VALEDICTORY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2479, 3 May 1909, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

Mr J. R. RAETHOLOMEW HONORED

Fully forty residents attended in the supper room adjoining the Alexandra Town Ballon Thursday evening last, to honor Mr J. R. Bartholomew, who was to leave Alexandra the following morning to assume his Magisterial duties in the Mt. Ida district. The mayor of Alexandra (Mr H. Schaumann presided.

After the customary loyal toast had been honored the chairman explained the object of the meeting, and the programme was opened by Mr F. Williams with a song. The chairman read apologies from Mr F. Jeffery and Sergt. Crawford. The chairman regretted the absence of both gentlemen, but was pleased to see so many present to bid farewell to Mr Bartholomew. Their guest had been amongst them some 7or 8 years, and matters in the legal way with them had improved greatly by his association. He had been a very good citizen, assisting financially all local projects His departure was a loss to the community and he was sure everyone regretted it. There was only one thing he had neglected. The speaker had hoped that Mr Bartholomew would see his way to choose an Alexandra girl for his wife. His advice to him was to get ahelpmate as soon as he could. He concluded his remarks by requesting Mr Bartholomew to accept a handsome travelling rug from the citizens of Alexandra as a small token of their good will and respect. Referring to Mr Bartholomew’s appointment as a Magistrate he thought the Government had made a wise selection. They had picked on a clever, capable man who would fill the position with credit.

The toast of the Guest of the evening was then drunk with musical honors.

Mr C. Weaver, said that professionally Mr Bartholomew had undoubtedly become a very powerful advocate, he had got a wonderful grasp of mining matters, so much so that one would almost think he had had a manual experience with them. The position to which he had been appointed stood out on a very sky line of public appointments, and he felt sure that he would fill that position with ability and distinction. He felt confident that in his new 7 sphere Mr Bartholomew would ably sustain the highest traditions of British justice. Mr G. Spencer and Mr Win. Theyers also congratulated Mr Bartholomew on his appointment. Mr Gordon—Song. Mr Bartholomew 7 got a hearty round of applause on rising to reply. As he w 7 as suffering from a very severe cold he asked to be allowed the privilege of a short reply. He was both a proud and a humble man. He realised his own shortcomings, which no doubt were obscured to them by their many kindnesses. He had come among them a complete stranger but was very glad his lot had been cast among them. He had come there a callow youth with his career in front of him and had been offered every consideration and opportunity. It was a matter of very great regret that he had to sever his connection with them, but there was a tide in the affairs of man which must be taken on the flood, He had a very warm corner in his heart for. Alexandra, and would always consider himself one of its products. He had always tried to do his best for his clients, and had been very fortunate in his opportunities. Otago Central was a splendid training ground for men of his profession. One thing he regretted was that one society with which he had been connected (The Reserves Conservation Society) had gone to the wall, as there was an excellent field open for it in making the town more attractive. He had derived a great deal of pleasure from the various athletic clubs in the tow r n with which ho had been associated. He w'ould miss the keen contests at the Bar, and the free and easy life of the practitioner on the Goldfields, The position to which he had been appointed had its compensations. He appreciated its responsibilities and would endeavor to live up to i(s highest traditions and keep the scales of justice evenly balanced. He was deeply flattered nnd honored by their kind appreciation that evening and wished to thank one and all very much for their very kind present, and more so for their very kind expressions of opinion, (prolonged applause). Mr H.Ohlson—Song.

Toast—The Legal PrcjesslouProposed by Mr C.'E. Richards and responded to by Messrs McKean, Bodkin & McNeil.

MrM. Fleming—A Recitation.

Toast—Local Industries Proposed by Mr C. Weaver and replied to by Messrs Webster and W. A. Thsyers. Song—Mr Jas. Arnott.

Toast—The Justice Department - by Mr Geo. Spencer, coupled with the names of Messrs Geo. Fache and L, Ryan. Recitation - Mr Arthur, Toast—The Prosperity of the

District—by Mr Bartholomew and replied to by Messrs A. Ashworth and Jas. McQueen. Toast - The Press Proposed by Mr L. G. Reilly and replied to by Messrs T. H. Cahill and S. A. Stevens, Mr C. Mclntosh Song,

Sports—Proposed by Mr Murray and replied to by Dr Gregg and Mr S. Cameron, Recitation—Mr McNeil. Song—Mr M. Fleming. Toast—The Chairman, proposed by Mr Bartholomew. Song, Mr Jas Arnolt. Recitation, Mr Arthur. Toast, The Visitors, by the Chairman. Auld Lang Syne.