VALEDICTORY

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 151, 23 December 1921, Page 8

VALEDICTORY

'MR. W. MACKAY HONOURED. "I think this (jathorlntf is unique . . Seldom do we find a business man so honoured by his customers.'' So said Professor Rankine Brown yesterday at a funotion held in tho Sa>-oy Rooms, when some literary, business, and cbcfls associates made a presentation to Mr. W. Mackay, the surviving partner of the firm of Messrs. S. and W. Mackay, which foi many years carried on buairie— on Lamb-ton-quay. Mr. D. C /Bates presided, and among those present 'were Captain Barclay, Messrs. \V. A. Parkinson, Charles V'ilson (Parliamentary Librarian), P. Costin Webb, T. Lindsay Buick, W. F. Barlaud, T. Bakowoll, A. R."Atkinson, F. K. Kclling, and C. W. Tanner. The presentation tooK the form of a handsome oak desk and book repository and inscribed chair.

Mr. Bates explained that the function had beon arranged very quietly in order to mark tho retirement from business of Mr. Mackay, who, by his courteousnes*, had won tho high esteem of all book-lov-ers. Thoy looked upon Mr. Mackay or an authority on books. They recognised, too, his business worth, his social Qualities, and his wonderful knowledge of literature. - His shop had beon the booklovers' paradise—a place where they were allowed to browse around freely. They all regretted the closing of the business whioh, among men of literature, was a city landmark. Mr. Atkinson said his acquaintance with Mr. Mackay dated back to 1886, and it had been intimate for thirty years. Mr. Mackay was extraordinarily kind and considerate, and his stock of books was quite -wonderful.

Other speakers endorsed these remarks, and all wished Mr. Mackay a long life, and expressed the hops that with good health he would be able to enjoy his wellearned retirement.

Mr. Mackay, In reply, said he felt overwhelmed. He had been honoured beyond his deserts—he felt sure of that. The business was established in 1881, and now that he had retired he greatly missed tha daily intercourse with hundreds of friends and book-lovers. "To be cut off from al» this is a great blow," he said. "Still. ono cannot work for ever, and w© must rccept the inevitable philosophically." He thanked his friends, for their handsome gifts and for the kindly thoughts they had spoken. , . '.