VALEDICTORY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 72, 26 March 1909, Page 8

VALEDICTORY.

THE HON. T. K. MACDONALD ENTERTAINED. Last night there was a large gathering in the Central Club to say goodj bye to the Hon.. T. Kennedy Macdonald, ! M.L.C., who, with Mrs. Macdonald, leaves Wellington this—afternoon on a | health-recuperating tiip to the Old Country. Enthusiasm was the dominating note of the proceedings. Mr. W. A. Flavell occupied the chair. His speech, punctuated with amusing anee'dotas, wa& an eloquent tribute to Mr. Macdonald's many qualities. During his 37 years' residence in Wellington, Eaid Mr. Flavell, Mr. Macdonald had been associated with a large number of important undertakings. He had the welfare of the city at heait, and at all times, and at whatever cost, he had cheerfully responded to" the calls of citizenship. The younger generation probably could not realise the immense amount of time he had devoted lo public affairs, but there were many present that might, who knew and thoroughly appreciated what he had done to advance Wellington's best interests. While his temporary absence was regretted, they all looked forward to his return, renewed in health and strength. The chairman concluded by handing Mr. Macdonald a pair of handsome rugs for Mrs. Macdonald and himself. Mr. Kember also made some complimentary references to Mr. Macdonald, and. a large number of telegrams were read from residents and politicians. Mr. Macdonald, in his reply, was reminiscent. He mentioned many matters of interest and of men who had taken a prominent part in those matters. Passing on, he expressed his most emphatic belief in the future of Wellington. Few men, he said, lealised what the effect of the Main Trunk line was going to be in the general development of commerce that would ensae. In addition to that, an immense impetus would be given to the trade of the city and the harbour tHough the completion of the Panama Canal. The gospel he had to preach was faith and hope in ourselves —a sentiment which evoked a hearty demonstration of approval. Incidentally, Mr. Macdonald referred to New Zealand's loyal offer to the Briti&h Cabinet, and the patriotic note btruck reverberated through the musical portion 1 of the programme, which was one of unusual excellence.* Items weie contributed by Messrs. R. Robertson, D. Kenny, E. J. Hill, -E. H. Parkes, James Dykes, W. R. Watts, J. Harrison, A. D. Kennedys T. Wilford, and E. Scbatz.

We are informed by the Town Clerk that a number of cartridges have been sent to the destructor on several occasions lately, deposited in the rubbish receptacles. As this practice is highly dangerous to the men engaged in burning the refuse, citizens are specially requested not to place such dangerous material into lubbish bins, but to put them on one side in order that they may be specially taken and dealt with. Several cartridges on a recent occasion exploded when placed into the furna-ce, and when the furnace doors are open, it is readily realised that it is very dangerous tor the men working the fires. Mr. Justice Cooper has granted Oliphant Hughes, of Wanganui, leave to apply to the Court of Appeal for a new trial in the case in which he -was convicted at Wanganui in June, 1905 on a charge of perjury. He served a sentence of 18 months' and is now seeking to establish his innocence and remove the stain on his name. Messrs. Field, and Toogood are acting foi Hughes. At tne monthly meeting of the Wellington Education Board yesterday, the following teachers >vere granted leave of absence : —Mr. J. J. Pilkington, bead teacher, Porirua, tix months on full salary; Miss Sullivan, assistant, 'laita, six months from lsi April; Mr. Tambljn, Training College, extended leave, one month irom Ist April; Miss -■^dgg, assistant, Masterton, three weeks from 4th March; and Miss M'Keown, assistant, Tokomaru, three Weeks from 3rd March. Mr. Pilkington, the wellknown head tea'-her of the Porirua School for many years, has been in poor health for some time, and his medical adviser has ordered him complete rest and change. His abiiity and personability have won him much respect and popularity, and '"old boys" and "ol'l tfirU," as well as their ciders, will wish Him a complete restoration to health.