VALEDICTORY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 May 1906, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

.Mr Oxenhain, who for many years had tho Gilmer Hotel, and who has now entered into possession of it lirslelass hotel at Sumner, near Christchurch, was accorded a send-off by his many Givymouth friends at the Brian Born Hotel last evening. There was a large attendance of tho leading citizens present to bid good-bye to one who, during his residence amongst us, did much to further the interests of the town and district. .Mr E, .), Smith was voted to tho chair. He apologised for the absence of .Mr Joseph Petrie, who was attending a meeting of the Education Board, and an apology was read from Air )V. 1). llevingtoii, who was unable to attend.

Aftcf honoring (he toast of (ho King in the usual manner, the Chairman proposed that of .Mr Oxenliam, who, with his family, was leaving to enter into business in the vicinity of Christchurch. All regretted parting with Air Oxenhain, who, during Lis eight yea Us residence in Givymouth, had worked hard to further tho interests of tho town and district, and in wishing him and his family future prosperin', he was hut reflecting the earnest wish of a large circle of Ids friends in the Grey district.

Mr \V. .). Joyce also spoke in eulogistic terms of the good qualities of Mr Oxenliam, who during his eight years’ residence in Greyiimiith, had done much to push tho town ahead. Mr and Airs Oxenliam and family had a large circle of friends in Givymouth who regretted their departure, but all Imped and trusted the change would bo in their interest.

Mr Oxenhani responded in most feelinu terms. He regretted leaving drey mouth where he and his family had made lu-sts of friends, anil he assured all present that at any time \\\st Coasters jiaid a visit to Canterbury he hoped they would not fail to look him up at Sumner, where they will always find a homo under any circumstances. Messrs dittos. Chalk, John Harris, E, Ashton, Seabrook and E. Sheedy, following, spoke highly of the good qualities of Mr Oxenham as a citizen, and one who was not only a model host, and conducted his house on up-to-date lines, but he was always to tho fore in the promoting honest sport, and furthermore, he was always to tho forefront in promoting and encouiaginir children’s sports never spaiing himself in this respect, whilst in his wife he had a helpmate who was noted for her kindness and generosity. iM4 John Myers, representing tho commercial travellers, added his testimony to tho manner in which Mr and Mrs Oxenham conducted their business ,not only at Petone, but also in droymouth', and he hoped good success would attend Him in their new

sphere. , . Tho gathering was a very happy one under the guidance of the popular chairman, Mr E, J. Smith. At a later stage, Mr Joseph letnc, who had left the Education Board meeting, entered room and was immediately called upon to make a few remarks, which he readily acceded to. He said ho had known Mr and Mrs Oxen ham since their arrival in Greymouth eight years ago, and classed them with his most intimate friends. Air Oxenharn was a “John Bull in every acceptation of tho term there was no double-dealing; he was straight out from tho shoulder; a citizen they were sorry to lose. In addition he possessed a love for children and animals. Ho was always to the. fore in promoting tho kiddies sports and other amusements. As for Mrs Oxenharn, he had a helpmate who was honored and loved by all who knew her. Many had good reason to appreciate her goodness, and he, in common with their large circle of friends, hoped they would have a prosperous career in Greymouth. The Hon. Jas. Marshall added his testimony to tho general goodness displayed by Mr Oxenharn towards young people —and ho spoke from experience as regards the children at Totara Flat where when sports were originated, Mr Oxenharn always lent a wdhng hand, and he wished Mr and Mis Oxenham and family prosperity and sue Ct Mr Jas. Kerr supported the previous speakers in tho good opinions expressed of the departing guest. He Juki known them since their arrival in Greymouth, and a straighter and more honorable business man-waa not to be found anywhere, whilst Mrs Oxenharn was not only a good wife and mother, but a philantrophist in the way of kindly good works to those in trouble. Both Mr and Mrs Oxenharn, their tal-

ented daughter, and the younger members will sorely bo missed. Mr Petrie proposed tho healtli of tho host and. hostess, Mr and Mrs Daniel Sheedy, and stated that more genuine man and woman never lived than Mr and Mrs Sheedy. Mr Sheedy did a great and good work at the hospital, and his happy disposition made patients improve. The toast was responded to most enthusiastically, and Mr Ned Sheedy, on behalf of Ills father and mother, returned thanks. Tiie chairman’s health was proposed and responded to. Songs and recitations were contributed by several of those present, and shortly before 11 o’clock one of the most enjoyable social evenings ever held in Greymouth was brought to a close.