SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLI, Issue 2, 14 July 1914, Page 5

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION.

AT.OLINTON, The farewell social and presentation to Mr Ingpen .(postmaster at Clinton) 'was held in the Coronation Hall on- Tuesday last, when there was a very large and sociable gathering of townspeople and settlers from the surrounding district, Mr Beattie occupied the chair.

. During the first, part of the evening a musical programme was submitted and much enjoyed. The following contributed items:—Piano duet, Mrs Martin and Miss Kedpath; songs (2), Mr J. Muir; songs (2), Mr S. Edwards; songs (2), Mrs G.Greig; songs (2), Mr E. Luke; songs (2), Mr F. Lindsay; songs (,2), Mrs Jas. Brown; recitation, Mr it. Cairney; songs (2), Mr S. Edwards. At the conclusion of .the programme Mi' and Mrs Ingpen amidst prolonged applause, took their seats on the stage," also the speakers, Mr W. Nelson, Mr J. Clarke, Mr J. Eoy and Mr A. Charlton. Mr Beattie spoke in highly complimentary terms of their guest, and said that, while regretting his departure, they were pleased to know that the powers that •be have recognised his ability by promoting him to the more important office of Mosgiel. During his stay in Clinton Mr Ingpen had gained the goodwill and esteem of the citizens and people of'the districts served* by the Clinton office: He had always been as ready to serve and oblige the poor man as he was ready to serve ami oblige the rich one. In carrying out his duties he served the Government well and faithfully, and although adhering strictly to the rules and regulations laid down for his guidance he used a wise discretion and good sound eommonsense in- administering them. Mr Beattie referred to the value of Mrs ingpen's services at concerts &nd social gatherings, and regretted her departure, and also that of her. daughter. The speaker then presented Mr Ingpen with a purse of sovereigns on behalf of the people of Clinton and surrounding districts, and expressed the good wishes of the donors that Mr and Mrs Ingpen and family should have all prosperity and happiness in their new home. Mr Beattie concluded: "It is men like you that are an honour to the town in which your office is, to the dominion or country in which you dwell, to the British Empire of which you are a part, and to the Post and Telegraph Department of which wc are so justly proud, for is it not the finest institution in the world?"

Mr Nelson, Mr J. Clarke and Mr ,'j. Roy also spoke in glowing terms of the guests of the evening, and as country representatives of the social spoke of the courtesy and obliging disposition that had at all times been shown by Mr ingpen in anything pertaining to post office business, and all endorsed the remarks of the chairman.

Mr A. Charlton said he had also a pleasant duty to perforin, and so far that evening the sporting clement had not been mentioned. He referred to Mrs Ingpen as a member of the tennis club, whom the club could ill-afford to lose, and spoke of the splendid record, particularly in matches, that Mrs Ingpen had put up; also to Mr Ingpen as a rifle shot and an enthusiastic volunteer, and latterly a Territorial. The tennis members felt that they could not allow Mrs Ipgpen 's services as a playing member to pass without some recognition, and he had much pleasure in presenting her with a tennis racquet, suitably inscribed, which he hoped would keep,in memory many of the pleasant afternoons spent on the courts. Mr ingpen on rising to return thanks was greeted with a terrific outburst of applause, was forced to wait for a considerable time until the din died down. He said he wished to heartily thank all present for the very valuable present they had thought fit to give him, and for the kind expressions extended to himself, Mrs Ingpen and family. He said that when starting out in life he was told to remember that "civility costs nothing," and that was the motto he had worked on ever since, and there was no doubt that was mainly responsible for the very pleasant evening he had just spent. Again thanking the he resumed his scat amidst another outburst, which finally terminated in the singing of "For they are jolly good fellows" and three cheers for Mr and Mrs Ingpen and family. The hall was then cleared for dancing, which was kept going merrily till" early morning,