Presentation to Ex-Councillor Canavan.

Motueka Star, Volume X, Issue 793, 30 April 1909, Page 3

Presentation to Ex-Councillor Canavan.

Prior to the candidates for the* Council returning thanks at the Post Office corner last Wednesday evening, Mr G J Boundy, oa behalf of the subscribers, made a presentation to Ex-Councillor S B Canavan. Mr Boundy said that when it became definitely known that Mr Canavan did not intend to seek re-election to the Borough Council regret was expressed on all sides at his retirement. A suggestion was made that the community—or a section of it—should shew its appreciation of his services, not only as a councillor but also as a fellow citizen for 20 years who had taken a great interest in educational, and other matters. The suggestion quickly took concrete form and that evening, on behalf of the subscribers, he had gladly consented to make the presentation.Mr Canavan’s voice had always been heard in support of any movement having for its object the welfare of tire district, and this borough could ill afford to lose his services. He (the speaker) did not wish to try and lead those present to believe that Mr Cava van had no enemies, politically. That would be an absurd position for him to take up, for be believed the man that could not make enemies in public matters could not make anything, and any public man who said he had no enemies—well, he (the sneaker) would mark him up at sale price and discount that 80 per cent, (applause) It gave mm very great pleasure to make the presentation, and he hoped Mr Cavavau would accept the gift, not for its intrinsic value, a token of appreciation of his services Cheers were given for Mr Canavan. The presentation took the form of a solid silver match box, and gold mounted cigarette holder with sterling silver case.. Mr panavan in the course of a very able reply, said he had been taken completely by surprise. The presentation, combined with the flattering remarks of the previous speaker, bad completely overwhelmed him. He accepted the gift with great pleasure as a sign of the appreciation of the work he bad done and the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr Canavan said he laid no special claim to any work accomplished : all his fellow councillors had done their share and had loyally supported him in any suggestion which" hi d been made for the good of the borough. He concluded Ins remarks by again thanking those who had contributed towards the present which he said he would value as long as he lived. (Loud applause) Speaking later in the evening, His Worship the Mayor referred to the presentation to‘Excouncillor Canavan, stating that he wished to give his testimony to the excellent work he had done during his term of office. He was sorry that Mr Canavan was retiring from public service. °