PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT HANNAN.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3929, 3 October 1891, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT HANNAN.

A Brilliant Testimonial.

A very pleasing ceremony was performed in the Masterton Council Chambers this afternoon by the Hon. R. Seddon, Minister for Defence, in the presence of a large number of persons, when a testimonial from the residents of the West Coast was presented to Sergeant Hannan. The Chair was occupied by His Worship the Mayor, who briefly introduced the Minister. The Hon Mr Seddon said he was very pleased with the Masterton district, and was clad to be present to perform such a pleasing duty. It might seem strange that he, as Defence Minister, should make a presentation to a subordinate, but there were special circumstances under which he fulfilled this function. He had been requested to do so by the residents of Stafford and Goldsborough, where Sergeant Hannan had been a resident and officer, and where he (the speaker) had practically started in his political life. In the second place Sergeant Hannan bad been a much-respected officer of the West Coast, hut then again, he felt that in the past the police had not received that encouragement which they should have done. The police were guardians of the peace, and they should be encouraged. He looked upon Sergeant Hannan as a thoroughly efficient officer, and in making the presentation stated that the Sergeint had pleased the residents of Waimea and Staffordshire. He had frequently been asked to send the Sergeant back, but he trusted he would be successful in Masterton. The residents ot the Coast had not forgotten Mrs Hannan, who was a charitable and highly respected lady, and to her they wished to express their esteem by presenting her with a gold mounted greenstone cross, He then formally mado the presentation to Sergeant Hannan, expressing the hope that he would continue to do his duty. (Cheers). Sergeant Hannan, in acknowledging the compliment, thanked the Hon Mr Seddon for his kindness in being pment. He could not express in wordß his feelings in the nutter. On behalf of Himself and Mrs Hannan he wished to express his heartfelt thanks to the Minister and their many friends on the Coast. (Cheers\

The Minister thanked the Mayor for the use of the Chambers, and the public for the reception given him,

The Mayor, on behalf of the publi of Mnsteitou, extended a hearty we* come to the district to the Minister.

In reply, the Jion. Mr Seddonaaid the Ministry had a great interest in the district. Their member was a staunch follower of the Government and a faithful representaMve (hear, hear.) He felt it the duty dPHTnistorß to travel the country and acquaint themselves with its lequiiements. Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., referred in eulogistic terms to Sergeant Hannan. Mr H, E. Eton endorsed the re« marks of Mr Hogg, and the proceedings terminated. -