PRESENTATION TO MR A. W. GILLIES.

North Otago Times, 3 December 1904, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR A. W. GILLIES.

The directors of the North Otogo Farmers' Co-ouerative Association invited their late chairman, Mr A, \Y ( Gillies '(who has resigned his position mi the board on account of bis intention to bpend a few months in the North ]sland), to luncheon at llio Star nml Garter Hotel yesterday; The clmir was taken by tho new chairman (Mr J. B. Taylor), and the new vice-chairman (Mr 'J« A. Taylor) occupied the other end ol the table, 'All the directors (but one) mid the manager were present. After a capital luncheon, which was served by Mr Potter in his well known style, the Chairman, after rending a telegram from the absent director, who was detained by shearing operations, proposed the toast of "The King,"

In proposing tho health and prosperity of Ihc guest, the Chairman alluded to the birth and growth of tho Association, .warmly eulogising Mr Gillies' tact and ability, as well as commenting on his energy. It was not long after their late Chairman was elected before the directors found that they hu4 tho right man in the right place, and this conviction became strengthened as time went on. Tho board would feel the loss of Mr Gillies' services. In conclusion, tho Chairman said he had a pleasing duty to perform, in asking Mr Gillies to accept a silver flask and a pair of silverbacked brushes, suitably Inscribed, along .with an illuminated copy oi a minute that tho board had passed at the meeting at which Mt Gillies', resignation had been received.

In accepting the gifts, Mr Gillies said he trusted he would be excused for not being ftblo to adequately reply to the remarks of Mr Taylor, as he felt he did pot deserve all that had been said, It was to tho loyal manner in which the ttoard had accepted his rulings, and to their sound common sense and earnest ilesire for tho welfare of the Association that its present euccess bad been secured. 'They had commenced with a safß policy, and adhered to it all along. He thanked them for their handsome presents, but more than all for tho seatiincnts expressed in the minute they had passed at their meeting, and which they .had had engrossed and framed for him. Mr Gillies concluded his remarks by giving a little advico as to the future of the Association.

Messrs J. A. Taylor, Johnston, Macpherson, J. CowiO: Nichols and others endorsed the sentiments expressed by. the .Chairman, and Mr Nichols mentioned that he had known Mr Gillies, for a long time, and ho had found him make a Success of anything bo took in hand. As U volunteer he had carried ofl the cup, and he advanced quickly as an Officer afterwards* The meeting concluded by wishing every prosperity to Mr Gillies in his future career, and after shaking hands and wishing him good-bye the meeting dispersed. The following is a copy of the minuto Which had been engrossed and framed: I' That this Board, learning that Its Chairman (Mr A. W. Gillies) had sold his farm, and in nil probability would Jeavo the district immediately, and for that reason had tendered his resignation as Chairman and Director, has no alternative but to accept his resignation, whjcli they do with regret, Mr (Jillles 1 abseneo will be certainly a great !oss. Ever since the inception of the 'Association he has occupied tiio position of Chairman, with honor to himself, and with the esteem and appreciation o[ the Board. To Mr Gillies' tact, ability and sound judgment is- largely attribut- j td the success of our Association, as'ho Rained not only the confidence of the Board, but also of the shareholders as a whole, We feel deeply that wo are compelled to sever such' a tie, that has knit lis together no strongly, and with such satisfactory results."-(Extracted from Jho minutes, by* order of tho Boatd;-Jj, saitlan<) SJonee, Secretary ; ana, Mana.-