VALEDICTORY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13528, 9 November 1911, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

A number of business men met'last evening for the purpose of bidding farewell and making a presentation to Mr C. H. Walker, who leaves for Hawera at an early date. Mr J. T. Hogan, M.P., presided, 'and a programme of musical items, recitations, etc., interspersed with a short toast list, was gone through. After the toast of “The King” had been honoured, Mr L. Craig proposed the health of “The Press,” with which Mr Walker had been identified in Wanganui since boyhood. Mr Craig stated that the press of New Zealand compared favourably with that of any country in the world, w*hile its freedom from bias and graft was in pleasing contrast to that in some places. The local press could always he relied i upon to give a dispassionate opinion upon public matters. He coupled the name of Mr H. Y. Duigan with the toast. Mr Duigan, in replying, stated that it would always be bis endeavour to maintain the high ideals of his late father and of Mr Walker. His own paper owed much to Mr Walker’s business abilities and clearness of perception. “Onr Guest” was proposed by Mr J. Hr Burnet in a happy speech. He recounted some of his experiences in Hawera in the earlv days, and felt confident Mr Walker would find many warm friends in that town. Mr Walker’s tact, consideration, and great ability had made him an ideal business man to deal with, and his loss would he a big one for Wanganui. Mr Hogan then presented Mr Walker with a solid silver tea service. In doing so, he paid a high tribute to Mr Walker’s knowledge of the back country of Wanganui. On this Mr Walker was an undoubted authority, and his knowledge was always at the disposal of anyone requiring it, and he personally owed much to Mr Walker in this respect. . He felt Mr .Walker’s going would be a very great loss . to. the progressive section in Wanganui. Mr Walker replied, thanking, the speakers for their good wishes qipL kindly references,- and • all present on his own and Mrs Walker’s behalf for their beautiful present. “The Chamber of Commerce” was* proposed by Mr Murdoch, and replied to hv Messrs Armstrong and P. H. Allen. All the speakers urged the necessity for all business men supporting the Chamber by their 'membership and attendance at its meetings. After the programme concluded refreshments were partaken of, and the gathering broke up shortly before midnight.