Presentation to Mr A. W. Gillies.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 8655, 3 December 1904, Page 4

Presentation to Mr A. W. Gillies.

Mr A. W. Gillies, who has resigned his I position, as chairman, of directors of the North Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association, being about to ' reside for a few months in the North Island, was invited by the directors of the Association to iuneh in the Star and Garter Hotel yesterday. The chair was taken by Mr J. B. Tiiylor (the new chairman], Mr J. A. Taylor (the new vice-chairman) being seated at the other end of the table. All but one of the directors were present, together gith the manager, Mr J. Maitland Jones. A capital lunch was .supplied in Mr Potter's usual style, after which greetings were read from the absent director, who was detained by shearing operations. The Chairman then gave the toast of "The King." > ' Tn proposing the health and prosperity of the guest, the Chairman alluded to the birth and growth of the "Association, warmly eulogising Mr Gillies' tact and ability, as well as commenting on his energy. It was not long after their late chairman was elected before the directors found that they had the right man in the right place, and this conviction became strengthened as time went on. The board would feel the loss of Mr Gillies' services. In conclusion, the Chairman said he had a. pleasing duty to perform, in asking Mr Gillies to accept a silver flask and a pair of silveT-backed brushes, suitably inscribed, along with an illuminated cofiS-vpf a minute that the board had passed at the meeting at which' Mr Gillies' resignation had been received. Mr .Gillies felt that he could not adequately respond to the kindly remarks of the Chairman. He felt that he did not deserve all the compliments. It was to the loyal manner in which the board had accepted his rulings, and to their sound cpmmonsense and earnest desire for the welfare, of the Association that its present success must be attributed. They had commenced with a safe policy, and adhered to it all along. He thanked them for their handsome presents, but all for the sentiments expressed in the minute they passed at their meeting, and which they had had engrossed and framed for him. In conclusion. Mr Gillies advised as to the future administration of the Association, that it might continue in the march of progress. Messrs J. A. Taylor, Johnston, Macpher. son, J. Cowie Nichols, and others endorsed the sentiments expressed by the Chairman. Mr Nichols mentioned Chat he had

known Mr Gillies for a long time, and he had discovered that he' made a success of anything ho took in hand. As a VoTun teer ho had carried off the cup, and ho advanced quickly as an officer afterwards. The proceedings closed by the company wishing Mr Gillies prosperity in his future career, and after bidding the guest farewell the gathering dispersed.

The following is a copy of the minute which had been engrossed and framed: "That this board, learning that, its chairman (Mr A. W. Gillies) had sold his farm, and in all probability would leave the district immediately, and for that reason had tendered his resignation as chairman and director, has no alternative but to accept, his resignation, which they do with regret. Mr Gillies' absence .will be certainly a .great loss. Ever since the inception of 'the Association he has occupied the position of chairman, with honor to himself and with the esteem and appreciation of the Board. To Mr Gillies' tact, ability, and sound judgment is largely attributed the success of our Association, as he gained not only the confidence of the board, but also the shareholders as a whole. We feel deeply that we are compelled to sever such a tie that has knit us together so strongly, and with such satisfactory results."—Extracted from the minutes, by order of the board.—J. Maitland Jones, secretary and manager.)