VALEDICTORY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14702, 1 June 1920, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

There was a large and representative gathering of the citiwns of Oamaru at the Borough Council Chambers this morning to farewell Mr J. T Oakden, who is leaving Oamaru for Hamilton, where he will spend his retirement. The Mayor, Mr J as. MeDiarmid, presided, and" read a number of apologies. It was a matter for regret that Mr Oakden. after a residence of over 25 years, was severing his connection with Oamaru. None could live in so small a communitv as long without being well known, and the speaker and a number of those present had always found him a man whom one could trust and respect, in dealing with whom one always met with courtesy, capability, and absolute fairness. Public presentations were justified, in his opinion, only in the ease of public service. Mr Oakden had not selfishly existed merely on his own account, but had given a good deal of his time to public, affairs, especially to the Oamaru Hospital, and moreover. was one on whom it was alway6 safe to rely for financial support in public subscriptions. He would to-day have proof of the saying "It is more blessed to give tlfan to receive," as he was himself to be the recipient of a gift from the people of Oamaru. There was fcir himself a travelling rug and for Mrs Oakden a suitcase. He wished them long life and success in Hamilton, and was assured of their continued lively interest in all Oamaru doings. * Mr. J. D. Grant, Chairman of the Oamaru Hospital Trustees, spoke with mingled pleasure and regret. It was pleasant to think that Mr and Mrs Oakden were going to perhaps better weather at. Hamilton, and, he hoped, to still brighter prospects, but it was a matter of regret that the Trustees were losing a member to whose good work lie was delighted to testify. A regular attendant at meetings, and zealous in. his duties, Mr Oakden always came back from his visits to the Hospital with a cogent plea for the needs of the poor and suffering. It wa" largely owing to his lively interest in practical needs that the institution bad been kept- up to date. His useful citizenship in other directions was well known to all. .Mr C. W. Nay lor, who endorsed all said, said that in his close acquaintanceship with Mr Oakden he had never heard him say anything derogatory of a competitor. He \vished him all happiness. Mr J. M. Forrester was glad to have the opportunity of voicing his appreciation of 3lr Oakden, but sorry he was leaving Oamaru. He had known him as long as anone and had always found him a perfect gentleman. Mr A. W. Woodward, as a fellow member of St. Luke's Choir, said thatthere Mr Oakden would be greatly missed, as he would be as a citizen generally. A more generous hearted and good-natured man he had not met. for many a long day. His honesty and integrity were well known. Unostentatious in his giving, he had yet advanced every worthy cause whole-heartedly. He hoped he would enjoy his retirement for very many years. Mr A. G. Creagh said he would not reiterate all that had been said : he had always found Mr Oakden a good fellow from top to bottom. It was a matter for regret to see men one respected leaving the town, but pleasing to see that in this case one of them was so well appreciated and understood by so large a number of citizens. The remarks made were not mere lip service butheartfelt, Mr A. Hamilton, who said that he had known Mr Oakden long before the latter came to Oamaru. said the town could ill afford to lose his stamp of man. He had throughout- taken his duties and responsibilities as a citizen very seriously, especially those affecting the well-being of his fellow men. He spoke of the valuable work done by Mr Oakden in the hospital. He had taken his full share of both responsiblity and sacrifice of money and time in regard not only to that institution but to the town generally. He would always have the warmest feelings towards him. Mr .T. G. Finch endorsed all that had been said. The Anglican Church would feel his loss to a great extent. Mr Oakden had put in many days' work in fixing up the organ at- St. Luke's, a work none else in the town could do, and had thus saved the Church many pounds. Mr Oakden briefly but feelingly replied. They had in their eulogies given him a very difficult task. He deeply appreciated all that had been said on behalf of Mrs Oakden and himself. He felt keenly going away, as he had made many friends, the number of whom he had only realised lately. He thanked them very heartily for their fine presents and for "all that they had said. "For he's a jolly good fellow'' and cheers concluded a very spontaneously warm-hearted function. Prior to the public farewell, the shop staffs of Messrs D. Simpson and J. T. Oakden met. and Mr A. Smith, on their behalf, presented him with a tobacco pouch suitably inscribed ruj a token of their appreciation of the happy relationship now being severed. Mr Oakden suitably replied. After the evening service at St. Luke's on Sunday the members of the choir met- Mr J. T. Oakden to make him a presentation prior to his departure from Oamaru. Archdeacon Russell in expressing the regret all felt at Mr Oakden's impending departure, referred to the long and faithful service Mr Oakden had rendered to the choir, and also to the Church generally as a vestryman. Mr A. W, Woodward oil behalf of the members of the-, choir presented Mr Oakden with a fountain pen and a silver pencil case, and in doing so expressed regret at Mr Oakden's departure. and good wishes for his future. After several members of the choir had spoken. Mr Oakden suitably replied.