MR. BOLTON ENTERTAINED.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 115, 17 May 1909, Page 3

MR. BOLTON ENTERTAINED.

A complimentary "social" to Mr. F. G. Bolton, the retiring mayor, was held in the Eastbourne Schoolroom, on Saturday evening, and was attended by about seventy ratepayers and residents of the borough. Mr. T. M. Wiliord, M.P., Mr. A. L. Herdman, M.P., and all the councillors except Councillor D. Robertson (who apologised for unavoidable absence) were among those present. The Mayor (Mr. J. Barr) presided. Ihe toast of "Our Guest" was proposed by the chairman, who referred to the good services which Mr. Bolton had rendered the borough, for which he had always done his best. Mr. Bolton, in replying, expressed his appreciation of the honour done, him. Hf had never forgotten the kindly feelings that had prompted the farewall "social" to him when he left on a trip t"> England four years ago, and it had spurred him to do all he could for the borough. He was, he went on to say, certain that the affairs of the borough were in perfectly good hands. The borough was the lightest rated one in New Zealand. What he himself had done had been a labonr of love. (Hear, hear.) He desired to thank Mr. Herdman, a late opponent in the Parliamentary election, tor his attendance. The contest was fought with the most friendly feelings. (Hear, hear.) He also thanked Mr. Wilford, who was a very busy man, and had taken great trouble to be present. The toast of the present Mayor was proposed by Mr. H. W. Shortt. who said he was satisfied that the borough bad in Mr. Barr a mayor who would conserve its best interests. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Barr briefly returned thanks. The Town Clerk (Mr. J. D. Avery) presented Mr. Bolton with an illuminated address from the residents and ratepayers of the district Councillor Foley said it was now that they were afeonfc to lose Mr. Bolton that they realised what he had done for the borough, which was under obligations to him for a great deal. From its inception up to fche present time his knowledge had saved it many thousands of pounds. Ho thought also that it would be unfair not to say a word for Mrs. Bolton. (Hear, hear.) Ho expressed the hope that at some future time Mr. Bolton would again guide their destinies. (Applause.) In returning thanks Mr. Bolton said the presentation was entirely unexpected. He was especially pleased at the representative character of the signatories to the address. He had also to express his thanks for the kindly references to ni3 wife ; although Mrs. Bolton was no longer the mayoress, his 'services and those of his wife were always at their disposal. (Applause.) Several toasts were honoured, and songs, etc., were contributed by Messrs. D. Fraser, D. A. Kenny (who also played the accompaniments), C. Girdlestone, J. P. Kelly, R. Watts, T. M. Wilford, E. Shortt, W. C. S. Lewes, and B. Russo.