PRESENTATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8777, 12 March 1897, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

A very enjoyable hour was passed at the Grosvenor Hotel last evening, when Mr and Mrs Peter O’Meeghan were met by eight gentlemen representing the commercial travellers between Timaru and Dunedin who make the Grosvenor their home when on business or pleasure bent.

The chair was worthily filled by Mr W. H. Duke, representing Messrs Butterworth Brothers. Mr Duke said that they had met together that evening for what he considered to be a very pleasant and at the same time important occasion, namely, to present Mr and Mrs O’Meeghan with a slight token of their (the commercial travellers) acknowledgement of many courtesies received, and of their kindest regards to them on the occasion of their recent marriage. He had been asked to state that about 12 or 18 months ago the commercial men had decided to give Mr O’Meeghan something in return for many kindnesses received, and which, no matter what they gave Mr O’Meeghan, they could not adequately repay, but circumstances altered cases—as a fact, they heard a whispered rumour that their host was about to take Miss Patterson as his help-meet, and now that he (the chairman) was happy to see that rumour had come true, they had unanimously decided that the occasion was a fitting one to tender their token and

best of good wishes. It was, the chairnan added, with the greatest of pleasure that he now, on behalf of the commercial travellers between Timaru and Dunedin, presented to Mr and Mrs O’Meeghan some recognition of the many kindnesses they had received at their hands. At the call of the chairman Mr Barley (representing Messrs Boss and <-»leniining) then read the address, the text d which was as follows :—“ To Peter O’Meeghan, Esq., Host of the Grosvenor Hotel, Timaru. March 11th, 1897. Dear Sir, —We the undersigned commercial travellers hailing from Dunedin, who ire in the habit of making our headquarters at the Grosvenor Hotel while in L'imaru, desire to present our congratulations on the occasion of your entering upon married life. We acknowledge with pleasure the uniform courtesy and attention received at your hands, and appreciate, the care bestowed upon the ietails of our personal comfort which tends to make the Grosvenor indeed ‘ A borne from home.’ We take this opportunity of wishing for Mrs O’Meeghan md yourself a long and prosperous life ruth much happiness and good fortune.” Ihe address was signed by all the commercial gentlemen “ hailing from Dunedin,” 38 in all. The illumination of the address, which was superbly framed, was quite a work of art, and was a credit to the Dunedin firm of Messrs Ferguson and Mitchell and their skilled staff. A view of the hotel occupied the place of honour, and was flanked on the right by a picture of the old coaching days, and on the left by a view of an up-to-date railway engine. Down each side of the letterpress specimens of New Zealand flora and scenery were prettily entwined, and at the foot were other pictures—one of the Union Company’s steamers, the railway tunnel near Dunedin, and a coaching trip in the interior of Otago. As seen under the gaslight the colouring was admirable, and the whole address was a beautiful piece of work. When the address was handed over the chairman regretted that there were not more present. However, he could assure their guest that all the gentlemen whose names were appended to the address would thoroughly agree with the sentiments expressed by him, and that Mr O’Meeghan had the hearty good wishes of all for the future welfare and happiness of his wife and himself. The chairman then handed to Mrs O’Meeghan a very handsome gold bracelet set with diamonds and sapphires, and hoped that she would accept it as a token not only of their good wishes but of their kindliest regards and heartfelt feelings. He trusted that she would be long spared to wear it, and that whenever she looked upon it, have kindly recollections of the grateful givers. On their behalf he had very heartily to wish her every success in life, and to hope that she would be long spared to enjoy it. Mr Barley (Ross and Glendining), Mr Carden (Marshall and Company), Mr W. Poole (Smith and Smith), and Mr Murphy (Gregg and Co.) feelingly endorsed what the chairman had said, and the presentations were made amidst hearty applause. Mr O’Meeghan made a brief and heartfelt reply. He could hardly find words to thank them sufficiently for their handsome present. They had his most hearty thanks for it, and he assured them that all he had done was to make their stay at his house as comfortable and pleasant as possible. He desired also to thank them most kindly for their handsome gift to his wife, and assured all that the gifts would be very highly prized. Mrs O’Meeghan also sincerely thanked the chairman and his fellow travellers for their beautiful present. The health of the “ Host and Hostess ” was then drunk in a glass of wine (each guest also partaking, of a piece of wedding cake), with musical honours, and the gathering separated after spending an enjoyable hour.