A CIVIC FAREWELL

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1927, Page 2

A CIVIC FAREWELL

AU REVOIR TO THE DEPUTYMAYOR. PRESENTATION TO AIR H. AI. COULSON. The members of the Borough Council and several representative citizens gathered at the 'Town Hall vestoid.it afternoon for the purpose ol bidding good-hve and wishing Godspeed to Air H. AI. Coulson. Deputy-Mayor, before lie left on his com billed business and holiday visit to America and England. The .Mayor (Air G. A. Perry) presided, stating they had gathered to say good-hve to Mr Coulson. He had been an active member of the Borough Council for nearly twenty years and had served the public taithfully ovei that long term. They had telt they could not let Mr Coulson go oil his long iourncv without wishing him a pleasant, holiday and a sale return. 11l his travels he would he able to acquire much useful information that they would be able to share on his return. He assured him of the very host wishes of the' community for a pleasant holiday, and that he would come , hack refreshed and in continued good health. On behalf of the Council he asked acceptance of a gold mounted Waterman set of pens and pencils, as a slight mark of their esteem and goodwill.

Hon. H. L. .Michel joined in wishing Air Coulson a happy voyage. He eulogised his mam- years of public service as Deputy-Mayor and Councillor and regretted too few of - the townspeople gave their services to the public in a similar manner. He wished him a happy holiday and assured him a very hearty welcome on his return. All- AY. Jeffries as a fellow Councillor hoped Air Coulson would have a pleasant trip and return in good health and renewed vigour. He- did not always see eye to eye with Air Coulson hut they agreed to differ, but on all occasions Mr Coulson had shown a fine trait of character. He had also sat on other local bodies with him and lie was assiduous to his duties in the interests of the ratepayers. He hoped lie would have a pleasant- trip and come bn ck safely again to take Ids place as a citizen of Hokitika. Air J. J. Breeze joined in the appreciation of Air Coulson’s citizenship. During his long connection with the Borough Council and Jlospital Board he had always found him upright and straightforward in all liis dealings. He wished him a pleasant voyage and would he glad to welcome hint hack again.

Air G. Heinz said he was sorry Mr Coulson was leaving hut his journey would orove a great benefit when lie returned with the experience that travel gave. He wished him a pleasant holidav.

Air G. Coles also joined in extending good wishes for a pleasant holiday.The Al.ayor hero read apologies from Alessrs AY. E. AYilliams. T. AY. Duff and others.

Air 11. AI. Coulson on rising to reply feelingly expressed his appreciation of their expressions of goodwill. He valued their gift more than he could say. If during his public service of twenty years he had been of any real service to the townspeople then that fact would adequately repay him folios 1 trouble. He felt indebted to the people for their very fine support at the elections and had felt that it was encumbent on him to work to merit that confidence. Air Coulson proceeded to refer to many happenings of 1 interest during the past twenty years. Continuing he was about to carry out his desire to improve himself as much as possible in his business. and liis wish to see as much as he could of the world, hut he assured them that he was already looking forward to coming hack and lmd not thought of leaving Hokitika, which he recognised as his home and-where lie had so many warm friends. He again . thanked them for their kind presentation and good wishes which he deeply appreciated. A vote of thanks to the -Mayor for presiding, moved by the Hon. H. L. Alicliel terminated a pleasing ceremony.