PRESENTATION.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1728, 17 February 1874, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

After the usual monthly practice of the Volunteer Fise Brigade last evening, an adjournment was made to Ashton's Hotel for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Fireman Jeffard, on the occasion of his lea viug Greymouth for San Francisco. Lieutenant M'Gregor occupied the chair, because Captain Eissenhardt could only be present for a few minutes (having to proceed to Westport by the Charles Edward), and Foreman Amos the vicechair. Lieutenant M'Gregor said he was . sorry the duty of .making the presentation of the testimonial had fallen upon him, and he was also sorry for the occasion upon which they had met — that of parting: with one of the oldest and most efficient members of the Fire Brigade; but all he could do was to express the hope that the change would benefit Mr Jeffard's future prospects and crown his efforts with success. He was sure that every member of the Brigade joined him. in expressing their regret at Mr Jeffard leaving them, and to give ex- : pressipn to that, feeling they had prepared = a testimonial, which he would read, and ■which he hoped would prove of great service when the recipient of it arrived in A.merica. He then read, the following testimonial :— ] * * To Mr Charles J epfa rd. "Dear Sir— ! "We beg to express our regret at your departure from amongst us, you having been a member of this body for the last five years, during which time you have taken great interest in the working of the Brigade at fires, practices, or any occasion wh«re the services of the Brigade have been required. You have executed all orders with promptness and decision,, therefore we take this opportunity of expressing our opinion of your services, and assuring you of our united and earnest wishes for your future welfare. " (Signed) J. A. Eissenhardt, " On behalf of the Brigade. " Greymouth, N.Z., February, 1874" Foreman Amos then proposed the health and future success of Mr Jeffard. The toast was drank with musical honors. Mr Jeffard, in reply, expressed the great regret he felt at parting with comrades he had worked with so harmoniously in the Fire Brigade for the last five years, and he assured them that he would carry with him to America this expression of their approval of his conduct. The cause of his leaving was failing health, which he thought might- be improved in another country. They had expressed their regret at losing one friend, but his regret was much keener at losing forty friends in the members of the Brigade. Whewver he went he would endeavor to do his duty as a citizen, and he felt sure that whenever he exhibited the testimonial he had just received he would have access to any Brigade in California. Captain Eissenhardt bore high testimony to the energy and ability of Mr Jeffard, as a working member of the Brigade, and hoped that in the new home he had chosen he would reap the golden reward which every honest working man deserved. He certainly carried with him tho good will and good wishes of every member of the Brigade. This concluded the formal part of the business, and the members afterwards spent a pleasant evening together.