POPULAR CITIZEN.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 28 May 1923, Page 9

POPULAR CITIZEN.

GOLFERS’ FAREWELL TO MR FORSYTH. The popularity of Mr R. S. Forsyth, and the regret felt at his departure from Timaru, was further demonstrated on Saturday afternoon on the Highfield golf links when members of the Timaru Golf Club gathered in strong force to ask his acceptance of a little parting gift, and to tell him what they thought of him. It was a pleasant social gathering, albeit tinged with sadness at the thought of parting from one who had radiated good humour whenever he was on the links, and had assisted in no small degree to raise the ancient game of golf to a still higher status in Timaru than it had previously attained.

Mr W. W. Baxter (president of th( Club) presided, and in a happy speech ' asked the departing citizen to accept an ornately-fashioned silver cigarette box, inscribed —“Presented to R. S. Forsyth, as a mark of esteem from, members of the Timaru Golf Club.” Mr Baxter referred to Mr Forsyth’s many fine sporting qualities, as well as to his outstanding ability as a business man—ability which had gained for him the highest salaried office in the gift of the Dominion. (Applause.) In going Home as London manager of the Meat Control Board they knew that no better man could be sent, and they all - most sincerely wished him the fullest • possible measure of success. (Hear, bear.) On the Highfield links he would be very greatly missed. Ab last year’s president of the Club he had excelled all other presidents, and if they could have retained him in that position it would have resulted in great advantage to the Club. (Hear, hear.) They knew Mr Forsyth as a good all-round sport. He was an ex-representative footballer; an ardent lover of aquatic sports, which lie indulged in regularly at Caroline Bay; a keen tennis-player, one who would be missed by those whose homes were on Nelson Terrace, and who had been in the habit of watching with interest the “lightweight quartette” at play on the Y.M.C.A. tennis courts; and best of all he was a highly capable golfer. In one way it would be to his advantage to leave the Timaru Golf Club, as if n ould mean that he would not have nearly so many new balls to pay for. (Laughter.) But joking apart they were exceedingly sorry-’to lose him, and were afraid that they would not soon look upon his like again. -They wished Mr and Mrs Forsyth and family a happy and prosperous time in London, and hoped that in a few years they would return to Timaru to make this place their permanent home. They could be assured of a very warm welcome back. (Applause.) Other speakers endorsed Mr Baxter’s remarks, and Mr Forsyth made appropriate acknowledgment of the gift, and the kindly sentiments by which it was accompanied. Neither Mrs Forsyth nor he would ever forget the great kindness that had been shown them by the people of this town and district, and they felt going away very keenly. The three years which they had spent in Timaru had been three very happy .years; and no matter where they might go in the future they did not expect to ever again be so happily placed as they had been in Timaru. (Applause.) Mr Forsyth will take up his duties with the Meatg Control. Board on June 1, and will leave by the lonic for London. But before leaving he will tour ihe Dominion for the purpose of inspecting various freezing works, and discussing meat questions with the different farmers’ Associations.