PLEASANT POINT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20607, 22 December 1936, Page 4

PLEASANT POINT

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT HONOURED Members of the Pleasant Point branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association met their president, who is shortly leaving for Wellington, at the Town Hall supper-room, on Friday evening. There was a large attendance including visitors from Mackenzie sub-branch and Timaru. Mr F. Friel presided. Proceedings commenced with the honouring of the loyal toast. Mr Hewitt then led in a community sing, when old time songs were refreshed. Mr R. Esler proposed the toast of “The South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association.” He eulogised the good work of the executive and was pleased that a number of them were present at short notice. He assured them that their work was greatly appreciated by the local branch. The Rev. J. Milburn Stewart replied and expressed thanks on behalf of the executive, for the invitation to be present. He much regretted that the occasion was to say farewell to such an excellent president as Dr. Benham, who had put to so many excellent years’ service to the Point branch. In all sincerity, he said that the South Canterbury executive much regretted Dr. Benham’s departure. He wished him much success to his new position at Wellington Hospital, and assured him that he would carry with him the best wishes of all the ex-servicemen. He had rendered yeoman service to the Point branch, and his loss was a very severe one, but he would go away with the knowledge that he had left the branch in a very flourishing state. Mr W. Grant proposed the toast of “The Visitors.” He said that it was very pleasing to have representatives' present from other branches and particularly from the South Canterbury executive. He said that it was pleasing to know that anything placed before the parent body received a prompt and sympathetic hearing. With the present officials the affairs of the men were in safe keeping. Messrs J. M. McLeod, L. M. Inglis and J. Hinchey replied on behalf of the visitors and said how well and enthusiastically the Point branch had been conducted under the capable guidance of Dr. Benham and his committee. Presentation Made. Mr Frank Friel proposed the toast of “Our Quest,” which was drunk with musical honours. He said that previous speakers had said many good things of Dr. Benham, and they were all deserved. He had really been the life and soul of the branch and had put great energy into all he had done. This had been a great inspiration to members, who had accepted his lead—thus the success of the branch. He asked Mr Esler to make the presentation of a suitcase and a pipe of peace, which would act as a reminder of the days spent with ‘“Diggers” in Pleasant Point and South Canterbury. He trusted that the doctor, his wife and daughter would prosper in their new home. In reply, Dr. Benham said that he was not a bit happy at leaving. He had always had the help of a very enthusiastic committee and an energetic secretary. He thanked them for their nice present and particularly for the “pipe of peace,” which he hoped sincerely we would have in this troubled world. He was very pleased to have members of the South Canterbury executive present, and he took it as a distinct compliment to have them at his send off. He had really enjoyed all his associations with fellow “Diggers,” and if he had been of any service, then he was all the more pleased. He would always remember the good comradeship which existed in the sub-branch and in the South Canterbury district. The many reunions which the branch had held had all been very enjoyable, and he would always remember them as among the most happy times of his sojourn in Pleasant Point. (Applause).

Dr. and Mrs Benham will be tendered a public farewell this evening.

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL The monthly meeting of the District high School Committee was attended by Mrs Taylor, Mrs Cartwright and Messrs H. Christie (chairman), W. Crawford, R. Esler, W. Halkett (hon. sec.) and the headmaster (Mr S. C. Gibb). An apology for absence was received from Mr R. More. The Education Board wrote stating that a grant had been approved for the renovation of two classrooms and the school residence. The headmaster’s report showed that for the period ending December 4 the attendances were: Primary 185, average 170.5; secondary 57, average 51.7. The visitor's report was dealt with and various repairs were authorised to be carried out during the holidays. A donation of £3/4/6 was received from Miss Wall, and a letter of appreciation is to be forwarded. Mr Christie was authorised to sign the Downlands Water Supply Scheme agreement on behalf of the Committee.