FOXTON.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 6, 7 November 1877, Page 3

FOXTON.

' [TProv. ovn.oyfs Gpbeespokdbbtt.] Oh- Friday afternoon there was a gathering, afc f^ny te r s -Hotel of the resi-

dents of Foxton to present to Mr Smallbone, late assistant telegraphist, a small, testimonial shewing the appreciation they felt for that gentleman, who is now being removed- to the head office m Wellington. Mr Thynne, on rising, said : Mr Smallbonp, I have been deputed by the residents of Foxlon to say a few words to you before leaving, and it is with mingled feeLngs of pain and pleasure that I do so — pain to know that this is done as you are soon to leave us, and pleasure to know that, m the opinion of those competent to judge, your past conduct has entitled you to some small recognition. In presenting this testimonial I trust it may be the means of always impressing on your mind the advantages of that civilily and attention which you have shewn whilst here, and that it will always command appreciation ; and that this testimonial, though only signed- by a few, has the names of the best business men of the place upon it, I hope quite sufficient to impress upon the head of your department the opinion entertained by us; and, we. hope, your future conduct will be such as to justify this expression of our opinion of you. I will now read the address. — The address was as follows : — " To Mr George B. Smallbone, Assistant Telegraphist, Foxton. November 2nd, 1877. — Sir, — We, the undersigned, inhabitants of Foxton, hearing that you are about to leave this township, desire to testify to the general courtesy and attention that you have always shewn to those having business with you, and to express our regret at your leaving. We wish' you every success wherever you may be, and we hope you may soon attain a position of trust and sole responsibility for which your conduct and ability whilst here should be a strong recommendation.—We remain, &c, &c." — Mr. „ Smallbone, m returning thanks, said that he had never been called upon to speak 1 before ■ a meeting, 'and they must, therefore,* excuse the brevity, of his thanks. The testimonial which had just been presented to him by Mr Thynne on behalf of the subscribers was, on his part, quite unexpected. He most heartily thanked those who had 'signed it, and could only say that he had always endeavoured to-do his duty and also be as obliging to the public as possible, and the present testimonial shewed him that he had at least m some measure succeeded. Should it at any future time be his lot to be again stationed m Foxton, he would always try to do his best,' and by his civility continue to merit the good opinion that was now formed of him. The testimonial would not only always remind Mm of those he was leaving, but, also, 1 - that wherever he might be nothing was. lost I to those who could by attention and I civility oblige the public. — Mr A. "J. Whyte said he had now known Mr Smallbone for - some time, and had, ever found him most courteous and obliging. He had also heard the same remark ' from all those who had-come'in contact with .Mr Smallbone ; and, he hoped, that his being moved from Foxton would be the means of his being raised m the service. — Mr Loudon said he would quite endorse all that had been said by Messrs Thynne and Whyte. —Mr Thynne then proposed health and prosperity to Mr Smallbone, which was responded^ to most heartily by all present. — The meeting then terminated.