VALEDICTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18424, 9 December 1921, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

MR AND MRS JOHN MITCHELL. First Church Hall was crowded to the doors on Wednesday night, when an official farewell was taken of Mr and Mrs John Mitchell. In February, 1885, Mr Mitchell was appointed caretaker (or, as it was known in these days, beadle) of First (Church. Tho Rev. G. H. Balfour occupied the Chair, and after the opening exercises, he explained why the meeting had been called, and bore testimony to the courtesy and civility which Mr Mitchell extended to nil with whom he had to come in contact. The Rev. J. Kilpatrick, representing the Synod and Presbytery, said that 28 years ago he came to Green Island, and at that time Mr Mitchell was in his present office, and he did hot seem to be a bit older now than he was then. Ho related several anecdotes which might not have happened to Mr Mitchell, but which were very appropriate. He told of the great kindness which j Mi- Mitchell showed to all “outsiders” (and their name was legion) who at times used what they well termed the cathedral church of Otago and Southland. Mr A. Struthers, representing the congregation of First Church, said that Mr W. Couston was the oldest office-bearer of First Church, and Messrs T. Scott.' E. Cameron, and himself were all the officebearers who remained of those who were in office at the time Mr Mitchell was appointed. In a most entertaining fashion he told of many things that had occurred during the 37 years that had passed. Along with the other speakers Mr Struthers wished Mr and Mrs Mitchell a long and happy eventide of life. The Rev. G. H. Balfour then presented Mrs Mitchell with a lady’s handbag and Mr Mitchell with an easy chair, accompanied by a bank-book which showed a credit of over £2OO. He also announced that the Deacons Court had grantelf Mr Mitchell three months leave of absence on full pay. Mr Mitchell, on rising to respond, 'was greeted with hearty applause and musical honours. His reply was characteristic and decidedly brief. After the benediction had been pronounced all those present shook hands with Mr and Mrs Mitchell. MR B. HARPER. No one who has come in close contact with Mr B. Harper will be surprised that he has been inundated by presentations on the occasion of his retirement from the responsible position of chief official in the local Magistrate’s Court office, during the past few weeks. Leaving others to speak for themselves it is only just to record the unvarying courtesy that has , been always extended by Mr Harper towards press representatives. No newspaper man ever sought his assistance in vain. Yesterday morning members of the City Licensing Committee met Mr Harper, now retired from active service, with the object of recognising his services as clerk to the committee. Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., presided, but left to Mr George Ritchie the duty of making a presentation in tho name of the committee, which' has been supplemented from outside sources. Mr Widdowson has already expressed his appreciation of Mr Harper’s services. Mr Ritchie said the committee felt that it could not say good-bye to Mr Harper ivithont expressing its deep appreciation of the good work that bad been dene by him. The various tributes that, Mr Harper had received must have been very gratifying to him. One and all had borne testimony to his unfailing courtesy and consideration. Mr Harper’s 46 years of life in the Government service had no doubt been a strenuous period, but he had at all times given his best in the interests of the service and the public alike. No man could do more. He had made more friends than most men who had occupied a similar position. Mr Ritchie, on behalf of the committee and Mr Harper’s many friends, then presented him with a gold-mounted w’alking stick and a well-filled wallet of money. Mr J. Carroll warmly supported what had been said, and commented upon Mr Harper’s kindly disposition, concluding bv saying that it would be impossible for him to make an enemy. Mr A. Stewart said .that, on behalf of the trade which ho represented and MiHarper’s numerous friends, ho wished him long life and prosperity. They all thanked him sincerely for his kindness and courtesy at all times. Mr Harper, in returning thanks, said that the presentation was a magnificent one. H had taken him completely by surprise. It had always afforded him great pleasure to render the public all the assistance that lay in his power, and it was pleasing to know that his humble efforts had been so handsomely appreciated. The Chalmers Licensing Committee presented Mr Harper with a fountain pen.