PERSONAL.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13049, 8 March 1911, Page 6 (Supplement)

PERSONAL.

(From "The Colonist," Feb. 20.)

Last evening a company of commercial travellers and a few other friends staying at the Masonic Hotel assembled in tli© Hotel to make suitable presentations to Mr and Mrs H. Bnig<:>nt, the former host and hostess of the hb-tej, in recognition of tho many kind services they had rendered thorn. Mr P. J. Khmiburgh presided, and spoke in highly eulogistic terms of Mi' and Mrs Baiganf and of tho manner in which thoy had conducted the hotel. The commercial travellers who had stayed at the hotel would eyer have, a- most grateful recollection of tile kindnesses they had received at the hands of the formor host and hostess, and they desired to give tangible expression to their gratitude that night. The chairman read a number of letters lie .had received from commercial travellers who had subscribed to the testimonial, but who ware unable to be present. The chairman then presented Mr Baigent with a-n address expressing the appreciation of the signatories of the efforts of Mr and Mrs Baigont during many years on their behalf, and wishing them long enjoyment of the fruits of their labour. There were about 70 signatures to tho adress, which was illuminated by Mr K. Heap, of Nelson. Mr J. C'oull endorsed the remarks of tho chairman. Mrs Itoigent was presented with a, very handsome silver salver and tea and coffer, service. Mr Baigent, in a felicitous spcrch, acknowledged this gifts, saying that he had done jio more tlia.n his duty. Mr P. C. Hur.U, secretary to the presentation committee, wr.s pn-wiitrd with a- silk umbrella, by Mr Coull on behalf of tho oommittw. The health of Mr and Mrs Baigent was drunk with musical honours, and they suitably responded. The other toasts were. "The, chairman," proposed by Mr I'S'tts, and "The Press," proposed by Mr J. King.

Miss V. Field, daughter of Mr T. A. T. Field, who has been attending Ota go University, left for Wellington on Saturday en route to Edinburgh, where she will continue her medical studies.

Mr J. P. Cookc was yesterday for the thirty-first occasion unanimously elected treasurer of the Nelson district of Oddfellows.

Mr Owen Lynch, who has returned from an .extended visit, to the Old Country, was heartily welcomed by the Commissioner of Crown Lands CM-r It. T. Sadd) on taking his seat ab the monthly meeting of the Nelson Land Board yesterday.

Mr It. W. Percy, until recently relieving postmaster in the Canterbury district, has been appointed and i-as takt'ii up his duties1 as Postmaster at Motuoka, vice Mr Blakolcy, who has been transferred to the position of senior clerk at Lvttelton.

Miss A. Robinson, who for nn.i.y years acted as postmistress at Upper Moutere, has been appointed permanent postmistress at that place, aid will take up her duties there shortly.

Mr If. H. Sanders, who lias occupied' the position of schoolmaster at the Oolligwood school for the past s, veil years has received Tin appointment at the Lower Moutcre. During' the past four years three of Mr San- • ler.si' -pupils have attained scholarships and the school itself is technically classed as "good." Not only will Mr Sanders be missed by a largo circle of i'riends in Collingwood, but especially the school children, with whom ho always displayed a kindly disposition. Mr Sanders took great interest in the welfare of the plaoo and was always identified with, tho various local functions, and we aro sure that his success is assured in his ■new sphere of lif;\

At the conclusion of the business of the usual fortnightly meeting of tho Loyal Nixlson Lodge of Oddfellows hist night, the members adojurned to tlr.t social chamber, at the invitation of Bio Hartlett, who had that day completed thirty-six years of membership, having been initiated o,n the 3rd March ]875. A very pleasant hour was spent, the health of .Isro and Mrs Bartlett being enthusiastically drunk at the'invitation of the chairman, Prov. Corresponding Secretary Bro A. G. Shrimpton, who referred to the many good qualities displayed by Bio Bartlett as an OddiVJlow.