HOKITIKA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 July 1932, Page 10

HOKITIKA NOTES

[OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, July 8. Mr G. Sutherland, of Revell Street, left yesterday, on- a visit to Sydney. Mr A. McMaster (of Greymouth), who is engaged in repairing the Hokitika railway bridge, responding to the “call” of the bandroom has been giving assistance at the practices of the local band, from whom he received a hearty welcome. At the meeting of the Westland Acclimatisation Society last evening, opportunity was taken of making a presentation to Mr D. J. Evans. The President of the Society (Dr Teichel mann) made the presentation of a fountain pen, and in doing so expressed the regret of all present that illness has occasioned retirement from the secretaryship. Mr Evans had been a very active member of the Society and had not spared himself in any way in his efforts to further its afand with some forty odd years of service it could be claimed that the work performed by Mr Evans was worthy of recognition. In this connection' the members generally could not let the opportunity pass of making eulogistic reference and also of making some tangible rcognition .A the great service performed.. In addition to - the fountain pen which he had pleasure in presenting. The members of the Society had taken , advantage of Mr Evans’ absence in South Westland, of installing in his home, a beautiful gas heating fireplace, wi+h a suitable inscription engraved on a silver plate. The President expressed the hope that when Mr Evans was warming his toes at the fireplace he would be reminded of the warmth of the regard and esteem in which he is held by the members with whom he had been associated for so long. He concluded by expressing the earnest hope that Mr Evans would be speedily restored to his usual good health, and that in due time he would again be able to take up his active interest in the affairs of the Westland Society. Messrs Armstrong, Braddon, Baker, King, and Parry also endorsed the remarks of the President, and extended their best wishes to Mr Evans.

In replying to the remarks, Mr Evans thanked all for their kindness and thoughtfulness in their expressions and for the very handsome presents which had been presented to him. Mr Evans traversed the early days of the Society and mentioned many names of pioneers of acclimatisation workers with whom he had been associated. He regretted exceedingly that ill health would not permit him to carry on the work any longer, but if he could be of any assistance in an advisory capacity he would be only too pleased to offer his services. In conclusion he invited all present to adjourn to his home for a social hour, where the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” concluded the function.