ALEXANDRA HOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 28 April 1923, Page 10

ALEXANDRA HOME

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO MU W. E. WILKES (Contributed by an Inmate) A complimentary and very enjoyable social was given to Mr W. E. V likes .y the master, matron and the inmates 0 the Alexandra Home last Wednesday night, upon tlio eve of Ins leax in„ _ mond for an "All around the world ti >PHe will he absent about 12 months. .1 Ben Crisp, an inmate, presided, and in his opening remarks extended a hearty and cordial welcome to the hi' LA and representative gathering which )>. assembled to assist in doing honour o such an esteemed and worthy citie• - A number of the leading citizens of tlm Borough of Richmond were present, including representatives from the following local bodies of which Mi W 'lws was a member: Richmond Borough Conncil, Hospital Board, Directors Y.M.U.A., Richmond Fire Brigade, Richmond Iregressive Society, and also from the ladies’ auxiliary, A.M.C.A., and tinlocal clergy. Horn, W. W. Snodgrass M.L.C. and Mrs Snodgrass were also explained that the social was being given to Mr Wilkes, for the purpose of making two presentations—one from the master and matron, and the other from the inmates, expressing their gratitude for his untiring zea for their welfare and comfort also for the many acts of kindness he had shown to them ever since the Home was established in Richmond just on seven voars ago. , . The chairman read several apologies for absence, after which a programme I was rendered to winch the following contributed Mr Harrison, Mr D over, Miss Croucher, Dons and Joan Gloxei, Mr Poole, Mrs Bradford, Misses Heslop | and Lloyd, Mr Kerr, Mr Croucher, Miss Hunter," and Mr Martin. In a happilv-worded speech, the chanman, on behalf of the inmates, presented the following illuminated address to Mr Wilkes “To W. E Wilkes, Esq., “Mayor of Richmond, Your Worship—We the undersigned inmates of the Alexandra Home, learn that vou are about, to make an extensive tour of England, America, and the Continent, therefore we cannot allow vou to depart without giving you some tangible proof of our sincere gratitude for the interest you have always invariably taken in proviidng for our comfort and welfare, you have always and at all times shown your consideration and kindness. Your many acts of kindness have been so boundless, that it would he cl it - ficult, to enumerate them- all here. We therefore hope and trust that you will accept this token of our gratitude in the same spirit in which it is given. In saving Au Revoir and Bon Voyage, we extend our very best wishes for a very pleasant and" happy time during your travels, and that you will be greatly benefited both in health and vigour. We therefore humbly subscribe our names to the above. , , „ ~ “Yours very gratefully. Then followed the signatures of the subscribers. Mr Havcoek the Mayor-elect for Richmond, briefly addressed the meeting, speaking of the esteem Mr Wilkes is held in, both as a private and public, citizen. Hon. "W. W. Snodgrass, M.L.C., m the course of a few remarks, said lie felt that Mr Wilkes’ retirement from Public Bodies would be a loss to the commumtv. "Mr G. Chapman, secretary to the Board, also testified to and endorsed what the other speakers had said. The next presentation—an attache case —was made by the master on Ins own and the matron’s behalf, the masU.r said that the happiest relations had always existed between Mr Wilkes and themselves, and also spoke of many kindnesses they had received from him. He also mentioned the way Mr Wilkes had studied the inmates’ welfare, and concluded by wishing him a very pleasant voyage and speedy return. Musical honours were then accorded Mr Wilkes.

In rising to rgply, liis worship received another ovation. TTe said that he was completely taken by surprise by both presentations, lie should value them both very highly and would serve to remind him of the very happy times he had spent at the Home. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne ’ and “God Save the King” brought to a close the most memorable and enjoyable evening spent at the Home. Mr Harrison acted as accompanist during the evening. A very hearty vote of thanks was giv en by acclamation by the audience to the iadies and gentlemen who had so liberally contributed to the music, song, and mirth of the evening. The decorations were carried out by Mrs Kerr assisted by others, and reflected great credit upon them, the dining room looking very gay and pretty with festoons of red and gold relieved with Toi Toi and ferns. Refreshments were handed round with the usual liberality of the master and matron. The work of the address was entrusted to the Sisters of the Mission, Convent Nelson, and was greatly admired by nil present for its beautiful and artistic work. J. P. Cooke and Sons did the framing.