Presentation to Mr W. Nicolson

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVII, Issue 8490, 25 May 1904, Page 1

Presentation to Mr W. Nicolson

( From Our Hampden Correspondent.) It is not often that our alert and energetic Mayor is caught napping, but on •Saturday night the members of the borough completely took him by surprise, and, taking advantage of his presence at the Council Chambers transacting some business, they suddenly sprung a presentation upon him. Councillor Lefevre took the chair, and in a few well-chosen words asked Mr Nicolson to accept from his friends a small token of their regard and esteem in the shape of a valuable silver-mounted ebony walking stick, bearing the following inscription : "Presented "by residents of Hampden to William Nicolson, Esq., Mayor of Hampden, on the occasion of his fifth year of office." He complimented the recipient on his re-election, and trusted the memento would recall pleasant memories in time to come, and that Mr Nicolson would be long spared to occupy the position he so worthily rilled. Messrs M; Joyce, J. Findlay, E. H. Lewton, G. Gould, A. Ross, H. Hutchings, and A. M'William also spoke, referring in terms of the highest praise to the zeal and ability with which the Mayor had discharged his multifarious duties during his long term of office. Among several instances of the way in which Mr Nicolson had exerted his influence for the good of the borough it was mentioned that'it was he who had procured from the Minister of Lands the full complement of sections for the township, thereby increasing the revenue by fully £4O pounds. He had also been the means of having a high school established and having it equipped in a most thorough and up to •date manner. He had procured a recreation ground for the use of the people, and he was endeavoring' to have the place improved' and beautified in every way pos- ' -Mr Nicolson warmly thanked the donors' for the additional proof,of their regard and continued confidence in him as their Mayor, and spoke in complimentary terms of the splendid- way Tin whieh they had,_almost to a man, supported him in everything he triedtordo benefit oMhe place. He then outlined some of the things he would liketo" seedotfe.for and declared himself strongly in- favor of a progressivevpoliisyv ' ■' ■ ■-• -■ The? party" then, adjourned to Mrs Horner's Hotel, where they found an excellent ; supper prepared. for -them. Here "a short /toast list;S»us duly- honored, - jand the partydispersed, after. spendingr.a very,, pleasant . ;honr. ,';.iy- - v >~' V~ '.'»■■?'■■:■■ --r- \-.^'