MACRAES FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1895, 16 March 1888, Page 17

MACRAES FLAT.

March 10. — A ceremony' of a very pleasing nature was performed here lash Friday evening, when a few friends met to bid farewell to Mr Frank Bell, of Shng Valley station, and to present him with a small memento of their regard. The meeting was held in the schoolhouse, and Mr Simpson, who was voted to the chair, remarked that he had had good opportunities of learning the feeling of the people of Macraes towards Mr Frank Bell. While soliciting subscriptions he had met with most cordial expressioDS of goodwill, which had made the duty a pleasure. His own personal experience of Mr Frank Bell was that he hftd a rough as well as a smooth side — that his nature was not all sweet and pleasant. He esteemed him all the more highly on this account. In his opinion a man was not worth much who had no backbone. There was a true mean between the stern and unyielding and tbo easy and pliant, and Mr Frank Bell seemed to hit the happy medium. Having referred in complimentary terms to Mr Bell's parents, the speaker mentioned that contributions towards the gift now to be prrsented had been limited to the residents of Macraes. He then called upon Mr Hay to make the presentation. In doing so, Mr Hay said that Mr Frank Bell, who had been amongst them from his childhood, had, he was sure, gained the goodwill and respect of all with whom he had come in contact. He had always been cordial-hearted, upright, and honest in all his dealings with them ; aud he thought he expressed the sentiments of all when he said they were all truly sorry at losing such a good neighbour and friend. A3 a memento of their sincere affection and regard for Mr Bell, he had much pleasure in presenting him with a locket on behalf of the residents of Macraes. It was their ardent wish and prayer success and prosperity might attend him wherever he went. Mr Frank Bell, in reply, said that their kindness had completely taken him by surprise. He had received many warm expressions of regard from his friends in Macraes, but had not expected that it wouH be expressed in so tangible a form. This was the third time within a fortnight that he had fouad himself oalled upon

to respond with gratitdde' tot a similar gift Somehow he bad as much difficulty now as ever to restrain his emotion, although' it might be thought that by this time be should have been able to control bis feelings. He felt that any good qualities he possessed were due entirely to his parents and the training which he had received from them. He could assure them that he felt deeply their kindness and valued their esteem and good wishes. While he said this, he could also assure them that his joy was nothing compared with that which his dear father and mother would feel when they heard of this. They were a very united family — so bound up in one another that what affected one of their number was shared and enjoyed equally by all. It would give him great pleasure to inform his parents of this evening's gathering, and again he thanked them for their kindness. — The locket was made of gold found on Shag Valley station, and was the work of W. A. Sim, jeweller, of Palmereton. It was oval in shape, 18-carat gold, and engraved with a floral device on the back. It bore the inscription : " Presented to F. D. Bell, as a token of esteem, by the residents of Macraes." After the presentation an adjournment was made to Stanley's, where Mr Bell's health was drunk with enthusiasm and several songs were sung.