VALEDICTORY

Matamata Record, Volume XX, Issue 1809, 22 February 1937, Page 5

VALEDICTORY

WAIKATO PIONEERS An Revoir to Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Marshall Members of the Morrinsville A. and P. Society gathered in the Municipal .Chambers on Tuesday afternoon to say au revoir to Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Marshall, who leave on a trip to England next week. Mr. Marshall was president of the A. and P. Society from its inception in 1918 until 1923, and to him more than to anyone else goes the credit for inaugurating the Morrinsville A. and P. Show. For half a century Mr. Marshall has been associated with A. and P. shows in the Auckland Province, and in his time he has exhibited some notable thoroughbred and draught horses.

Addressing the representative gathering of members, the president, Mr. W. J. Aitken, said the A. and P. Society wished to give Mr. and Mrs. Marshall a small presentation as a mark of appreciation of their services to the society. Members of, the executive would know how much time and energy Mr. Marshall had devoted to the work of the Morrinsville show, and, of course, Mr. Marshall had been ably supported by Mrs. Marshall in his public activities. We hope that Mr- and Mrs. Marshall will have a good trip Home,” added Mr. Aitken. “We hope they will enjoy every minute <of their trip, but that when they return they will say that they are glad to be back here.”

Mr. Aitken made a presentation on behalf of the society of a travelling rug and a suitcase, both inscribed with the initials “ F.J.M.” “We hope they will be shared equally by both Mr. and Mrs. Marshall,” he said. Musical honours were accorded with enthusiasm.

Civic Send-off Function Morrinsville’s first Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Marshall), who leave next week on a visit to the Old Country, were accorded a civic send-off in the council Chambers Opportunity was taken to present to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall an illuminated address in album form, illustrated with photographs of typical Morrinsville scenes, including an aerial view of Morrinsville, the Municipal Chambers, the Municipal Swimming Baths, views or Howie Park, the Plunket Room, views of Thames street and Hamilton road, Morrinsville Junction railway station, the Morrinsville Showgrounds and the Morrinsville Saleyards on busy days. ‘‘ ’ “ An appreciation from the citizens of the Borough of Morrinsville,” states the inscription in gold letters on the album. Below is the borough motto: “Quo Melior Civis, eo Potentior Civitas ” (the better the citizen the stronger the State).

The address reads as follows:

“ Morrinsville, “ 18th February, 1937. '‘To F. J. Marshall, Esq. “ Sir, —On the occasion of the departure of Mrs. Marshall and yourself for' the United Kingdom, we, the Mayor, Councillors and Burgesses of the Borough of Morrihsville, while expressing regret at the loss that_the borough will sustain by your departure, desire to flscord our deep appreciation of the public service rendered by you whilst a resident of this district over the past 54 years. You have seen Morrinsville grow from a small hamlet to a substantial provincial town, and we venture to say that this grbwth is due in no small measure to the interest taken by you in public affairs. We record that when Morrinsville In 1921 reached borough status, the electors saw fit to have you returned unopposed as Mayor of the newly-created municipality, and we recollect with pleasure the manner in which you fulfilled your duties whilst in office. in your

many varied public duties you have ably been assisted by Mrs. Marshall, and we feel sure that the knowledge that Mrs. Marshall and yourself leave behind the affection 'and esteem of us all will contribute to your future enjoyment. In bidding you and your good lady .farewell and ‘bon voyage’ we trust you will both be spared to enjoy for many years health, happiness and prosperity.”

The Mayor then made a presentation to Mrs, Marshall of a brooch, in the form of a replica of a link of the Mayoral chain inscribed “F. J. Marshall, 1921-23.” He. reminded those present that in 1935 Mrs. Marshall was the recipient of the King’s Silver Jubilee Medal, which was indeed a great and well - deserved honour. Mr. Marshall had been associated with Morrinsville district for 54 years, and Mrs. Marshall was a member of one of the pioneer families' of the Morrinsville district, said the Mayor. In 1908 the Morrinsville

tContinued in ?3ext Column,

Town Board was formed under the chairmanship of Mr. S. S. (now Sir Stephen) Allen. For 10 years Mr. Marshall served as a town board commissioner, and then retired from the board for a time. When Morrinsville became a borough in 1921, Mr. Marshall was elected unopposed first Mayor of Morrinsville, which showed his popularity with the people of the district. Important civic works were carried out during Mr. Marshall’s term as Mayor, including the completion of ,the waterworks, and the turning on of electric light. As Mayor Mr. Marshall had carried out his duties with distinction. Mr. Marshall did “ royal service ” as chairman of the school committee for many years.