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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10962, 3 May 1907, Page 3

VALEDICTORY. ' There was a largo and representative gathering of the friends of Mr A. F. Kennedy at the Farmers' Union Club rooms ' this afternoon to bid him farewell on the ; eve of his departure on a visit to the Old . Countiry. Hia Worelup the Mayor (Mr Townley) presided, and there were over 1 fifty gentlemen present. Hi s Worship said Mr Kennedy, when he went out of Gisfoorne, left the greatest gan of any man m the district). Ho was "hail fellow well met" with nil, and m business and other walks of life was a thoroughly practical man, who was held > m the greatest respect and esteem. The i large ■ gathering that; day was evidence of tlte regard m which Mr Kennedy was ' felt, and he merely expressed the general > ; wish of settlers that lie would have a pleasant voyage and a Bafe return. On behalf of the residents of Poverty Bay he had much pleasure m handing Mr Fennedy a steel purse lined with gold. Mr Townley then proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Kennedy, which was heartily toasted with musical honors. j ~Mr J. W. Bright said he had great pleasure m endorsing the Mayor's remarks. They had many pleasant gatherings m tliat room, but this one was the most pleasing of all. They were all delighted that Mr Kennedy was able to take a trip Home to enlarge his knowledge and experience, and they knew that m him they would have the best advertising medium the district could have. Mr Bright had been m business opposition to Mr (Kennedy during his residence m Poverty Bay, but the advancing years had only left their friendship and kindly feeling towards, each other the greater. Mr Kennedy's hospitality, was boundless, as strangers and visitors, to Gisborne had been shown many times, and his extreme kindliness of disposition had endeared him to all. When a visitor found his 'way to Gisborne he, was invariably 6ent to Mr Kennedy. Tlie very large gatliering that afternoon, and its spontaneous nature, was testimony to the high esteem m which he was lield, and the complete manner m which bjs kindly and unselfish spirit; had won their hearts. In - conclusion, Mr Bright wished Mr Kennedy a pleasant trip Home. On rising to reply Mr Kennedy was received with applause. He said he felt overwhelmed by the present he had been given and .'the remarks that had been made. From the bottom of his heart he thanked " them, for the very kindly feelings that had prompted them to com", there and express the thoughts which had been voiced by the Mayor and Mr Bright, What had been said about him was very much more than he deserved. He had associated himself with Poverty Bay, and had been here for sixteen years, which was a long term out of an employ of 26 years m which he had been engaged. In visiting the Old Country he was about to realise the dream of his life. When he left Napier it had been m his mind, but the cares aqd responsibilities of;, business ; had : been too much, and m getting things ready this time so many difficulties bad arisen that he felt inclined to give it up. It was, however, a good thing to gefc one's house m border and have all fixed up so as to be satisfied that qthera could xun the business as well as oneself. -! ; A' -voice: ■•„■" It cannot be done.) He had had an opportunity to get things finally m order-so , that he could ■go' away. ' On his way ta England he would take m Fiji and the Islands, Vancouver, and then Home. He intended to visit the Continent and return by way of Sqez. He hoped . to Ret a pretty comprehensive view" of the world, and on his r«turn recount some of his pleasant reminiscences. Mr Kennedy said he could only thank them again for their splendid gift and send-off. He was going tc-.be wifr them) for the rest of his life.' "My anchors ore down here," concluded Mr Kennedy, and as the American writer says, anyone 'who. wants to separate me from Poverty Bay will have to "set their request to music." I intend to make my final home here, with, (perhaps, another visit to England m after years with the whole of my family. (Applause.) Before tihe gathering dispersed opportunity was taken by those present to wish Mr Kennedy an enjoyable trip and happy home-coming.