SUMMARY

Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 3482, 15 June 1882, Page 1 (Supplement)

SUMMARY

ME B. CKISP AND THE CHILDREN OF NELSON. At an early hour on the 24th May, the children bsgan to gather in considerable numbers at the Temperance Hall, where they were met; by'their old friend, Mr Benjamin Crisp, and soon he got them into marehir.g order, when they perambulated the principal streets of the City, the youngest of the gay and bappy party being permitted to enjoy a ride in a large lorry. Afterwords they adjourned to'the' large paddock, opposite the Nelson Dye works, which was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr T, H. Harley, where they thoroughly enjoyed themselves with numerous games. Mr Crisp and his assistants took good care that there were ample refreshments for the multitude, and notwithstanding their sharpened appetites, each had a substantial fcsa; while no fragments remained of the ihonster pile of good things which were provided (and which disappeared as though by magic), all partook and were satisfied. The Nelson Battalion Band kindly played on the grounds during the atternoon, and added greatly to the enjoyment of those present. At three o'oldck a pleasing ceremony took place. Mr Crisp was invited to come to where the Band had fixed their stand, and where a large circle of eitizeos and children was speedily formed. Mr Wm. T. Bond then stated: He had been requested to say a few words on that occasion. It was quite unnecessary for him to say much regarding their esteemed fellow citizen snd friend, Mr Benjamin Crisp, foi he had lived a blameless life in their midst for many years, and his. sterling worth, and good qualities were know to euch. Mr Crisp had particularly distinguished himself by the interest he had taken in the children, a number of whom, being anxious to show their esteem for one who labored so long and zealously for them, had procured by means of small sums collected from numerous friends a nindsoine s'lrer watoh and a beautiful album, which they desired Mr Crisp to accept as a slight token of their affection. Although Mr Crisp had entered his seventy-fifth year, he was in vigorous good health, and they all houed that he would be long spared to them, yet in the natural course of events tbey would be called upon to part with their aged friend, and it was hard to tell where they would find one to fill Mr Crisp's place, as " the Children's ! Friond." (Applause.) A very little lady (Mis3 Dee, who had been the principal collector for the presents) then presented Mr Crisp with the watch, and Miss Mattd Good handed him the album. Hearty cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Crisp, and the Band struck up " For he 'a a jolly good follow." Mr Cbisp briefly thanked his young friends for their valuable and unexpected gifls- He had been to considerable trouble, and sometimes expense, to procure an annual treat for the children. Ho had done so because he loved the little ones, and he was pleased to find that they entertained the same feeling towards himself. He thanked all those who had generously aided him to procure the annual treats for the children. (Applause.) The watch bore the following inscription— {l Presented to Mr B. Crisp, by (he Nelson Juveniles, on bis 74th birthday.—May, 1882.'' The engraring, which was executed at Mr Hunter's establishment, was very neatly done. In the evening the Temperance Hall was densely packed with children, who assembled to witness an exhibition of the magic lantern. Another agreeable surprise awaited Mr Crisp, for before the pictures were shown Mr Geobge King stepped upon the platform, and handing Mr Crisp a really handsome writing desk, he read the following note which accompanied the gift :— " To Mr B. Cbisp. " Dear Sir—We, the undersigned, beg of your acceptance of the accompanying present, not on account of its intrirsic value, but as a token of the esteem in which you are held by the children of Nelson for your never-failing kindness in providing pleasure and amusement for the young ; and may it pleaße God to preserve you in health and strength long to be among us as' The Children's Friend.' 14 Signed by "Lizzie Woodhotjsk, "Neixt Adams, "Emily Woodhouse, " M. Bail, " For self and others. " Nelson, May 24, 1882." Mr Cbisp said :He did not know bow sufficiently to thank the little ladies, who had procured for him three such valuable birthday presents. He claimed to be a very old colonist. Queen Victoria, whom they all loved so much, was but a baby, about three month old, when he left the Mother country. In the years 1839-4'J, he waß engaged in whaling in the south of this Island, and he travelled over the country where the flourishing towns of Timaru, Oamarn, Dunedin, etc, now Btood, before any European-built dwellings bad been erected. On Saturday last, be had entered his 75th year, und he never felt better in health than he did that evening. He mainly attributed his good health to his total abstinence principles, and habit of early rising. The present was the thirty-eighth gathering he had had of the ohildren in Nelson, and he only remembered five occasions on which the weather proved wet. He concluded by urging upon the children never to partake of intoxicating liquors, and always to put their trust in God, who would prove their best and truest Friend. (Loud applause.) With the showing of the pictures clo°ed the happiest day that "good old Ben Crisp" and his juvenile band ever spent together, During the day Mr W. E. Brown took an ex fpi lent photograph of Mr Crisp aad the children^