PRESENTATIONS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 116, 26 February 1937, Page 3

PRESENTATIONS

MR J. MACMILLAN HONOURED. HIGHLY-ESTEEMED RESIDENT. The esteem in which Air J. AlacAlillan is held by residents in several spheres of activity in Ashburton was testified to by the large attendance at a complimentary social tendered to him in the Tancred Street hall last evening, on the eve of Ins departure for Oamaru, where he will take up a position on the staff of the Waitaki Boys-’ High School.

Air A. HI Todd presided, and with him were Air AlacAlillan, and Alessrs AV. H. Woods (Alayor of Ashburton), A. C. Wilson, S. G. Alacfarlane, E. G. Craighead, J. Trevor Thomas, E. S. Chambers, A. A. AlcDonald and Di’. G. I. Aiiller.

A beautiful chiming clock and a cheque were presented to Air MacAlillan as a token of the regard of his associates.

There was an attendance of over 100, representing many| local organisations, which included the Ashburton Savage Club, Ashburton High School, Old Pupils’ Association, Ashburton Scottish Society, Ashburton Rugby Union, Ashburton Referees’ Association, Old Boys’ Football Club, and the Al.id-Can-terbury Teachers’ Institute.

Proposing tlie toast of the guest of the evening, the chairman said they had assembled to do honour to a true citizen, a real pal and a true sport, one of Nature’s gentlemen. These titles were coveted and were not easy to live up to in a grasping world. To do it a man must have character, moral security, and those who invested in it would have the esteem of all men. Air MacMillan had won that esteem because ho had a fineness of character, doing a good turn whenever he could He had earned a good name, a great asset, without which there was nothing with value. Air AlacAlillan had earned the thanks of everyone present. He had been admired for his pleasing personality and his great sense of humour. But God help the man who had no faults! Air AlacAlillan had taken a live interest in the all airs of many organisations in the County, and Air Todd went on to outline the work of their guest over a number of years, work that could not be over-estimated. It had been appreciated on all hands. His greatest work had been in the manner in which he had lent his talents in quarters from the hills to the- sea-. He had made many friends-, who were thankful lor the services he had) given. Endorsement of tliesq sentiments and further tributes to Mr AlacAlillan were paid by the Alayor, who said he appreciated very much the opportunity to do so. It had been one of his pleasures to attend a large number of social functions at which Air AlacAlillan had been present to do his duty, and always heartily. Ho wished Air AlacAlillan success in the new sphere he was entering and hoped for his advancement in his profession so that he might come back to Ashburton at the head of one of the educational institutions. Air W oods paid a tribute also to the work of Air AlacAlillan and his associates in his concert party in the raising of relief funds. He was of the type of citizen the town, could ill afford to lose. Other speakers to the toast were Messrs S. G. Alacfarlane (lor the Teachers’ Institute), who said that Air MacMillan was a man of originality of thought, and was hold in high esteem by his fellow teachers; J. C. C. AlcLachlan (for the Rugby Union), E. S. Chambers (for the Referees’ Asso ciation), J. Trevor Thomas (Ashburton County Schools Sports’ Association), A. C. Wilson (Ashburton Savage Club), E. Bryant (Alid-Canterbury Lawn Tennis Sub-Association), E. G. Craighead (Ashburton Scottish Society), N. Robilliard (Ashburton Old Boys' Football Club), D. H. Aioore (Ashburton High School Old Pupils’ Association), A:l. Farrell (Hinds Athletic Club). Replying, Air AlacAlillan thanked the speakers for the kindly sentiments they had, expressed and those who had taken part in the presentation, winch he valued very highly.

Items on the intervening programme were given by Messrs U_. Hobbs, 1. McLachlan, C. Brand and'C. E. Moller.

GATHERING AT ST. ANDREW’S.

TEACHER FOR ASHBURTON EAST.

TJMARU, This Day. The many friends ol Mr and Mrs H. L Wimsett and family assembled m the Public Hall at St. Andrews, South Canterbury, to bid them farewell on their departure for Ashburton, where Mr Wimsett is taking up the position of first assistant at tho Ashburton East School. _ Mr J. R. Trimble said that alter nine years as headmaster, Mr Wimsett’s departure was felt with regret. Ho congratulated him on attaining a higher position, but said he did not like the thought of him leaving*. As chairman of the School Committee, Mr Trimble referred to the wholehearted support given by Mr Wimsett and the the valuable services of Mrs Wimsett in connection with the organising of school concerts. Mrs W. E. Mills, on behalf oi the Women’s Institute, expressed regret at the departure of Mrs Wimsett who, as a pioneer member, had worked, to blaze the trail in a, true Institute spirit. All activities had received henstaunch support, and her talents and knowledge had been generously passed on to younger members, which was evident in the Institute choir Speaking on behalf of the Dramatic Club, Mr Hutton said that Mr and Mrs Wimsett had always found time to support the district’s social activities. The large number present was ample proof that they would ho missed. For the Tennis Club, Mr A. Lockie paid a tribute to tho family. In asking Mr Wimsett to accept an oversharp fountain pencil, .Mr G. King expressed his appreciation of Mr Wimsett’s energetic services as seero-

tary of the St. Andrews Public Library. which owed its present strong position to his good work. In calling on Mr and Airs AVimsett to accept a beaten brass log box and lire screen and fireside companion on behalf of the residents, combined clubs and friends, the Rev. J. Hay said he could visualise their thoughts sweeping back to their many friends in St. Andrews when they were seated round the fireside on winter evenings. He also handed them a sum of money to buy the children suitable presents.