Dinner and Presentation at Fairlie Creek.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4894, 31 December 1888, Page 3

Dinner and Presentation at Fairlie Creek.

On Friday evening last a dinner and presentation of a handsome gold watch-chain, and locket to Mr J. 0. Park took place at Fairlie Creek, Mr James Milne in the chair. There was a large attendance at the dinner, the numbers being considerably increased during the evening when the speech-making began. Mr Milne, in proposing the toast of the the evening, said it was a source of great satisfaction to him to have been called on to preside over a gathering " to do honor _to a gentleman who was held in the very highest esteem, not only by his intimate friends and neighbors, but also by tho district at largo. When it became known that Mr Park was going to leave, a few of his friends determined that he . should not depart without some recognition, of a public character, of the estimation iu which he was held ; and it was very gratifying to see such a numerous and enthusiastic gathering, representing all parts of that largo district. Mr Milne referred at some length to tho hearty manner in which Mr Park had during his residence amongst them taken a part in, and borne a larger share of tho responsibilities and labors connected with any movement for the benefit of the district ; and that in the matter of sport, it was really the case that tho success which had characterised tho various athletic sports and race meetings for some time back was largely owing to Mr Park’s valuable assistance. He had also vtry materially assisted to make the meets of tho South Canterbury Harriers a success in tho neighbourhood. He wished Mr Park every prosperity in his new home, and trusted that the district’s loss would be Mr Park’s gain. Mr Park returned thanks inafewwellchosen words. He said he was conscious of having done nothing to merit all that bad been said by Mr Milne, or the honor done him by the presence of so many at the gathering. He could only attribute it to the kindly and generous feeling of the people of tho district, which had been uniformly accorded to him during all the time he had lived among them. He was happy to say that although leaving the immediate neighborhood, he was not leaving South Canterbury, and he hoped to see them all from time to time. He should never forget the kind manner in which the chairman had proposed his health, nor tho warm manner in which the toast had been received.

During the evening a number of patriotic and local toasts were given and responded to in suitable terms.

The usual thanks to the chair terminated one of the most enjoyable gatherings ever held in Fairlie Creek.