PRESENTATION TO MR EDWARD PEARCE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1403, 19 January 1899, Page 28

PRESENTATION TO MR EDWARD PEARCE.

At the Harbour Board Bui'dings yesterday week Mr Edward Pearce, an ex-member of the Board, was presented by the members and officials of that body with an exceedingly handsome album, the covers of which are made of New Zealand woods, beautifully inlaid, and containing the photos of members and ex-members of the Board, with views of tho wharves and harbour. A silver plato has been inserted in the front cover bearing tho inscription—" Presented to Ed. Pearce, Esq., by the members and officers of the Harbour Board, Wellington, January, 1899." Mr E. 11. Eraser (chairman of the Board) in making the presentation referred to the pood services Mr Pearce hail rendered the city during his residence here. He had displayed a lively interest in volunteering, and in rowing circle?, his name was held in very high esteem. But it was as a member of the Board that he would be remembered bv those present, having been a member f-r sixteen years, four consecutive ye:>. r s <>f which he acted as chairman. In handing him the album, he wished Mr Pearce every prosperity in the future, and hoped that tho time would not bo iar distant when he would revisit New Zealand Mr W. Booth said that Mr Pearce's departure was a matter of regret to the Board, as ho had always been ready and willing to give advice when called upon in any matter affecting the harbour. Jflij wished Mr Pearce all happiness and prosperity in the future. Mr John Duthie, M.H.R., also eulogised Mr Pearce's connection with the Board.

Mr Pearce in reply said that when lie attended a similar function to Captair Rose a few weeks ago, ho little thought that he was to be treated to a like honour on his departure. He was exceedingly grateful for all . e kind remarks that had been made about him. His connection with tho .Harbour Board had ever been a very happy one,and it was a matter of regret that nc was now leaving the city, with whoso affat.v. he had been so long connected. Ibuiug his Jong residence in Wellington lie had been a member of the Provincial Council, and had the honour of holding office under

the late Dr FeatherstOii. Ofie ihßidttiifc in his connection with the Harbour Board was the part he took in the selection of Mr W. Ferguson as secretary' who; by his devotion to duty; had giveii highest satisfaction: He concluded by thanking the officials and staff gerierally for the uniform courtesy they had always extended to him, and Avished the Board every success in the future: THE STAR BOATiNa CLUB'S FAUEWEEL. Colonel Pearee (who left by the Oonah for Sydney en Saturday on the first stage of bis journey to England), w r as on Friday night the recipient of another handsome token of esteem and regret at his departure, this time at the hands ot the Star Boating Club. The presentation was made by Mr H. D. Bell, president of the club, in the social-room of that institution) there being ft largfl attendance Q.f •membCrA tri bid good; byo to one who has been for many yetiiiS president and trustee of the club. Mr Bell said it was fitting that, on the departure of Mr Pearce from this side of tho world to the other, the club should recognise his long and serviceable connection therewith, and in asking him to accept an album (containing a complimentary address and photographs of tho members of the club, and the clubhouse itself in 1867 and 1898), expressed the regret that was felt by all at his departure from Wellington; The assistance he had been throughout his long' fconnectibh with the club would ever bn remembered by .the membefs:, f ~j In acknowledging the gift Colohel Pearee said he was deeply obliged fdi* the kind words that had been spoken 1 about hiril, and more than grateful for the beautiful memento .so kindly sehtcd: It had always been a pleasure for hini to take part in the different functions and meetings of the club. He was proud of having been an officer from its first inception. He wished the club every prosperity for the future, stating that it was with heartfelt regret that he said " Good-bye." Mr Pearce sat down amid loud applause, after which those present gave threo ringing cheers, a,nd wound up by singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" with unmistakable heartiness.

The address (illuminated by Ml' W. B. Bock is beautifully bouiid. ift r.tM hieroßco; .aitd bears the &ig natures:—H. D. Bell, president; G. 11. rthune, captain; C. Pearce, deputvcaptain ; N. Galbraith, secretary; W. H. Morrah, treasurer; members of the committee—C. A. Knapp, C. B. Trimnell, A. J. S. Thomson, H. L. Wiggins, J. Robert Morrison, Robert Pownall. Wellington, New Zealand, August 25th, 1898.

Twenty cx-members of the D Battery attended at the Wellington Club to make a presentation to Colonel Pearce. The presentation consisted of a collection of the photographs of 50 gentlemen who were members of tho Battory when Colonel Pearee Was ill conlinalld bf it. Tho portraits have been mounted ill tfhield-shapo and framed. Mr "&. M; Lyon, who was spokesman* Said that Colonel Pearce joined the Battery ill 1869, arid left it 20 years ago; Its success was greatly due tb his Stimulating efforts. Colonel Pearce, in reply, voiced his appreciation of tho token of his former comrades' esteem with which he had so kindly been presented. At a meeting of the Underwriters' Association hold last week, a motion was passed expressing regret at the departure to England of Colonel Pearoe, a former member of the association (as representing Messrs Levin and Cdu agents for the Liverpool, London aild Globe and Victoria Societies), and wishing him a sale voyage and all happiness in his life of retirement.