Valedictory.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1842, 12 November 1897, Page 5

Valedictory.

Our local Cyclin'? Club has daring the past week lost one of its most prominent members and its champion rider in the person of Mr E. H. Watson, who has left to take up a position in the wo’ks of the ‘Gladiator ’Cycle Agency in Wellington. Prior to his departure, Mr Watson was entertained at a smoke concert on Saturday evening last, at the Port Philip Hotel, Clyde, when a large number of gentlemen principally members of the Cycling Club, were present. Mr J. D. Buchannan (captain of the V.C-C. ) occupied the chair. After the usual loyal toast has been honoured, the chairman proposed the toast of * The guest of the evening.’ In doing so he expressed the regret felt by the cycling community at Mr Watson’s depaitute, though they rejoiced to know that what was their loss was his gain. Most of those present had known their guest from his boyhood, and by the exercise of many sterling qualities he had earned for himself the respect of the whole community. From the time he had commenced cycling ho had remained the foremost rider in the district, and during his whole racing career, his conduct had been all that was straightforward and sportsmanlike. Mr Watson had proved himself to be possessed of the kind of material of which champions are made, and with a little experience on good tracks and among experienced riders ho would without doubt before long take his piace among the best riders in the colony He (the sneaker) had no doubt whatever that Mr Watson had a successful future before him both in his line of business and on the racing track, and would cany away with him the best wishes of the cycling friends and all with whom he had come in contract. Messrs T. Beveridge. H. P. Hueston, H. W. Gye, and of hers also refetred in complimentary terras to Mr Watson’s many good qualities, and paid a tribute to his skill as a mechanic. Mr Watson had become indispensable to local cyclists in repairing and fitting up machines, and in this direction alone his lo=s would be sorely felt. All the speakers joined in wishing Mr Watson future healtn and prosperity. The toast was then drunk with musical honors. Mr Watson, in a few neat sentences, thanked those present for the unexpected kindness shown him, and assured them that he would always remember the many kind friends he was leaving behind. Several other toasts were proposed and responded io —including that tne ‘Absent Friends,’ coupled with the names of Messrs G, Facbe, J. M. Wise, and A. E. Gye. Songs were given during the evening by Messrs W ■. Stevens, JEL Stevens, Hueston, Jeffery, Welsford, Beveridge, Burnaby, The singing of ‘ Auld Lang Syne ’ brought A pleasant social meeting to a close.