VALEDICTORY.

Colonist, Volume XL, Issue 8746, 21 December 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

VALEDICTORY.

(' Oolonht,' December 7.)

On Thursday evening 'a9t a large number of residents cf Nelson met at the Trafalgar Hotel fjr the purpose of taking leave of Mr T A Askew, who h9s now made Wellington his headqnartsrs.

J Mr J A flarley, who was vo'.ed to the chair, said that tbe Fores: era of Nelson had, a few evenings before, give a Mr ABkew a social and a testimonial, bat a desire had been expressed by many who were not fo: esters to do that gentleman a similar honor, bob as a'most everybody was having ail bis spare time taken up by election matters, a social waa out of the question, but come sixty or seventy friends, chiefly tradesmen of the city, hid subscribed and purchased a very bandßome present, which he had been requested to hand to Mr Aekew, .but before doin£ so be wished to siy that he knew that he was expressing the Beotimeats cf every person present when he said that it was with feelings of Bincere regret that they were parting with a good citizen, one that he had known from childhood. He referred to Mr Aekew's conneoitona with spotting matters, both athletic, boating and trotting; as a fancier in both dogs and poultry ; and ss an official of the Nelson Jockey Clab, and as an all-round sport he had very few equals, and those who bad had business wi.h him knew him as a thoroughly straightforward mm, and although ha was now rt moving to Weiling'oo, he tiusted that his business would cause him t> pay oeca ional v.sits to Nelson, where he would be always we'eorned. He wisbelhinv good luck, snd on bebalf of a large number of friends, who at ver* short notice had met together for the purp :>se, ' he bad much pleasure in presenting Mr Askew with a handsome gold locket aud silver match box, which will bear the inscription: '' Presented to Mr T A Askew by his Nelßon friends, December 3rd, 1896."

Mr Askew in a ne*t speech said thit be could not find words to express hi 3 gratitude at receiving eucb a spLnd d present whioh was quite unexpected, and also for the kind manner in wbich tbe chairman had referred to him. He had lived in Ke son all his life and had tried to do whit was right, and was glad to know that he had the best wishes of his friend?, he would never forget their kindness, and whenever he looked np >n the presents they bad msda him he would be reminded of the happy days he had spent among them. He hoped that when any of them cams ti Wellington they would call on him, bs he would always be pleased to see a Nehon face.

Other speeches were made by the Mayor, Mr H tisigenr, Mr F N Jones, and Mr Wemyss. and the company ware (ten asked ts drink to the health of Mr and Mrs Ask w, and " Jitle fcuby," whioh was druok with musical hnors, to which Mr Askew suitably replied, and after an immense &mouot of hand shaking the company dispersed.