Presentations to Mr A. F. Kennedy.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 569, 12 February 1891, Page 3

Presentations to Mr A. F. Kennedy.

[From Saturday’s Napier Telegraph. | IN THE office. It was not generally known till yesterday, towards noon, that Mr A. F. Kennedy was to leave to-day for Gisborne to open a branch there of the mercantile house of Messrs Williams and Kettle. Ths news came almost as a shock, for Mr Kennedy has been for so many years such a leading light in musical, dramatic, and athletic circles, and in other institutions, that it was hard to believe that he was to be taken suddenly from the midst of his friends. The shortness of the notice almost prevented concerted action, but it was impossible to allow him to go without carrying away with bim some souvenir of the good wishes of those amongst whom he had been so popular. His fellow clerks, therefore, in the forenoon, improvised is little ceremony, and made it the occasion of presenting Mr Kennedy with a remarkably handsome silver mounted pipe, and silver cigarette case. BY SPORT AND DRAMA. On the eve of his departure for Gisborne, Mr A. F, Kennedy was invited last night to meet his friends in the drawing room of the Maeonio Hotel. At the appointed hour there was a large assemblage of gentlemen representing football, lawn-tennis, cricket, and rowing clubs, the Amateur Operatic Society, and other institutions to which Mr Kennedy belongs. Mr F. Fulton presided, and in suitable language referred to Mr Kennedy's connection with athletic sports, and to the general regret that was felt at his approaching departure. Mr Fulton then read an address, which, he stated, was to be engrossed, and would bo signed by forty subscribers. The address, which was accompanied by a presentation of jewellery, was as follows :— 5" Napier, 6th February, 1891. “ Dear Sir, —We the undersigned desire to express to yon our great personal regret at learning of your intended departure from Napier. We feel, however, that your departure, though it means a severance from Napier and all your old friends, proves your value as a business man, and will mean a material improvement in your position, We cannot properly express to you the esteem in which you are held by us, but we can assure you that your memory will be cherished by us both for the example your conduct has always been to us, and the unfailing courtesy and kindness that has marked your career in Napier. Wishing you all possible happiness and success in your new sphere, and requesting your acceptance of the accompanying present, " We are,” &c. Mr Kennedy’s health was then drunk with all honors, after which the leading members of the several institutions represented on the occasion followed each other iu kindly expressions of regard for their guest, and of hearty wishes for his welfare. Mr Kennedy replied ia a felicitous speech, and the meeting broke up with tne fine old song, “ For he's a Jolly Good Fellow.” BY OLD FRIENDS. Liter on in the evening Mr Kennedy was entertained at the Hawke's Bay Club, and was there presented with the complete works of Thackeray and Dickens, very handsomely bound, and a polished rimq liqueur stand, bearing a silver plate, suitably inscribed, Mr A, F. Kennedy leaves this evening by the Manapouri for Gisborne, and carries with him the heartiest good wishes of all in Napier.