FAREWELL GATHERING.

Otaki Mail, 30 April 1934, Page 3

FAREWELL GATHERING.

PRESENTATION TO MR. G. L. CHATWIN. Mr. G. L. Chatwin, who has been in business in Otaki for some considerable time, was met by several of his friends on Friday evening, when eulogistic reference was made to his sterling qualities. Mr. H. Coekrell (Deputy-Muyor) in the absence of the Mayor (Mr. O'Rourke), who was unable to be present, said that he had heard with great regret that Mr. Chatwin was leaving the town, and citizens felt that they COuld not let him depart without saying how sorry they were that ho had decided to leave. Mr. Coekrell referred to the great assistance Mr. Chatwin hail always been to many organisations, including the fire brigade and the recent carnival. Mr. Chatwin, he said, had always done his share, perhaps more. It was now desired, said Mr. Coekrell, to make a presentation to Mr. Chatwin, and therefore he asked hi-: acceptance of a set of Dickens' novels, lie understood Mr. Chatwin had a weakness for Dickens' work. Mr. L. G. Lowry stated, as a business man, it was with great regret that he had to part company with Mr. Chatwin. He endorsed the Deputy-Miyor 's remarks, and added that Mr. Cnatwin had never refused to give a helping hand in the betterment of affairs in the borough. The Mayor, he said, had also realised that Mr. Chatwin had proved a worthy citizen, and had expressed regret because ' of Mr. Chatwin's departure. Mr. Lowry wished Mr. Chatwin the best, and trusted that wherever they went Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin would prosper. He stated that citizens would be phased to see them at any time they visited Otaki. Mr. D. Richards endorsed tiie remarks of previous speakers, and regretted that Otaki was losing a good citizen. He referred to the assistance that Mr. Chatwin had always given, particularly favours conferred upon the football club.

Mr. W. Morton spoke in a similar strain to the other speakers, and stated that he regarded Mr. Chatwin as a friend to be proud of. Then? was no doubt but that Otaki would miss him. and wherever he and Mrs, Chatwin made their homo he wished them prosperity.

Mr. A. Satherley also spoke highly of .Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin and wished both the best of luck.

Mr. Alex. Bills, in endorsing remarks .nade. stated that Mr. Chatwin had Jone much for the children of the district, being instrumental in forming the lental clinic in Otaki. Like others he regretted that Mr. Chatwin was leaving the town. "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" followed.

Mr. Chatwin said the position ho v/ns ;n was embarrassing, and altogether unexpected. He, however, appreciated he nice things said about him, and added that it was with regret that ho vas leaving Otaki. It wa# the custom, 1C said, for people of the town to enarge on the virtues of a person and overlook their faults for what he had lone he had earned his reward. He had ilways found it a pleasure to a.-sist inything in Otaki, and it was with regret that he was leaving behind many friends. Ho thanked all for the beautiful gift, which, a.- an admirer of Dickens, he fully appreciated. Mr. Chatwin stated that he would always have a weakness for Otaki, and would always remember his old friends. .'Applause).

Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin left on Saturlav for Pahiatua where they would ipcnd a holiday.