THE TOWN CLERK.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4330, 13 April 1901, Page 3

THE TOWN CLERK.

PRESENTATION FROM THE CORPORATION STAFF. The members of the Wellington Corporation staff yesterday presented a parting souvenir to Mr J. B. Page, Town'Clerk, who is to leave to-day on a trip to the Old Country. The ceremony took place at the Corporation Offices shortly after o p.m. Mr T. F. Martin, City Solicitor, who presided, said he had hoped that Mr Ames, City Valuer, who had known Mr Page longer than ho had, would have made the presentation. His (Mr Martin’s) knowledge of Mr Page extended back for seventeen years;, and he expressed the opinion of every member of the staff when ho said that Mr Page had been most courteous, hardworking and obliging to everybody with whom he had come in contact. Tho only fault ho had fohnd with him was that he worked too hard. This was not a present-day vice. In former times it prevailed to a greater extent; for tho idea was becoming general now that one ought nob to live quite so strenuous a life. Mr Pago did not seem to have taken up that idea. He worked practically all his time, and had taken too much upon himself, and his health had suffered in consequence. They all wished him a safe and prosperous and pleasant trip, and that he would return to take up his very high and important duties with renewed health and strength He assured him that the staff would loyally do their utmost in his absence to keep tho "work going smoothly. Mr Martin then, on behalf of the staff, presented to Mr Page a fullyequipped dressing-case, a pair of field glasses and one of opera glasses, a silver cigarette case, cigarette holder, and matchbox, and spirit flask. The dressing case boro a silver plate with an inscription. Mr Pago acknowledged the kindly expressions of the chairman, and said he valued very highly indeed the gifts from the staff. Mr .Martin had talked about a man working hard, but one who lived in glass houses should not. throw stones, for Mr Martin himself, in the midst of a very busy life, had found time to write a book. Air Pago went on to say that his relations with tho staff had always been very cordial. He spoke of the time when he came into 1 the Corporation service twenty-four 1 years ago, in the l days of Mr Hester;

and said ho knew Mr Ames before that. Ho felt sorry that he should leave just now, when a great deal of important work was coming on ; but the municipal hivo did not appear to bo so full when he sent in his application for leave. Having expressed his thanks to tlm Council for so readily granting tho application, he stated that he took with him a letter from tho Mayor, and would seize tho opportunity to look round, and perhaps gain .some ideas on municipal matters which would be useful. He again thanked all present most heartily. (Applause.) Mr and Mrs Pago arc to leave to-day by tho Tarawcra for Sydney.