DEPARTURE OF MR. HASLETT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11855, 6 January 1902, Page 3

DEPARTURE OF MR. HASLETT.

PRESENTATION FROM FELLOW BOWLERS.

There was a very pleasant little instance of that goodfellowship engendered by "ye antient game of bowls," at the Auckland Club's Green on Saturday at the conclusion of the play, when, in the presence of a large number of members, a presentation was made to iSIr. J. A. Haslett, who is about to Icavo for San Francisco, to study medicine.

Mr. Arthur Myers, the president, said that in view of the fact .that one .of the club most respected members was leaving them," he referred to Mr. J. A. Haslett, vice-pre-sident, ho (Mr. Myers) took that opportunity of voicing the members' sentiments and expressing their very ' deep regret "at losing such a .very valuable member. Ho would not bo missed only on the green, but also as a citizen, Mr..Haslett had been a member for many years, and had always taken a prominent part in its affairs; in fact, it was almost impossible to put into language the indebtedness of . every member to him. He had been secretary not only of the club, but of the Northern Bowling Association, and was also a vice-president of the club. During the time that they had known him he had made many friends by his good nature ano good temper, and they all knew that in the noble profession ho was about to take up, a cardinal requirement was a good temper because if a doctor had not that he had a good chance of losing his patients that the time he had spent in the club was a sort of preliminary canter to some of the virtues which would stand him in good stead. He (Mr. Myers) unhesitatingly said that every word he used expressed what everyone of them felt in his heart towards their fellow citizen and bowler. (Applause.) They deeply regretted losing him, but hoped that that regret would be mingled with a certain amount of pleasure at the thought that lie might be able to return in a few years and rejoin their ranks. (Applause.) In a small community like Auckland they could ill afford to lose such a valuable member of society as Mr. Haslett. It would not bo felt so much in a larger community, but when Auc-k----landers lost a man of such sterling qualities it was indeed, a severe loss to the community. Knowing how much every member owed to Mr. Haslett he (the president) could only voice their sentiments and express their thanks for the many kindnesses they had received at his hands.: Personally he was under a debt to Mr. Haslett, because the only medal lie had won on the green, and probably the only one he would ever win, had been won under his (Mr. Haslett's) auspices. He had always endeavoured to further"the interests ot the club, , and had always tried to help new members, and the club desired .. to express their appreciation. They would like to show their regard and esteem for him and make him. a small present of a purse containing a few sovereigns, with which they would ask him to purchase a memento to remind mm of the friends he had left, who would watch his career, and who would always bo ready to welcome him back. (Applause.) "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow was heartily sung by the members, and cheers were given for Sir. and Mrs. Haslett and their family. , , . Mr. Haslett said he was very deeply indebted to his fellow members for the very hearty good wishes they had expressed, and thanked them deeply for their liberality and the many kind things that had been said about him. He must not. of course, describe them as being beyond the mark, but among the many excellent qualities which bowling developed in its devotees there was another which perhaps in some quarters might not be considered so desirable—he had noticed that there was always a tendency to a friendly exaggeration of a fellow bowler qualities. With regard to their present, lie could tell them that he, would lose 110 time in making some Queen-street tradesman happy by spending the sovereigns in a souvenir, which would be a tangible evidence of the intangible feelings of fellowship and goodwill, and hearty pleasure and companionship that he had enjoved on the Auckland Bowling Green. He had been a member for some six years, and ho was only sorry that it was not 20 vears The pastime was a grand one, and he only hoped that on the other side lie would find some one to make up a game. He could not tell whether or not he would be back again Four or five years would be a good deal out of a man's life, and it was more in the hands of Providence, he thought whether he would return, but he thanked them for their, kindly, expressed wishes for his return. If it were his lot to come back he would look forward to a meeting with the old members of the Auckland Bowling Club as among ; the most pleasurable things to be experienced there. , (Applause.) The purse presented ■■ to Mr. Haslett was a very handsome one, heavily bound m chased filigree silver work. *