PRESENTATIONS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9985, 15 March 1898, Page 5

PRESENTATIONS.

TO MESSRS T. M. AND R. P. LONARGAN. A representative gathering of commercial and business men took place last night in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce, when a presentation was made to Messrs T. M. j and R. P. Lonargan, as a mark of the esteem aud respect in which they are held in the community. The chair was occupied by,Mr R. C. Bishop, who had on his right Mr R. P. Lonargan and Mr M< Sandstein, and oh his left Mr T. M. Lonargan, Very/ Rev. Father Cummings, Y.G., and Mr W. Hay ward. The presentation took the form of a silver cigar ease. and wallet, each of which bore the following inscription with the respective names ■of the brothers :—' • This memento, together with a purse of sovereigns, Was presented by his Christchurch friends. New Zealand, March 14th, 1898." The presentation to Mr T. M. Lonargan was a solid siiyer cigar case and cheque, that to Mr R. Lonargan a wallet bearing the above and a cheque. The Chairman said the many friends in' the city of the Messrs Lonargan wished to show them that they were held in the highest esteem by those amongst whom they had done business for many years. He was expressing the wish of the citizens of Christchuroh when he hoped that they might at no distant date meet in that hall or some other to welcome them once more back again to resume their position here. He asked their acceptance of the memento with whichhepresented them on behalf of the subscribers, and expressed the hope that the Clouds for them would have a silver lining. . The health of the Messrs' Lonargan was then proposed by the Chairman and done duo honour to. Mr T. M. Lonaroan responded very briefly. , Mr R. P. Lonargan thanked the Chair* man and the Subscribers for the t kindly expressions towards them and also for the splendid gift which they had received that evening. It was quite unexpected, and he thanked them most sincerely. Rev. Father Cummings spoke in terms of the highest commendation of the Messrs Lonargan. They had laboured most strenuously during the years they hod been iv Christchurch to do their best, but misfortune had been too much for them. Under these ciroumstances he was proud to see the business then of Christchurcn coming to the front and doing honour to them. The toasts of "The Committee," responded to by Mr M; Sandstein, and " The Chair—an," were also duly honoured. Last night the cricketing friends of Mr Arthur Cant, who has been secretary of the Lancaster Parte Club for some years, presented him with a parse of sovereigns in honour of his approaching marriage. The proceedings were mo it enthusiastic, and many good wishes for the happiness of Mr Cant and his bride were expressed. ' __—■—■——Pia_a—___,