Valedictory and Presentation at Winchmore.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxii, Issue 6699, 17 October 1905, Page 2

Valedictory and Presentation at Winchmore.

A valedictory social was held in Messrs Capon Bros.' spacious granary, Winchmore, last evening to mark the departure of Mr and Mrs George Robertson and family from the district, Mr Robertson, after a residence of about 21 years in the Winchmore district, having disposed of his property and purchased a portion of the " Kakahu esttate," Hilton, Geraldine. The chair was occupied by Mr David Thomas, apologises for absence being received from Mr Chas, Reid and others. The granary, thanks to the efforts of the Misses O'Grady and others, had been tastefully decorated for the occasion with evergreens, flowers, and bunting—the whole formiDg a most attractive display. - Among those present were Messrs J. Scaly, Denis McKendry, and James Small (President of the A.'& P. Association). In the introductory remarks, the chairman said the fact that so many were present pointed to the popularity of the guests of the evening. (Applause). Personally he had known Mr Robertson for over twenty years, and in more than business dealings he had found Mr Robertson a man of worth and integrity. With Mrs Robertson t the speaker had not been very well acquainted, but he had heard sufficient from the residents of the Winchmore district, and bad gained sufficient from hi 3 own personal acquaintance with that lady to form a high opinion of her. (Applause). Of Mr and Mrs Robertson's family sufficient was known in athletic and other circles to cause their parents to feel proud of them. (Applause). Mr Thomas then referred to the great loss the Winchmore district would experience in the removal of the Robertson family.

Mr Wm.O'Grady said that he had known the guests of the evening for upwards of 19 years, and he f olt it was unnecessary on his part to say anything further than what had been said by the Chairman. — (Applause). He, with others, regretted the departure of Mr and Mrs Robertson and family from the Winchmore district, and concluded by saying that the severance of ties of friendship would not nlone b« felt by himself.—(Applause). Mr J. W. Timmins, although not a resident o? Winchmore, wished to add his testimony to what had already been said with regard to Mr and Mrs Robertson and family. He (the speaker) had not resided in Ashburton for the whole of his life, but he had found in the guests of the evening friends and residents that he had always been proud to associate with—(Applause)— and persons whom, independent of business associations, he could look ap to with feelings of esteem. (Applause). Mrs Hanserj, in feeling and pretty terms, made the speech of the evening. On behalf of the Christian workers of the Winchmore district, she felt pleased to be present and to add her testimony to what had already been Faid in praise of Mr and Mr Robertson and family. Members of Mr Robertson's family had from time to time taken a deep interest in the loial Sunday School, while Mr Robertson, himself had taken no small interest in the public school and other associations that had contributed to the welfare of the district and the community as a whole. (Prolonged applause.) ' On behalf of the residents of Winchmore, the Chairman then made the following presentations amid applause : —Mr George Robertson, senr., a silver Rotherham hunting watch and massive gold cba:n; Mrs Robertson, a gold hunting Lever, and gold chain, and gold brooch 5 Miss Mary Robertson, gold broooh ; Miss Bella Robertson, greenstone brooch set in gold ; Miss Annie Robertson, gold brooch ; Miss Jessie Robertson, gold brooch ; Miss Lucy Robertson, gold brooch; Master Dan Robertson, a greenstone pendant, set in gold; Master George Robertson, a massive silver watch chain and pendant set in gold;

On behalf of himself and family, Mr Robertson said the function came as a surprise. He was exceedingly pleased to think, judging by the large number assembled that evening, together with the handsome gifts tendered, that his enemies were few and his friends in the majority. (Applause). Since his residence of 2i years in the Winchmore district, he and his family had endeavoured to do what was right, independent of other considerations. (Applause). When he looked around the room that evening and saw the guests assembled, he could not but feel extremely proud. He was not a public speaker, but if the residents of Winchmore and his friends generally had said—" Well, here, George, accept 200 sovereign?," he would not have done so in preference to the gifts handed to his family that evening. (Applauee) The gifts that had been handed to him, he could assure his friends, would always be cherished and esteemed. (Applause) During the evoning songs were rendered by Messrs Healy Bros., Jas. Brown, Mrs Storrier, and recitations by Messrs J. Doyle, and A. MacKay, and Miss Tayler.

- The accompaniments were played by Mr S. Uarr, while a plentiful supply of refreshments were handed round by the ladies of the district;, among whom may be mentioned the Mesdames Capon, and O'Grady, and tho Missei O'Grady and others.

The Committee responsible for the management of the function were Messrs W. O'Grady, S. Kidd, J. Glassey, F.,T, and G. Capon, au'd D. McKay. ' ■ :

A dance followed the presentation, and tho functiou was ur Joubtudly ono of the most successful ever held at Winchmore.