FAREWELL TO MR R. J. BENNELL

Evening Star, Issue 19894, 16 June 1928, Page 3

FAREWELL TO MR R. J. BENNELL

AITBKCIATION OF HIS. WOBK. A largo iimubcr of oilmens met at tho Ora ml Hotel yesterday afternoon to bid farewell to Mr H. J. Bennell, who for some years has o«-cujn’ctl the position of manager of the Dunedin branch of tlio Bristol Piano Company, and who has been transferred to Wellington to tako charge of tlio linn’s branch there. Mr J. 11. Walker, who presided, stated that the gathering had been arranged with tho object of saying farewell to an esteemed townsman. “For over twenty years wo have been associated with 'Mr Donnell in connection with a number of bodies having for their aim the raising of funds for the good of the community, both philanthropic and otherwise, and during tlio whole of ■ our association have found in him a loyal colleague, an active worker, and one brimful of enthusiasm for their success,” said -the chairman. “Perhaps 1 may bo pardoned for referring .to one committee the meetings of which _ extended to over two years, and which called _ for untiring energy, optimism of the highest order, and the value of ideas from each of the individual members. I. refer to tlio committee set up for raising funds for a suitable and lasting memorial to our returned soldiers. After the original committee had decided to retire, leaving ns with a deficit to make up, wo were successful in raising £IO,OOO to enable us to pass over the present building to tbo Beturnocl Soldiers’ Association free of debt ami partly furnished. This was to a, largo extent duo to tho energy, zeal, and liberality of tlio committee, and no member was more appreciated by ns than our guest of to-day, Mr Donnell. The Bands’ Association, which we revived alter successive failures, required considerable care, energy, and tael, and its success was largely duo to inspiration and ideas imported into its deliberations by our guest.” Mr Walker added that the lire brigades’ contests, tho garden fete festivals, tho .Kxhibtion sports, and Operatic Committee, and numerous committees set up in connection with charities throughout the city had all had the value of Mr Bcnnell’s services. Appreciation of Air Benncil’s services could not be adequ atcly expressed in words, and the community was the poorer for losing Ills services. Mis removal from Dunedin would moan a personal loss to many friends and coworkers, but all were extremely gratilied lo know that his translation to Wellington would mean that bis directors realised tlio value of his services, and ha-I promoted him to a position which would give further scope for bis abilities. 't he Deputy Mayor (C’r J. S. Douglas) thanked Air Bennell for the work he had done in helping the civic authorities, particularly in connection with the peace celebrations. On behalf of the City Council ho wished Mr Bennell health and prosperity in his new sphere of activity. Dr Hall (president of the Dunedin Competitions Society) acknowledged t.ho indebtedness of the society to tho musical (inns of the city, and stated that Mr Bennell had been particularly friendly. After Mesa’s H. IS. A! oiler (chairman of the Otago Harbour Board), J. Bennie, Paget Gale. T, Bitchio, and B. F. Fiedler (Air Bonneil’s successor) had spoken, the chairman presented the guest with n smoker’s cabinet as well ns a case of pipes and a tobacco pouch. In reply, Air Bennell said that no gift was required to remind him of his happy stay in Dunedin. Anything he had done to help tho city was a labour of love. It was will) -regret; that 1 he left Dunedin, and he was going. :a way fully appreciating the good-will which had been shown towards him.