PRESENTATION TO J. P. KLEIN, ESQ, OF HOKITIKA.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1174, 8 May 1874, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO J. P. KLEIN, ESQ, OF HOKITIKA.

[west coast tijies.] It being known for some weeks past that Mr Klein was about to leave the Coast, a number of his friends resolved, a few days ago, that he should not be allowed to take his departure without some formal public recognition of his past services to the community, and an expression of feeling being accorded him by those with whom he has so long been associated. It was therefore determined that Thursday evening, at the Empire Ilotel,should be the timeand place selected for conveying the sentiments desired. At half-past nine, the dining-room in the Empire Hotel was fully seated, when about forty gentlemen partook of a supper, provided in Mr Osborne's best style. The Mayor (Wra. Todd, Esq.,) occupied the chair, and, after proposing the loyal toasts usual on such occasions, he asked that the company should join him in drinkiug the toast of* the evening, and in doing so, he mentioned that he had known Mr Klein for nearly twenty years. After Mr Klein's lengthened sojourn on the Coast, from which he was now about to take his departure, he felt a personal pleasure iu acceding to the request of his friends, in presiding at the present meeting. The pleasant duty devolved upon him of reading an address, which had been neatly engrossed, and which conveyed the kind expressions of those with whom he was now parting.

Mr Bevan, who was then called upon, spoke in most complimentary term of Mr Klein as a liberal and enterprising citizen, and expressed his hope that success might attend him in all his future pursuits. Mr Bevan then presented Mr Klein with a handsome gold watch and chain, which he trusted the recipient would long be enabled to wear in remembrance of his West Coast frieuds. He mentioned that owing to there being no engraver in town, they had not been able to have the inscription intended engraved on the watch, but he handed a copy of the inscription approved of, and hoped Mr Klein would get it done at one of the provincial towns. The toast was then about be to drank when Mr R. C. Re id asked that lie might be allowed to perform a duty with which he had been entrusted only a few minutes previously, by the employees in the West Coast Times Office, who could not be expected to be present in person but were in feeling. He then presented a neatly chased gold locket, as a small but voluntary gift from those who had worked under Mr Klein for years past, and who now wished to contribute their small quota of appreciation for one who, as an employer, had gained** their most hearty good feeling. This presentation was accompanied with a letter bearing the signatures of sixteen at present employed in the office. The toast was then drank enthusiastically, followed by extra cheers for Mrs Klein and the two boys. Mr Klein in reply expressed his full sense of the value of the testimonial and presentations handed to him. He accepted the same as exceeding kindness on the part of the Mayor and his friends and fellow citizens. He expatiated at some length on his own actions with those of others in the cause of Westland's advancement, touching likewise on what ho considered deterring influences to the weal of the full community. _Mr John Hall proposed " The Province of Wcstlaud," coupled with the name of the Provincial Treasurer, Mr La/.ar, who appropriately responded. " The Borough Council," proposed by the Mayor, and Councillors Hawkins and Barrett, followed by " the Press," proposed by Mr Patterson and responded to by Mr Reid, " the Ladies" by Mr Pizzey, acknowledged by Mr Kortegast, with several songs interspersed, terminated an exceedingly agreeable meeting and parting.