Presentation to Mr Edward Stephens.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XVII, Issue 4363, 4 December 1897, Page 3

Presentation to Mr Edward Stephens.

The members of the ABhburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society having decided to show their appreciation of the manner in which Mr Edward Stephens, their treasurer and late secretary, had gratuitously discharged the duties attaching to the above offices, invited him to meet them last evening to accept a token of their recognition of the va'ue of his services. Mr Hugo Friedlander, President of the Society, and Mr David Thomas, one of the VicePresident., were amongst those present, the former occupying the chair. After the usual toast to Her Majesty the Queen, Mr Friedlander said he had accepted with much pleasure the invitation of the members ef the Poultry Society to be present on that occasion. He had always taken an interest in the efforts of the Society to promote poultry breeding in the distriot, and had assisted therein as far as possible. He gave a brief history of the Ashburton Poultry Society since its re.usoita._on in 1892, tracing Mr E. Stephens' connection with it, and he referred to the action of the Government in endeavouring to stimulate the industry and create an export trade in poultry. He thought this was a step in the right direction. The Government expert had certainly not visited this district, bat that might be attributed to .he fact that the records of the poultry ihnws throughout '' the colony had shown them the large number of pru-s which had alien to Ashburton breeders, indicating that hey might safely leave Ashburton alone. Returning to the business of the evening, he the chairman) said that tbe members of the iooiety fully recognised the value of the rork done by Mr Stephens, and they had ome to the conclusion that the most accept, hie way of placing their sentiments on peord would be to present him with an ilnminated address, which he had very reat pleasure in handing to Mr Stephens, tying that from what he knew of that gentle-1 tan, he felt sure he would think much more t this token of the esteem of the members f the Society than if they had given him a urse of sovereigns, and would keep it as

something to be treasured as an heirloom. He concluded by handing the address to Mr Stephens and asking members to drink his health. Mr D. Thomas said he would like to add his testimony to Mr Stephens' worth and capability. He had known him for a vety long time, and considered the Society was very fortunate in having his services. He might also take occasion to say that he favored the idea of encouraging poultry breeding in the country, and was himself .endeavouring to establish a new breed (laughter)—end he advised local breeders to look to their laurels. He thought the Society should give cups to be won annually to encourage breeders. In fact he should want one for his new breed. (Laughter). Mr Stephens returned thanks. He said that although when he took over the books of the Association there was only a credit balance of one penny, and now there was a very substantial one. He attributed this in a great measure to the success of their art unions. He referred to Mr Thomas' suggestion to give a cup for competition, and trusted those gentlemen in Ashburton, who were in a position to do so, would offer cups, he thought four or five, to be competed for during the coming season. He again expressed his hearty thanks for the handsome present that had been made to him, and stated that he would value it quite aan-itcb as the chairman had supposed, and would certainly hand it down as something to be treasured. The chairman then proposed the Ashburton Poultry Pigeon and Canary Society, for which Mr James Tasker responded, giving an account of the early history of poultry breeding in Ashburton ; and Mr Willis proposed the President and Vice-Presidents, Messrs Hu_;o Friedlander and David Thomas responding. In the coursa of their remarks both of these gentlemen spoke in very complimentary terms of the Society and the

good work done by it, and each promised to Assist next season's operations by donating a cup. The health of the chairman, proposed by Mr Thomas, wound up the proceedings. Mr Friedlander, in returning thanks, said he hoped to be always able to assist everything useful in the district iv which he lived. He considered that every man should try to do as much good for the place as the place did for him. The address, elegantly illuminated ma handsome gilt frame, is the work of Mr O. W* Wade, of Christchurch, and has been executed by him in his usual artistic and ornamental style. It is couched in the following terms-.— To Edward Stephens, Esq.,—Bear Sir,— We, the undersigned, on behalf of the A-ihburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society, think the close of the exhibition season, 1897, a fitting opportunity to convey to you our hij?h appreciation of the valuable services you have rendered the Society during the time you have been connected with it. Those of us who know the difbcultiM which nearly proved fatal to the organisation in its early ye*rs fully recognise that the present prosperous condition of it is largely due to the energy and business knowledge you have brought to bear on its management. W Te sincerely trust that you may be long spared to be associated with the Society, in which case we may anticipate a long and successful career for it, enjoying as it will the enthusiastic services of an energetic end capable officer. —We are, dear sir, yours faithfully,—signed by the President, Vice-President, and mem hers of Committee.