The Reporter.

Southern Cross, Volume 11, Issue 25, 19 September 1903, Page 5

The Reporter.

PRESENTATION

When it became known that Mr Mitchell, who had managed the Broomlands property for the last six years for T. C. Ellis, Esq., was abont to leave the colony to take charge of Mr Ellis’s extensive Mount Gambler estate in South Australia, it was immediately decided by his intimate acquaintances that he should have a fitting send-off before leaving. It was at first almost decided to-have a social and ball, at which the presentation was to be made. However, when Mr Mitchell got a hint of what was contemplated he declined their kind offer owing to recent family bereavements. Still, those who took the matter up so heartily were not to be put off, and after repeated interviews they got Mr Mitchell persuaded to meet the committee and a few friends at the house of Mr John Forbes on Wednesday last, when he was presented with a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed, which the committee had selected from the shop of Mr Rankin, Invercargill. About 30 persons met as arranged, and were hospitably entertained by Mrs John Forbes. At a suitable interval from music, song, and recitation, Mr John A. Mitchell was called on by the committee, and in a humourous speech he said he thanked them for conferring on him the honour of making the presentation to one so worthy to receive it, for of all his acquaintance of their guest, he had never heard anything but good spoken of him, and he thought the very fact of Mr Ellis handing him over the management of his large Australian estate was a sufficient guarantee that his late Broomlands employer had ample confidence in him as a manager and a man. In conclusion he said he was very pleased to have a farewell look at a man of the name of Mitchell, who was considered worthy of such a send-off, as he had thought there were none.

Messrs Frank Ledington, Robert Robertson, and John and Alex. Forbes all spoke o£ the many sterling qualities of Mr Mitchell and expressed their sincere regret at the removal of himself, his son, and daughter from a district in which they were held in such high esteem. Mr Mitchell thanked all present, and also all who had subscribed to secure for him such a beautiful presentation, and said he would always look back with kindly recollections to his friends in the district he was leaving' A hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Forbes for their hospitality closed a very happy meeting.