FAREWELL DINNER AND PRESENTATION to MR WILLIAM POWELL OF RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1630, 14 December 1882, Page 2

FAREWELL DINNER AND PRESENTATION to MR WILLIAM POWELL OF RAGLAN.

With the intention of showing the respect held for Mr W. Powell J.P. by a large number of the residents in this district, he was, prior to his departure from it, entertained at a public dinner given in the Royal Hotel on the 8th inst. A large number of his friends sat down to a capital spread, provided by Mrs, Graham in her usual good style. The chair was occupied by Mr William Duncan, J.P. , while Mr T. B. Hill, of Auckland, acted as vice-chairman. After the loyal toasts had been duly honored, the Chairman proposed "The Health of the Army, Navy and Volunteers," coupled with the name of Sergt. Gresham, who, in replying, referred in eulogistic terms to the manner in which the Army and Navy had lately behaved in Egypt under Sir Garnet Wolseley and Sir Beauchamp Seymour. Song: Mr Charles Sutton. The Vice-chairman in proposing "The Health of the present House of Representatives," said that it must be admitted on all hands that they got through a large amount of work last session, and consequently, deserved to be , appreciated. Mr Powell responded. " Our Agricultural Interests " received attention at the hands of Mr Thomas Mitchell. Mr Gresham, as one of the directors of the Te Awamutu Cheese and Bacon Factory, in responding, spoke of the benefit which such enterprises was likely to confer upon a community which trusted almost solely to its agricultural, prosperity for its welfare. The Chairman in proposing the health of Mr William Powell, said : — I feel much pleasure in complying with the wish of the committee who have had the management of this celebration, that I should deal with the toast which I see placed opposite my name on the list now before me; and while saying what l mean to do in relation to it, I would ask you to fill your glasses, so that when I conclude you may be in a position to drink a good bumper to the health and prosperity of our friend Mr Powell. I have now known Mr Powell for a period extending over many years, and during that time I have noticed that he has always been ready to do all in his power for the welfare of the district in which he had cast his lot. If at times he has not merited the gratitude of his neighbours, it has arisen from no desire on his part to overrule what in their philosophy they thought it right that he should do, but more from the fact that he allowed his zealousness for the advancement of his district to carry him occasionally further than their ideas extended. There are but few public men who do not make enemies, and Mr Powell has proved no exception to this rule ; but even the worst of them must admit that many of his exertions for the prosperity of this district have been in every way commendable. No institution here has benefited more from the labours of Mr Powell than the Public Library ; and principally to the system and literary taste which he has bestowed upon its management is due its present prosperity, and I feel confident that the committee will experience much difficulty in finding any person so well qualified to fill the office of librarian and secretary, which our guest has just resigned. As most of you are aware, Mr Powell is possessed of considerable medical skill, and to his generosity in applying it to the alleviation of the sufferings of others many in this district are indebted for to-day having good health and perfect limbs. As a local Esculapius he has performed his work to the satisfaction of all. A very pleasant duty now devolves upon me, viz., to present to you (speaking to Mr Powell) a silver inkstand, which has been subscribed for by a number of your friends, and which they trust you will accept with their best wishes for your future welfare and prosperity, hoping you will continue to preserve it as a memento of the esteem with which you were regarded by them while you were numbered as one of this community. It now only remains for me to request all here present to join in drinking to the " Health and prosperity of Mr William Powell." Chorus; "For he's a jolly good fellow." The Vice-Chairman would desire to heartily endorse all that Mr Duncan had said in relation to Mr. Powell, and also to state that he entertained much respect for him. As a man of business he had seldom seen his equal, and felt certain that his departure from this district was much to be regretted. Mr Powell, in reply, said that he was afraid his feelings would not permit him to say as much as he would desire. If there was one thing that he was anxious to secure more than another, it was the esteem of his neighbours, and he felt proud that he had been successful in doing so to some extent while living amongst them. He very much prized the article which had been presented to him, and the donors might rely that he would continue to do so. He took a great interest in the welfare of the district, and had conscientiously endeavoured to perform his duty towards it while residing in it. His emotions at the present time hindered him from saying more than simply thanking his friends for their expressions of respect, and for the beautiful inkstand they had presented to him. Song: Mr Brettargh. " Our Commercial Interests" were proposed by Mr McGavin, who made some sensible remarks upon what might yet be done to promote the commercial prosperity of the district. Mr Chas. Sutton responded. Song : Mr T. Gresham. "The Visitors," was proposed by Mr Brettargh, coupled with the name of Mr T. B. Hill, who suitably responded. " The Ladies," were recognised by Mr Powell, and Mr Brettargh replied on their behalf. " The Press," and the "Hostess" having received due notice, the meeting.dispersed, after, having spent a very pleasant evening. Apologies for non-attend-ance were received from the Mayor of Hamilton and Mr Wallis, J.P. —(Own Correspondent.)

M J. Knox will seljl at the, Hamilton Auction .Mart on Saturday, at noon, without re« serve, a lsxgc quantify of valuable furniture. The Public Works Department invite tenders for jS;o. 2 contract) . Rotorua Bush Road. Mv D. Kempt/ surgeon dentist, will be at Hamilton on the 21st f and at Cambridge on the : 2oth J and hours and places' specified. „ i 1i 1 MacrecTie Bros.', Ngarh'a'wahia, offer a reward, for the, recovery of a ( grcy mare strayed from' tb'eir farm. ' ' ' ' - Ageiuiretl meeting of the tereditora of A. Miller, of Kihikihi, will be held at the office of Mi, Gresham, T«i Awamutu, ,on"AVedncaday next, at 10 a.m., to pass a resolution of dis.Meaara I«qwia and Simpsort Cambridge, wiilhnaka'a Rrand?display dt fireworks Qn*SitUr'day next, at 8 p.m. -IITr 1 K J 't>:'bai4'Ha^P«, f Offers 1 a' rewardforthowcjovpryofabaYgeldinjj. , ,M{- R/¥: f Millaf, M seed mercKanl; Patesvyede seeds from the cerebrated firm of J. , Sniw and Sons, Mark-Lanei Condon, just arrived at & The'draugM {mtirp fi xontigtiqrdX>erby