Presentation to Mr Nicoll.
A vbby pleasing ceremony tooS plans on Thursday night at the Masonic Hotel, when Mr T. Skelton, on behalf of a number of commercial travellers, presented Mr B. M. Nicoll (well known in Gisborne In connection with the firm of Common, Shelton & Co.) with a handsome clock and two bronze statuettes. In making the presentation Mr Skelton regretted the absence of a number of commercials who would have been bettor fitted to perform the ceremony, and said it would show Mr Nicoll in what esteem he was held by those who had in tha past been fellow travellers with him. Personally speaking, Mr Skelton
referred to Mr Nicoll as a good all-round man —one of the best travellers in the colony—and a boon companion when off duty. He had known him for many years, and was proud to be recognised as a friend of his. -While thanking him for much advice, he was glad to ba able to say that the opinion of Mr N’icoll amongst the ” boys ” was held as more reliable than the bank. Mr Skelton then made passing reference to the many blanks which have taken place amongst the C.T.s in the colony, and while glad to make the acquaintance of those appointed to fill old places, he considered it would be hard to fill those blanks. In conclusion he wished Mr Nicoll every success in life, and would ask all present to drink his health.
In returning thanks for the handsome present made him, Mr Nicoll feelingly referred to many reminiscences of the past, and returned to Mr Skelton the compliment, as to ability, &0., which had been paid to him. He to k the opportunity ot mentioning the kindness he had always received at the hands of Mr and Mrs Scott, and said as landlord and landlady they were not to be equalled in the colony. Mr J. B. Scott endorsed the sentiments which had been proclaimed by Mr Skelton on behalf of the travellers. Mr Nicoll was held in the highest esteem by all circles, and he trusted he would be prosperous in the new lines of business he was going in for. He (Mr Nicoll) intended to reside in Gisborne, and he hoped he would long continue to do so.
Mr G. South proposed the health- of Mr
and Mrs Scott. After referring to '.he kind manner in which he had always been treated by the host and hostess of the Masonic Hotel, Mr South said Mr Nicoll had prepared him for the first trip as a commercial traveller. He did well because he was following a good man. To Mr Nicoll, and him alone, did he owe his success as a commercial—if he might call it sriecess—and as to Mr Nicoll’s future he wished he might always prosper. In returning thanks Mr Scott said he had always laid out for a commercial trade as it was the most profitable and pleasant. Mr Meyers proposed “ the departed travellers,” coupled with the names of Messrs Nicoll and South. In doing so he made some very appropriate remarks as to the abilities of bo h gentlemen, and paid a high tribute to Mr and Mrs Scott as to the manner in which they kept their hotel.
Mr Scott made a few appropriate remarks as to the time devoted by Mr South to encouragnig anything of a local nature. The “ Absent Commercial Travellers ” was proposed and responded to by Messrs Skelton and Myers. There were about fifteen gentlemen present. The clock is a most handsome one of solid marble, and bears the following inscription on a silver plate .—“ Presented to R.M. Nicoll by a few of his fellow commercials as a mark of esteem on his retiring from the Boad. November, 1887.”
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GSCCG18871126.2.10
Bibliographic details
Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 72, 26 November 1887, Page 2
Word Count
630Presentation to Mr Nicoll. Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 72, 26 November 1887, Page 2
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.