VALEDICTORY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 July 1905, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

The members of the Star of the West Druids’ Lodge assembled at McCJin(tick’s Duke of Edinburgh Hotel last evening, for the purpose of bidding good-bye to Bros, dames Ryan and J. W. Eassou, who leave mi Monday next for Wellington. A.D. Bro. Turley occupied the chair. On his right were Bro. ,j. Ryan and his Vwirship the Mayor, and on his left Bro. J. W. Eassnu and Bro. K. Ashton (District President).

The. toast of "The King and the Older” having been honoured.

D, I'. Bro. E. Ashton, in proposing the toast of ••Onr Guest." referred in eulogistic term sto Bro. Ryan, Past Arch, who had occupied (lie chair during a very trying time, namely, when they were negotiating to separate from ihe \iclorian Order and join the North Island Const il ul ion. He could say, without fear of contradiction, that, Bro. Ryan had been one id 'he best officers they had ever had: one who had worked hard lor tin* advancement of Ihe Lodge, and one "no had excelled himself in the various positions he had held. 1 uey palled veil h regret with Pro. Ryan, who. ; rusled, would have a prosneroiis fn!,,re : who would join a lodge at Wellington, so Iha I his valuable services would not be lost to Druidism. tin behalf of those present, he wished tiro. Rvaii every success in Ins new sphere of life. P. D. P. Bro. Dr .Mclirearty then presented lire. Rvan with a travelling nig and hag, which he (rusted would serve to remind him of his eld Lodge. The toast having been drunk with musical honours,

Jim. Rvan thanked I hem for their

valuable present, which would remind him of (lie many happy evenings spent with the Urey Druids. He raid he pill no! think im had done anything to deserve either the pre-etil or the high euconiums that had Imen passed on ,-e |Te had only tried to do his duly, and if he had done t hab to the Killisfaelion of his brothers he was satiidled. Ho assured (hem that although away, his heart was always

■ i; the Lodge, which he wished success in the future.

His Worship the Mayor (Bro. James Petrie) proposed the least of "Bro. Jiiim AY. Eassou.” In losing Mr Eassou they were losing an old and energetic citizen, who they could ill afford to lose. As an employer of labour he had been a great factor in the success of Gveymonth. and ho was sure that possessing such energy and business acumen his success in AVellington was assured. ’They all re-

gret led losjug such a useful citizen and good Druid, hut united in wishing Bro. Eassou all prosperity in (lie fni nre.

Bro, Eassou, in reply, regretted leaving Greynnni!h, Inti the step was I’i-r liis own advancement. He could heartily endorse all the remarks made about Bro. Ryan, who was a real first-class worker. Ho thanked them for their very kindly expressions, and trusted that when (hey visited Wellington tlyey would not forget to give him a "look up" at Kelhurne.

P.D.P. Bro. Ainsworth then presented Bros. Hodgeman and Hodgson with Past Arch -diplomas. He said "ids rewarded merit, and ho could safelv say that the remark was richly

■msenmj in the present case. He trusted the diplomas would bring to I heir minds Iho many pleasant, evenings spent al (he Lodge. Ho bad much plcansre in presenting Ihe diplomas.

I’.A. Bro. Marlin proposed the lien I (li of Bros. Hodgeman and Hodgson, and in doing so said both had filled their positions np to (lie letter. Bro. Hodgson said he had always endeavoured to do his host, the intention being always good. Bro. Hodgeman suitably acknowledged the presentalion. Other Hasts proposed were "The Cress,” ho Bro. Jueksen, being responded I" by Mr Cetrie and Bro, Wc-J ; ‘’The Ladies." by Bro. Harley, and responded to by Bros. Scott and Xewland; "The Host.” by Bro. VergU'cn. and suiiabiy arkiiowled'/ed ; and “Tin- Chairman." bv Bro. West. During the evening songs were rendered by Bros. Ainsworth, Ashton, \ ergnson, Harley. Martin, and AleBride, and a recitation by Air Shallcrass. A very en.iorahle evening was lirought to a close hr (ho singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem. The tables were laid out in Host McC'Hntnck’s best style, and were laden with all tho delicacies of the season.