelong friend and benefactor of the pioneer settlers ot the Waikato. Mr Hume was a man the Waikato could ill afford to lose, and he (the speaker) was quite certain he could never be replaced. Mr Hume had grown with the district, and he would doubtless feel the wrench equally as much as they did. The speaker concluded by wishing Mr Hume long life and happiness, and sat down amid applause. Mr Hume, in reply, said he did not know how to thank them for the handsome presentation they had made aud the kindly sentiments expressed towards himself. The services he had been able to render to the district were gratifyiug to him and if lie bad gaiued the respect and goodwill of the people with whom he had been so long associated, he felt amply repaid. It was with very great reluctance that he had made up his mind to leave the pUce, which had been reclaimed from a wilderness into a progressive aud important district, where he had speut the greater portion of his life. Although perhaps in the past land had not turned out quite up to expectations, once formed, the settlers of to day had many advantages over the pioneers of 30 years ago, and with the present roads and railway facilities he had little doubt that their hopes regarding the land would yet be realised : that the district would prosper and the people prosper with it. On resuming his seat the speaker was loudly applauded. The gathering terminated with the toast "Mr Hume," proposed by Capt. Runciman, and drunk with musical honours. Some two years ago when it %vas thought that Mr Hume was about to retire from the Bank, his brother officers, with whom he had besn associated during his lengthy service, presented him with a handsome photographic allium, suitably inscribed, containing a photo of each officer. As an addendum to the above Mr Hume was yesterday the recipeut of a handsome, chased silver, matchbox, with monogram engraved on «old shield, presented by his brother officers as a mark of good feeling and esteem.