PUBLIC TESTIMONIAL TO MR H. L. McFADGEN.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 2, Issue 118, 6 March 1895, Page 2

PUBLIC TESTIMONIAL TO MR H. L. McFADGEN.

This interesting event took place on Thursday last, in the Reading-room of the Institute, as a recognition of his services as Honorary l ibrarian. C. Malfroy, Esq., J.P., President of the Institute in the chair, and there were a large attendance of residents, including ladies. After reading the advertisement convening the meeting the Chairman in presenting the testimonial, an album of 60 views of tho district, by Josiah Martin, referred in most complimentary terms to the zeal and valuable services rendered to tho Institute by Mr McFadgen not only as one of the founders but also as honorary Librarian for some years. Mr McFadgen in ieply said—

M n President, Ladies and Gen*, tlemk.v, —I feol myself placed in a difficult position in finding words to suitably express my feelings in thank, ing you for the very handsome and appropriate parting present which you have just given me, when it was stated to me that it was intended by the subscribers to the Library and Rending Room to give me a memento of my connection with the institution, I certainly did not expect that it would be so liberally responded to, or that so many would bo present as there are, therefore I feel very deeply the very kind remarks of the President and the way in which you have reciprocated those remarks. What services i have given to the institution was what I felt as my due to it; also that I had some time to spare. I also felt that the income of the Institution would be very limited and the attending expense heavy, I felt it necessary to do what I cou d. The progress of the Institution has perhaps exceeded our expectations, especially the Library, at first it was not expected to form one, but the aid of gifts of books from residents and visitors enabled us to start one, and tlio Library and Reading Room is now a valuable and necessary institution, and I hope will continue to grow and prosper, but to do so it will be necessary to Kociro » building site, aud erect suitable premises, also that the support of it be from a general rate, the resident population for somo years to come may not be large enough to support it in a strong condition, and this dis trict being a tourist resort it is neces l surv that the Institution should be well supplied with literature, &c, from all parts of the world. It will be also necesssary that the management and attendance be efficient, but to do so it must be supported by the dents generally. It is with some regret that I am leaving, I had hoped to liave been a resident for at least a few years longer, but the effects of the sedulous nature of my business, niul other circumstances, prompts me to accept the change when it offered, but I shall always be pleased to hear of the progress of this district and recall with pleasure my stay in it. while the views contained in this album will be always referred to by myself and friends. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting: to n close.