RICHMOND.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 12019, 21 August 1907, Page 5 (Supplement)

RICHMOND.

GOLDEN 1 WEDDING OF MR AND

MRS TALBOT,

PRESENTATION TO THE HAPPY

COUPLE

On August sth about two hundred persons assembled at the residence of Mr and Mrs George T;albotj .Richmond, to congratulate tfvem on tbe fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. The town of 'iichmobd, the Waimeas, and tho 'City of Nelson wero well represented, Mr Maginnity, the Chairman |Of the Education Board, in a happy called upon tho Mayor of [ffiichmond to make a public presentation to Mr and Mrs Talbot He noted the high esteem in which the worthy couple were held by all who knew them. He referred to the valuable services Mr Talbot had rendered to the differenct public bodies of which Mr Talbot had been a member, and which public bodies were represented at that gathering. He (the speaker) had sat on the Education Board with Mr Talbpt for many years, .and all tbe time Mr Talbot was Chairman of that body there was no friction, which showed the patience, sound judgment, and good tact that gentleman Ihad displayed. He referred to "the good lives lived, and the noble example Mr and Mrs Talbot had set their fellow colonists. He was sure the congratulations they received that day, and the expressions of goodwill and affection were felt by all who knew them. All wished Mr and Mrs Talbot continued years of happiness and comfort. He asked the Mayor of Richmond to make the presentation.

Mr Alfred Sheat, the Mayor, said it was a great privilege to be present on such a happy occasion. The people of Richmond were pleased to show their strong respect for Mr and Mh Talbot, who had moved, lived, and worked in their midst for such a long time, they being among the longest residents in the district. The Borough of Riohmond owed a debt of gratitude to Mr Talbot, who was its first Mayor, and who held that position for thirteen years. That large gathering told its own tale. Mr Talbot' s influence had always been in the right direction, for that which was right and true, Mr and Mrs Talbot 's example had been most valuable to those by whom they were surrounded. All joined in wishing Mr and Mrs Talbot long life and happiness, and in praying that they might be long spared to their family and to the community in which they had spent such useful and honorable lives. He had great pleasure on behalf of the public bodies and the subscribers to ask Mr and Mrs Talbot to accept a silver tea and coffee service and tray, as a slight token of the strong feeling of respect and affection entertained for them.

Mr Talbot said even if he had been accustomed to speech making he would hare been nonplussed. He thanked them all for the very handsome presentation. He thanked Mr Maginnity and Mr Sheat for the many kind things those gentlemen had said. He felt he did not deserve them, and could not help asking: What had he done to get so much praise? He couid say on the public bodies he had served he had honestly done his level best. He arrived in the ship Cresswell in 1858, and for the fourteen years he was in business he took no part in public matters, as he considered business mm were better out of such. He retired frt>m business in 1872, and since had served on various public bodies. If he had been successful as a Chairman or otherwise perhaps it was b3cause he had a little more patience than some, and because he never sought a quarrel. He thanked them all very sincerely for the handso2ne gift, and for their many kind words and good wishes. Their gift would always be highly prized by himseli, and on being handed do^n to those who would follow him it would show that he had done sime public service.

Mr Cowles, the Secretary, read a letter from Mr John Cnbam, M. H.R., regretting his unavoidable absence owing to a pressure of business, and adding his testimony to the exemplary services rendered, and the good example set by Mr Talbot.

The handsome and solid silver tea and coffee sevica (four pieces) and the tray were procured from Messrs Brown and Kerr. The inscription on the tray was most artistically executed, and read as follows:— "Presented to Mr and Mrs Talbot at the celebration of their Golden Wedding, in recognition of Mr Talbot's long and faithful service en many public bodies, connected with the Provincial District of Nelson, New Zealand. Signed on behalf of the subscribers, Alfred Shent, Mayor, Richmond; A. T. Maginnity,Education Board; .T. J. Fleming, Victoria College Council; John Graham, M.H.R., Harbor Board; J. B. Harrison, Charitable Aid Bond; John Hagen, Agricultural and Pastoral Association; William Colonnn,Stoke tioad Board ; E. Cowles, Richmond Institute; John Glen, Hon. Treasurer.

The company were entertained by Mr and Mrs Talbofe, and wedding cake was handed round. Each individually shook hands with Mr and Mr 3 Talbot, conveying their own, as well as absent friends' congratulations and good wishes. Photographs were taken of Mr Talbot's family group, also one of the assemblage.