Farewell to Mr and Mrs W. T. Murray and Mr and Mrs B. W. R. Dunn.

On Monday, 3rd inst., tho many friends of Mr and Mrs W. T. Murray met in the hall, Wallacetown, to say good-bye. There was a representative gathering from tlie church, temperance society, milk suppliers, and employes at the Underwood milk condensing works. The Rev. Wm. White was called upon to preside. During the evening an illuminated address was presented to Mr Alurray, and a tea and coffee service to Mrs Murray. In making the presentations Mr White referred to the benefit the district had derived from Mr Murray's having resuscitated the condensing of milk in the district, thereby affording employment to many who otherwise must liave sought "fresh fields and pastures ntw." Mr Murray had been a diligent and faithful Christian worker, and had given his services cheerfully to help the temperance cause in the electoral district of Awarua, whereby the many friends of this cause were placed under a debt of gratitude to him, He expressed the wish of all that all good fortune might be his in the land of his adoption. Mr F. Stewart referred to the happy relations that had existed between Mr Murray and the employes in general. He believed that Mr Murray had adopted the golden rule — " Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you." He spoke of Mrs Murray as a worthy helpmeet for a noble man. Messrs Howells, Rankin, Ronald, Philpott, and H. O. Wells also spoke in a similar strain. Mr Murray, in reply, thanked the friends for their great kindness in presenting Mrs Murray and himself with such valuable gifts. He assured them of the warm feelings that would ever be cherished in his breast towards his friends in Southland. Referring to the works at Underwood, his withdrawal would in no way, he said, interfere with their success. This would go on as before, under the new management. Mr Murray gave a brief narrative of the first attempts made at condensing, in which a small boy took the place of the engine, the kettle supplied the steam, and a hen-house the buildings. When he looked upon the present works he considered them very efficient for the manufacture of the best article in the market, and they would compare favourably with many in the United States. In saying good-bye he wished to express his best wishes to all with whom he had been placed in contact in the past. Mr and Mrs B. W. R. Dunn were also made recipients of presents, as tokens of the respect and esteem in which they were held in the district, and by the many who are engaged at the works. Mr Murray and Mr Dunn have severed their connection with Underwood and with the company of W. T. Murray and Co, to i establish works on their own account in Queensland, on the Darling Downs near to Toowoomba. The situation is believed to be very suitable for manufacturing the article, and their many friends wish them all success. Tea was provided during the evening, and the meeting broke up at an early hour. Following is the text of the address, beautifully engrossed by Mr Gladstone, and handsomely framed : — To Mk W. T. Murray, Underwood. Dear Sir, — We, the milk suppliers ancL employes of the Unnderwood milk condensing works, and friends in the district, on this, the eve of your departure from our midst, beg to express our sincere regret at your leaving the neighbourhood. We look upon you as the pioneer of a most important branch of the dairying industry in this country, and the success of the present works as largely due to your energy and skill. These works have been of great benefit to the district, both in affording employment to many, and in adding considerably to the value of property. As an employer, we beg to congratulate you on the very friendly relations which have at all times existed between you and those under your control, and on the lively interest you have taken in the personal welfare of all connected with the works. We are also pleased to acknowledge the unfailing courtesy you have shown to all with whom you have come in contact, and to congratulate you on the very high opinion entertained of your honour and integrity in the business world. Your desire for the social well-being of the community is known to all, and will secure to you a hearty welcome, should you at any future time favour us with a visit, or come back to reside among ue. Those of us who* have been connected with you in church life are deeply grateful to you for the keen interest you have taken in its advancement. We would like to specially mentiou the untiring and self-sacrificing zeal shown by yourself and Mrs Murray in the welfare of the young, both in the Endeavour Society and in the Sabbath school. We beg to tender to you our best wishes for your prosperity wherever your lot may be cast, and that peace, happiness and long life may be the portion .of you and yours. The address was signed by and on behalf of subscribers, as follows :— William White, H. Howells, Wm. Ronald, G. E. Burnett, Francis Stewart, J. McQueen, L. S. Dyer, Alfred Philpott, Wm. Lind, Isabella Laidlaw, H. 0. Wells, Geo. Heme, Wm. C. lies, Mary C, Lindsay, Alexander- Gray.