FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7367, 21 January 1902, Page 3

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

, « The farewell social tendered, to Mr and' Mrs Wilson on the occasion of their departure for England in the Harmonic Hal], on Friday evening, was (the Patea Press reports) in every way a success. The attendance was large and representative, visitors being present from almost everywhere between Wanganui and Hawern, whilst apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs A. Paterson (Hawera), H. F. Christie, and John Gibson i During a lull in the conversation, His Worship the Mayor presented Mr Wilson with a gold watch, and in doing so he said :— Mr and Mrs Wilson (who, by her warm heart and lovable disposition, has endeared herself to everyone who has the privilege of her acquaintance) will be much missed. Mr Wilson is regarded in the light of an ideal settler, enterprising, shrewd, energetic, and thoroughly upright in all his dealings with his fellow men. As a public man he has done excellent service, and every public body of which he has been a member has, I am sure, been benefitted by his sound judgment and strict integrity of purpose. Socially, he has proved himself a real good fellow — a gentleman in the true signification of the term. That he possesses a warm and sympathetic heart many a man who, when in trouble, has appealed to him for advice or assistance, can bear witness. Mr Wilson, in returning thanks, said*: — •• On behalf of my wife and myself, I must heartily thank you for the very pleasant evening you have afforded us, and for the very handsome present you have made me. Though I have b'en amongst you for many years, I feel that I have done no more than any settler should do. I believe that the aim of the old settlers has been in one direction : the greatest good for the district, though I will not deny that under many circumstances I have been actuated by selfish motives. (No, no.) I hardly recognise myself in the character which His Worship has painted me. I may have a few good qualities but there are many frailties which you have overlooked. 'g