PRESENTATIONS AT PUERUA.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 66, 4 April 1913, Page 6

PRESENTATIONS AT PUERUA.

TO MB W. PATERSON, PUERUA. The social tendered to Mir and Mrs W. Paterson and of Puerua, on W&dnesday night was a very great, success. The evening was fine, and visitors were present from all parts of the district, the hall being packed to the doors. Mr Jay. Lamond occupied the chair and introduced the "business" of the evening iu a neat little speech. He was pleased to see such a good house, he l said, and he thought Mr Paterson deserved it. Mr Paterson had been 38 year* in the district, and had done good worn in it; they would all miss -him very much. The gathering that e\euing was to wish their guests happiness and prosper.ty in the years that remain before then;. Mr Paterson's name was a household ttord throughout the whole district, his honesty was proverbial; his activity marvellous, and his character unimpeachable. He then called on the performers for the first half of the programme.

Mrs Jas. Sheddon (Balclutha) gave a fantasia, of Seotcfi airs,.qn the piano; Miss Shields (Port Molyne'ux) sang "The Violin Player"; Mr Finmore, "The Miner"; Mr McEaehern, "The Midshipmite"; Mr R. Aysra, "The Lowland Sea"; and Mr Jackinah, " The Goodwin Sands." Miss Harrison contributed a recitation, "Elocution." This portion of the programme over, Mr Lamond niade the presentations. That to Mr Paterson was a very handsome and suitably-worded address, while that given to Mrs Paterson was a silvermounted oak tray and silver teapot, the tray being inscribed,'' Presented to Mrs W. Paterson as a mark of esteem by residents of Puerua and surrounding districts. 2/4/13." The address was signed by Messrs Jas. Lamond, R. Shiels, Peter Robertson, W. Hay, and x - A. Gillies MeKenzie, on behalf of the subscribers. The chairman now named the various speakers, the first Deing Mr Malcolm, M.P., who said on occasions such as this it was usual to say everything possible in praise of the guests. It would be impossible for him to say all he felt that evening. It was 20 years since he first met Mr Paterson, when working in the prohibition cause, and he referred to Mr""Paterson's close connection with the movement. It was as a "stranger within the gates," however, said Mr Malcolm, that he wished to speak—of one who was continually passing backwards and forwards. He gave high praise to the whole family for their unbounded hospitality. He valued Mr and Mrs Paterson as tried and and treasured friends, and felt a great deal of grief at their leaving. He hoped they would find increased happiness, health and prosperity. Rev. Mr Currie spoke of the loss to the district as a whole from the point of view of the oldest member of the Clutha Presbytery. Mr Paterson had taken a very keen interest in the church life of the district and in the Presbytery; Mr Paterson had been a member of the Presbytery more than once, but apart from that the Presbytery had recognised the good work he had been doing not only in his own district but throughout the whole community. He was an example to others in his life and church attendance; he had deep convictions and lived up to them. Mr Paterson was a man of many views and many interests, and had at heart the wellbeing of his fellowmen. Mr Currie referred to Mr Paterson's happy home life. His work for the kingdom of truth and his good deeds would have been impossible without his happy home and familv.

Rev. Mr Watson expressed his appreciation at the part the whole Patcrson family had played in the welfare of the district. Every side of the community's life had been touched by one or other of the family. Mr Paterson had been a true friend to many, and the other members were also ever ready with their help and would be missed greatly. He felt the gathering was only expressing a little of the community's appreciation of the family's services to them as a people. Mr W. M. Allan spoke as a postal official of the good work done by Mr Paterson as an officer, and of the careful and conscientious manner in which the work had been done at Puerua. Business there had increased greatly during past years, chiefly through the entrgie.s of Mr Paterson. Mr W. S. Pennycook said he had had business relations with Mr Paterson for very many years, and had always found him a man if strict integrity—a man whose word was as good as his bond. There was widespread regret at Mr Paterson 's departure, and personally he felt he was losing a friend. He coneluded by paying a compliment to the services of the Misses Paterson at social

fu not ions. Mr Wiison (Port Molyneux! said he had known Mr Paterson for over 40 years; they had worked together in the Lodge ami for entertainments, and for the fij-rts long before the present committee of management were born. His departure would be Puerua district's loss but some other district's gain. Mr Jackman spoke of Mr Paterson in business, and although they were to some extent rivals in business, 3aid Mr Jackiiiai!, he could always get good ad-vif-e anil help from Mr Paterson. He was a first-class neighbour and always ready to help. Mr Kobt. Shiels (Port Molyneux) said he was a very old friend of Mr Paterson'b —they had been boys together; indeed, they had come out from the Old Country as youngsters on the same ship. He remcrifbered when the two families came to Port Molyneux from Dunedin in two drays; they were three days on the road. The first day they got to Tokomairiro, the second to Clutha ferry, as Balclutha was called then, aad then to the Port. Mr Shiels told some ;n;()!do*«s of the early times in racy s+y)e. and concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Paton-on G-od-speed. Mr P, S. Graat said he well remembered the day when he firfet came to get

the job at Mr Paterson's. He was met with a kindly grip and handshake, and he thoug»t,.-"t.'m,aU rlg»r»fWw£ 4ie!'s not sort." And Mr always been the same'to hisj, N&w he was going away the was, losing not only a good master but almost a father. Mr Paterson was \ roan of many good works, and never? |et his i right hand know what his left was doing. Mr Paterson, on rising to reply, was i'greeted with loud and continued ap-, ! plause and the singing of " He's a Jolly Good Fellow." He said it was with very mingled feelings he spoke that uijj-M. Words quite failed to express his feelings; he regretted that the gathering meant that they were leaving the old home where they had spent !ro many happy days. He had been in i'ucrua 38 years; he came as a young man of 21, full of life and vigour. He bad taken an active interest in the place, and there were some splendid young fellows who gathered round him. He. well remembered the gatherings in his bachelor, days, the pleasant and' profitable hours they spent. And now when he looked back there remained nothing of which they need be ashamed; they had kept their pleasures clean, and there was nothing in his memory to bring blush of shame to the cheek or to cause a paug of regret. Forms and scenes of long ago rose before him; he missed many familiar faces, but" thej were to memory- dear, and he had pleasant recollections of the days gone by. Those were the days when they were the "young folks",—now they were the '' old folks,'' but while looking back on the past they should not forget the future. He urged the young people to look to the future; let them have an aim in life—an ideal—that they would strive to live up to, and all would be well. They would'be able then to look back on their lives with pleasure and satisfaction. He thanked them all for their great kindness and the beautiful gifts; they would be treasured among their most precious possessions. He sincerely thanked them for what had been said. He was leaving with a clear conscience, and could say, that he had never by word or deed injured any mau in the district. He was pleased to know he carried away their good wishes. Mr Paterson referred to the many changes in the district during his time, especially in postal affairs. ,They had now progressed so far that they had the savings bank and money oilier office and the telephone. Last year there were no fewer than 1600 messages over the Government wires from Puerua, and for the first three months of this year there had been 520. He assured them all of a hearty welcome to I his new home at St. Clair.

Miss Finlayson, on behalf of the young people of the district, presented the Misses Paterson each with a beautiful silver-backed brush and comb in case.

I Miss Paterson thanked them on behalf of herself ami sister. They would I never forget the honour of their generi'ous send-off. ' They would treasure in I their memory the kind wishes which : prompted the gifts. The second part of the concert w»» ! then gone on with: Piano duet, "Westjward Ho!" by Mrs Renton and Miss I McLaren; duet, "Bonnie Banks of Loch I Lomond," Mr and Miss Geggie; song, j" Plymouth Hoe," Mr Harrison; recitation, "The Dandy Fifth," Mr D. Finjlayson. After this a very excellent /supper was provided, and later the | young people enjoyed several hours' { dancing. The send-off was a great success and marked with a keen desire on the part of everyone to show the Paterson family that their many good works in the disI trict were appreciated.

I CHURCH PRESENTATION.,

On Wednesday evening last week Mr and Mrs Paterson and family were entertained by the office-bearers of the Clutha-Warepa Church, when there were about HO people present. Rev. Mr Watson presided, and Mr J. A. Somerville ably assisted as secretary. Mr Paterson was presented with a very handsome Morocco writing case, suitably inscribed. The speakers were Rev. Mr Watson, Messrs P. Robertson, A. Morton, J. Lamond, A. G. McKenzie and J. A. Somerville. Musical items were given by Mrs P. Renton, Miss S. Paterson, Miss Paterson and Miss Morton, and an excellent supper was provided by the ladies.

P.W.M.U. PRESENTATION. The Puerua P.W.M.U. entertained three of their members, Miss Paterson, Mrs McLaren and Mrs Dunn (nee Miss McVicar), at a social afternoon in the Church Hall on Thursday last week, j ■■■Am) Mrs Bcgg ably presided. Miss A. ! Mcji-i.,11. in a few well chosen words, L»-ev.'iite.i Mrs Dunn (on the occasion of her marriage i with a dainty pair of .-ilvcc vsm's. Mrs Begg asked Miss Paterson and Mrs McLaren (who are leaving the district) to accept a book as a slight remembrance from their fellowmembers. Each of the recipients replied, and spoke of the pleasant and profitable time they had spent with the P.W.M.U. Musical items* were given by Mrs Morton', Mrs McLaren and Misses I'aterson..

ME AND MRS McLAREN. The parlor social given to Mr and P. McLaren on the occasion of their departure from Puerua was in every way a pronounced success. Owing to the wet night go Fnday it was postponed till Monday, but this in no wise affected the attendance. Mr P. 8. Grant ably carried out the duties of chairman, and had the assistance of a large number of ladies and gentlemen. Mr Peter Robeitsou, on behalf of, friends, presented Mr McLaren with a v ell-filled purse of sovereigns, referring to the guests' many excellent qualities. Mr W. Patei-son, in whoso employ Mr McLaren has been for many years, paid a high tribute to his integrity, and Mr P. S. Grant, speaking as a fellow-

worker, M&JTtli&fi&toJi could desire & better mate. Mr J. A. Somerville spoke ofcMjjMcLaren/fi gQnjigctjjui with the Wattepeka scliool committee, in which lie was a, willing" wprkej:. . Mr McLaren suitably replied in reminiscent vein.

On severing his connection with the firm of W, Paterson. and*,Co,, Mr McLaren received a han.dsome,present from Mr Paterson and his fellow-.workers, Messrs P, S. Grant and Stewart Robertson, in the shape' Of' a set of military brushes in a leather case.

SOCIAL TO MISS JOHNSTON. The Puprua Church Hall presented a gay appearance on Tuesday, the oeca- , sion being a social afternoon tendered to Miss Ellen .Johnston by the ladies of j, Puerua and surrounding districts. Miss "Bella Morton occupied the chair, and,in. a neat speech dwelt at some length upon i the many good qualities of their <jld ;friend.., Miss Spiers then asked Johnston to accept a memento from her .friends in.'Puerua in the shape of a vary ihandsome gold brooch, set witl* dpr monds. Miss Johnston thanked . her, friends very much, for entertaining her go well and for their valuable present. She would treasure it, she assured them,,, andyvoujd never forget Puerua and its happy associations.