VALEDICTORY.

North Otago Times, 4 February 1913, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL ~ANti* PRESENTATION TO MR H, G, WATSON, There was a largo -gathering ' ol bowlers at the phoenix Pavilion last evening, the occasion Eeing n social to bid bon voyage to Mr H. G.Watson-, woo is lea-vjn* for NaPiet. Mr Watson has foeeu an active and enthusiastic member of the Meadowhank Cllib, and has gjujoid mere, thf.n nn ordinary -measure of popularity amongst, towlers generally. Evidence of that fact was proijdid by ' the combination of the two local' clubs in the happy function, while ,others who do no't participate in the exliilaratiiii .game of howls were also present to d 0 lienor to .the departing guest. -Mr Shirley E, W. Baker, president of the Mcadowhlaak Club, occupied the chair, and the room was filled, There was -a plentiful supply of comestibles, and a pleasant time was spent. Tho proceedings were commenced with the toast ct "The King,'• nhich wns received with musical honors. Then fr/'lowod a number ol toasts, interspersed with excellent; scngs, the list o' con* trl'butors being a very long one. Mr F, C. Burryi 'presided at the piano. Mr W. Bee .gave the toast ol "Tha Commercial Interests, '■ nn d in io'ng so -expressed regret at 'the occasion of their] meeting, .for Mr Watson, though he had mot been Ion*; here, had done , a great deal pd had lc;n & liberal -giver. The toast was responded t 0 iby Mr E. P. -MounWort. Mr W. -Aibenhead gave the toast c f ('.'The IMeadowt Bonvl'fngl Club, V. coupled with the name of thej President (Mr Baker). Mr ißaker responded, ajid said that the members all regretted the loss of their worthy Vice-President, But they recognised th a t be was receiving promotion, and. they hoped lhat his lines would always fail in plea-Bant places, Mr Duncan Sutherland proposed the toast of the evening, "Our Guest." They were «U glad th a t Mi tVatscn was receiving promotion, but wished that he could have remained in Oamnru, for he had entered into the commercial and social circles of. the community, where ha hjd made his mark. It would no doubt be gratifying to tim t 0 know that he .bad made so many frhnds in Omnaru. He bid taken an active part in having wool Bales here and had otherwise Ibeen an active worker in many other ways, and particularly in reference to sport. In conclusion Mr Sutherland said he had the pleasure ol presenting Mr Watson with the test gold watch that could be procured In North Otago. Tlie i watch bore the inscription: "Presented to H. G. Watsui, Esq,, (rom theMeadowfcank Bawling Club, North Otago Club, and Oflimaru friendsr-1'J13." T'hs toast was drunk with, musical fioaorj.

Mr J. Patterson then proposed '"Ehe Hatless Brigade," and remarked that Mr Watson has set the fashion here, and it had been very widely adopted. He coupled the flame ol Mr Gore with the toast, Mr Gore responded

Mr John Taylor proposed "Our <3u«st as a Bowler." They of tha MeDjiowlbank Club. Wad only k'nown Mr Wntscn for -about three years, Mid they had.'been surprised by tha manna: in which he had progressed In tho .game. They were losing a real good fellow, ibut lie was .going to a Place where there were somo excellent bowlers, and he would no d.oulit soon find himself a t home. Mr "Pat" Watson, on risingi to respond, waß received with mustcal honors and cheers. He said he appreciated their presence to show their goodwill,. They would not expect a speech from him because lie could not speak, But he]'thanked them for their very handsome pre; sent and for .the compliment they had paid him. "The Ladies" wns proposed t>y Mr D. Miller, and responded to by Mr Watson. Mr Wntscn then proposed "Tlie Thoenix Bowling CW remaning lhat there was always the best ol (eeliny .betweai thi two Clubs. Mr J;. Patterson (President of f'h«n:X') responded. Th» toast of "Thj Defence Forces" ffas duly honored on the call of Mr J. Macdonald, and was responded to by Captain 'Grant. Tin proceed4i'gs were wound up Pith "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.