REV. VINCENT KING

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 5

REV. VINCENT KING

HANDSOME PRESENTATION

There was a large assemblage in the City Council Chambers on the 24th, when a presentation was macb to the Rev. V. G. B. King, in recognition of his valuable social work in the community for many years and his splendid services in connection with tno influenza epidemic. - His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. J. Clark)/ who presided, said that as soon as the idea was suggested of recognising the services of Mr King during the influenza epidemic and on other occasions the people eagerly and gladly responded to the appeal, with a vi9W of showing their appreciation of Mr King's services. It must be very gratifying to to know that the little presentation was got together without any special appeal being made. The people had sent in nearly £l3oo—(applause),—and the executive who had the matter in hand wondered what form the presentation should take. It recognised that he was always going about doing good, and they chose a motor car so that this noble work should be facilitated. The sum of £IOOO had been invested as a nest egg, and they were now handing him a cheque for'over £IOO. To give an idea of the esteem in which Mr King was held, it was interesting to mention that the Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company had undertaken to do all the work in connection with the investment free of all" charge.—(Applause.) All Mr King would require to do was to call twice a year to sign a receipt for the interest. Addressing Mr King, the Mayor said he; would like- him _to know that in accepting these gifts he was not to consider them as remuneration for his services, but as a slight recognition of the many years of untiring work he had performed.in this city. Messrs W. T. Talboya, J. Louden, F. O. Bridgeman, and Dr Falconer spoke in the highest terms of the fine service- of Mr King. , ... , Mr King, who, on rising to reply, was greeted with loud and prolonged applause, said he could not help feeling sad aE the thought that he was the only one to receive recognition of the work during the influenza epidemic. He was in a position to judge of the self-sacrifice of his co-workers during that trying time, some of whom had laid down their lives for those they knew not. It was very hard —it was impossible—for him to adequately thank those who had worked with him for all they had done. The magnificent presentation would help and encourage him in the work he had in hand in the years to come. He had recolved offers to work elsewhere, but he hoped to end his life in Dnnedin, where the people had encouraged and assisted him so magnificently. He could only thank one and all for their loving kindness. He hoped that'he would prove worthy of the great love they had extended to nun.—(Loud and prolonged applame.)