VALEDICTORY MEETING.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7517, 5 April 1890, Page 3

VALEDICTORY MEETING.

It was a happy inspiration that guided the officers ana members of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to meet together on Thursday to wish bon voyage to Mr H. Overton, who.U about to visit the Old Country. Mr Overton is a typical Mew Zealand colonist, one who in his day has done much to forward the agricultural and {>astoral Interests of Canterbury. Hence. t was exceedingly fit that on the eve oi his visit to the Old Country he should receive the God speed of an Association representative of those interests in whose cause he had labored. Mr Overton also has been a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association for some years, and has done yeoman service in connection with it.

The hour fixed for the valedictory meeting was noon, and at that time there were present Messrs J. Ferguson (presiding), J. Gould, P. Cunningham, J. Andersonjuh'* W. Normau, J. T. Matson, S. Garforth, A. VV. Money, T. Aclaud, Geo. King, P. Duncan, Sir John Hall, Hon. J. T. Peacock, Hon. E. Gray, &c Mr Ferguson briefly Introduced the object of the meeting, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the many good Qualities, as a farmer and a man, of Mr Overton. He felt sura they would: all wish Mr and Mrs Overton a pleasant and enjoyable voyage to the old country, and a good time whilst they were there. Mr Overton's visit to the old country could not but be productive of benefit to Canterbury, as he would be sure to keep his eyes open during his visit, and briug back with him anything worth retaining. He would now ask them to drink the health of Mr and Mrs Overton, and bon voyago to them.

Mr Overton said that he thanked them most heartily for the kind and cordial manner in which they had responded to the toast so flatteringly proposed by Mr Ferguson, theycould hardly expect him to say much. What he had done in connection with the Association bad been a labor of love, and while he was at Home he would try and get some information on every subject of interest to farmers here. He would also keep Mr Murphy posted In any information for the New Zealand Country Journal. The work of the Association, of which he was' proud to be a member, was far more arduous than the public generally knew, but still so far as he was concerned It was a labor of love. He now begged to propose "Success.to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association."

Mr Ferguson briefly thanked Mr Over* ton for the toast, and expressed the regret they all felt at losing Mr Overton front their midst. They could only now say good-bye, and wish him and Mrs Overbad a pleasant time and a speedy return. The proceedings then terminated.