VALEDICTORY

Southland Times, Issue 21072, 2 May 1930, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

A RIVERTON FUNCTION.

(From Our Correspondent.)

Mr. S. L. Beer, who for many years has been managing director for Messrs. Helm and Dickson, Riverton, and who recently resigned his position to enter into business on his own account at Napier, was suitably farewelled before his departure. Mr. Beer, who is a native of Riverton, took a prominent part in the town’s activities, and the large attendance which assembled at the Riverton Bowling Club's pavilion was striking testimony to his popularity. Mr. E. J. Stevens presided, and in the course of his remarks said Mr. Beer had been associated with the south side club for 25 years. As a player he held a prominent position. He (the speaker) had known him from childhood, and had always found him honest and straight-forward in all his dealings. As a member of the Regatta Club he was always ready to carry his share of the work, and for some years had acted as starter. On behalf of the Bowling Club he asked his acceptance of a solid leather bowling case, with name inscribed, and a handsome rug from the Regatta Club. The chairman concluded by wishing Mr. and Mrs. Beer and Master Beer every success in their new home in the north.

Mr. A. E. Willett said it gave him great pleasure to be associated with the company that night to recognize Mr. Beefs abilities. Their guest was a prominent bowler. Mr. Beer entered his (the speaker’s) employ as a lad, and during his apprenticeship endeavoured to make himself efficient. He saw greater opportunities before him, and went abroad to take an active part in a large business concern in the north. He had 'shown the ability which would mean greater success. Concluding, the speaker said he was sure their guest would never forget the many happy days he had spent on the green, and he hoped that he and his wife and family would enjoy good health and prosperity in Napier. Mr. E. B. Patrick said that Mr. Beer had shown himself an outstanding member of the bowling club. He had brought his ability as an organizer into the club with great success. He was always cheerful and was endowed with that confidence which animated the members in their many contests; he was ever ready to assist new members and the harmony that existed w’as in a large measure due to him. Messrs. W. A. Ashley, W. Scobie, J. V. Instone, T. King, D. C. Robertson and the Rev. C. E. P. Webb also spoke in eulogistic terms of the guest, all wishing him every success for the future.

Mr. Beer, who on rising to reply was received with applause, said he had to thank them all for the kind remarks concerning his wife, his son and himself. He had, he said, strong associations with Riverton —the town that gave him the opportunity to succeed. To Mr. Willett, for whom he first, worked, he had the highest respect. Mr. Willett had instilled into him the true business ability that had stood him in good stead. He (the speaker) desired to go further afield, and was now connected with a large organization in Napier. During his 25 years’ association with the club he had taken part in many hard fought games, and he would ever remember the old green and its members. His' connection with the Regatta Club had been enjoyable, and he hoped the club would continue to prosper. Riverton was, in his opinion, one of the prettiest towns he had seen during his travels, and it was hard for him to go away from the associations connected with the old town and its river. Concluding, he said the presents received that night would be ever regarded as tokens of their good wishes. Mr. and Mrs. Beer, and Master Harold Beer, left for their new hme at Napier on Wednesday morning.