PRESENTATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20022, 12 February 1927, Page 9

PRESENTATION.

ME DUNCAN M'KENSTE HONOURED. A large and represent* tire gathering of citizens assembled in the commercial room at Wain's Hotel yesterday evening, when Mr Duncan M'Kenzie, recently “ mine host" of the hotel was presented with a cheque for a substantial sum. Mr J. S. Douglas, who presided, said he had known Mr M'Kenzie for a number of years. He had known him as a good friend, a good Scotsman, and a better Highlander. Mrs M'Kenzie was also known to them as an excellent helpmeet of a man who would ever be remembered as one of the best licensees of Wain's Hotel. All those assembled extended t» their guest and his wife and family their best wishes for the future, and he hoped that all would have good health and happiness in the years to come. He had much pleasure in handing to Mr M'Kenzie a cheque for a substantial amount, as some small recognition of Hus esteem in which he was held by Hie cif3« zena of Dunedin.— (Laud applause.) Mr A. A. Paape said what he had to say was mingled with regret that his neighbour (Mr M'Kenzie),-who had endeared himself to all concerned, had taken his departure from Dunedin. Their guest was one who spoke well of everybody and everybody spoke well of him.— (Loud applause.) He knew he was voicing tba opinion of all those present when he said that Mr M'Kenzie, in leaving Wain’s Hotel, was carrying with him the best wishes of all those with whom ho had come in contact. He was esteemed by the trade, and he had their hearty good wishes. He understood that Mr M'Kea* zie and his wife and family proposed having a holiday before again setting up in business, and he wished them a happy time. Messrs F. G. Paape, W. M'Lachlan, A. MTvor, E. W. Walden, and AIL Brown also spoke and eulogised Mr M'Konzie’s many good qualities. Mr John Hopcraft said that Mr M'Keazie had endeared himself to the travelling public, and he was sure that if he again decided to resume business in Dunedin he would be welcomed. Messrs Reg. Dawson and Tncmas Elliosf also spoke in appreciation of Mr MKeo zio's good qualities. The Chairman then read apologies few non-attendance from Messrs Charles Speight, James Young, J. A. Ainge, A. A. Campbell, W. Watson, J. A. Haggitt W. Rudkin, T. Ritchie, J. Lang, and others. Mr M'Kenzie made a brief reply. H 5» said he was glad that his efforts had been appreciated. His wife and he had done only what they thought was right. He thanked them for the handsome present and for the kindly references made to himself and Mrs M'Kenzie.— (Loud applause.) The Chairman said they welcomed Messrs Angus MTvor and W. M'Lachlan, of the Criterion Hotel. They wished the former a pleasant journey abroad, and they hoped that his successor would have a prosperous tenancy of the Criterion. The health of the new proprietor of Mains Hotel (Mr James Blackie) woo then drunk with enthusiasm, and the gathering terminated with kindly references being made to the chairman.