WATERTON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8275, 21 October 1915, Page 4

WATERTON.

Social and Presentation to Mr John McLauchlan. On Friday evening'last a largo gathering of the residents of Waterton and Flomington met in the-. ■Waterton -Hall; for the purpose of bidding farewell to>: Mr John McLauehlan, who, tor the: past 25 years, had- been a resident at Waterton. During that time' he had,; been a .successful farmer, a good neighbour, and had allied himself with all the activities of the district.

Mr 11. Gilmour presided, and a short programme of musical items and recitations was submitted. The contributions were:—Vocal solos, Misses Watson (2), Messrs F. Jaine and W. Hopwood; recitations, Mr J. Bell; instrumental duets, Misses Jaine. Misses, Watson and Jaine played the" accompaniments. Tho • proceedings commenced and closed-with; the. singing'of the National Anthem.

On behalf'of the residents of Waterton and Flemington, Mr J. P; Blee presented Mr .McLauehlan with a. Kaiapoi rug and a gold sovereign case (suitably inscribed), and handed a, book to each of lii.s two sons (Jack a.nd Peter). In making the presentations,. Mr Blee referred to Mr McLauchlan.'s qualities as a neighbour. Mr J. Watson, who had known .the family for over 40 years, spoke of Mr McLuuehlan's work sine© he had .become a resident of Waterton. He had been an active supporter of the Cricket Club, Library. Committee, Horticultural Society, and School Committee, . in all of which he had given very valued support. As Chairman of the School Committee his business habits hacl been of much assistance to. the .success of his work in that connection, while his success as a. fsinner was patent to all. On behalf of the Waterton residents he wished him God-speed wherever he: might be. ' '

Mr \V. iiopwood referred to (he hospitality that was always freely extended to vi.Miorn to Lho home. Mr R. (lilniour spoke of Mr. MoLauchlan's woik a.-, a member of the Klemington Church, also to the material good that the district had received from Mr McLatichlan's efforts as a, breeder of slock, and wished him every "-uccOKS in tho future.

Mr McLriiichlan very feelingly) replied, assuring those pmsont that he appivciaied wry highly tho remark* that had been made concerning hinv /.self, and said that anything he. bad' done had bi>cn prompted by iho thought, that it was the duty of everyone (o in' \\\> !'<'«.t, endeavours to mako tli-,' district, in which ho resided a better and happier placo to live in. If h<« -had d'iiio riiis he was satisfied/ and pleased that his efforts had ■ "booii valued. He tbanked tlio donors for their very handsome' presents, and' promised, tliat'iJiey ivmild bo treasured as a memento of hi.s long residence in Watorton. Tho guest was given three hearty cheers. A verse of the National Anthem was sung, and brought to a close the first'part of the .evening's proceedings. Refreshments were handed" round, and a dunce, which was kept up for a. con pie of hours, followed. The gathering, having joined hands and sung a verso' of "Auld Lang Syne," then dispersed.