VALEDICTORY

Evening Star, Issue 17637, 16 April 1921, Page 10

VALEDICTORY

FAREWELL TO MR J. B. DICK. BOROUGH CLERK FOE TWENTY YEARS. Twenty years of meritorious service n* borough clerk can be claimed by Mr J. B. Dxdt, who is retiring on account of ill health. The present St. Silda Council, past mayors and councillors, representative ratepayers, and prominent citizens of the borough gathered together in tho St, Kilda Town Ball last evening to do honoj to their veteran town clerk. A pleasant evening was spent, and a lengthy toast dist, interspersed with musical item® and reminiscences of old council days, was gone through. The toasts honored included “ Parliament of New Zealand,” “Past Mayors and Councillors,” “Ministers of tho Borough,” “Borough Solicitors,” “Town Clerk’s Staff,” tmd “Fire Brigade and Band,” Tho Mayor (Air A. D, Edgar), in proposing the toast of “The Retiring Town Clerk,” said that they ail—coitnciilora and residents—very much regretted Mr Dick’s retirement after a long and faithful service. Mr Dick, ho said, was a man whoa* they ail admired—one who had helped to make St. Kilda, the borough it was to-day. Tho council- ‘ lors, especially, knew his sterling character and service. They had hoped that Air Dick would continue a further term of office, but unfortunately his health would not permit that. Mr Dick was a man to bo greatly admired and esteemed, and the whole community would wish him a healthful retirement and a happy 1&; of case. Air Edgar then presented Mr Dick with a handsomely-worked illuminated address, the work of Air S. S. George, The text of the address was as follows; To Jakks B. Dick, Esq.— We, tho undersigned mayor and councillors of tire Borough of St. Kilda, desire to place on record our high appreciation of the splendid and most praiseworthy service which you have rendered to this borough during your twenty years as town clerk. It is with tho very greatest satisfaction that we as

a Council reflect upon, the manner in which tho various and numerous works of this borough have been so ably and meritoriously carried out under your personal supervision. Wo regret that owing to failing health you were compelled to sever your connection with the council, as we are of opinion that the loss of your services to this borough is considerable. Wo trust you may be long spared to enjoy a vvell-eamed rest."

After the toast had been enthusiastically honored, Messrs Wm. Vickery, J. AL Callaway, J. J. Marlow, T. K. Sidey. ALP., R. Mitchell, D. C. Cameron, and S. B. Macdonald, all ex-mayors and councillors, spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr ■Dick’s sendees as a town clerk and a resident.

Mr Dick, who was greeted with prolonged applause after rising to reply, thanked them for their ervatiou and illuminated address. The address ho would value very much because it "came from St. Hilda. It gave him great pleasure to see so many representatives of the borough present—it was an honor to him. He was also pl eased to see so many bowlers among them. A feeling of sadness came over him when he thought of the many with whom ho had been associated, and whom death hod removed. Amongst these were Messrs Seurr, Gore, MTarlane, Harris, and Robertson, all of whom did yeoman service for the borough. Things were in a very primitive state in the borough twenty years ago. The Council Chambers consisted of a one-roomed house. There was no drainage system—only open ditches. Now they had a fine borough, up to data in every respect. This was due to having good men as mayors and councillors, and they were supported by good ratepayers. He was getting on in years, and could not give the proper concentration and speed to the affairs of the borough. He complimented the council on its selection of his successor (Mr IV. A. M'Ara). In conclusion, he wished specially to thank Mr T. K. Sidcy, M.P., and Messrs Cailan and GaUavray (borough solicitors) for their work in connection with the borough.