PRESENTATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5210, 18 March 1895, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

Yesterday afiofliddn, a presenilation wa_ ' made at tne Synagogue to Mr Chnrleß Louisson, who is about to pay a visit to Europe. There waß a large attendance. Mr H. Harris, president of the congregation, said Mr Louisson had held every : office in the congregation, and had been 1 largely responsible for the success of auy j effort in the direction of promoting its welfare. The committee had decided to have prepared for -Mr Louisson an illuminated address. Letters of apology for nonattendance and expressive of good wishes towards Mr Louisson were read from Mr and Mrs Myers, Mr B. Isaacs and Mr H. Marks, the last of whom was prevented by illness from being present, but enclosed a donation to the testimonial fund. Mr S. Phillips, treasurer of tbe congregation, Baid he had very great pleasure in presenting the address to Mr Louisson. They would misß hia ever ready help und counsel, for he had served at all times cheerfully with hia advico and with his money. He (Mr Phillips) was delighted that the members of thin congregation had recognised Mr Louisson'a services. They wished that gentleman a prosperous voyage, and would look with great expectation for his return. Mr P. Selig, the hon secretary, read the following address, which was beautifully illuminated by Mr E. Stow :—- --" Christchurch, New Zealand, " March 17bh, 1895. '•Charles Louisson, Esq. — Dear Sir,— - The members of the committee of the Canterbury Jewish congregation having becomg aware of your intention, at an early dute, to take your departure for England on a visit that will necessitate a lengthened absence from the sphere of your former labours amongst us, deem this a fitting opportunity to express their appreciation of the valuable services youhave rendered tho congregation for a period covering twenty-three years of : membership. Durmg thac time you have been elected on several occasions to the highest office that can be conferred upon you, and whether as president, treasurer, secretary or ordinary member, you have always brought to bear on congregational affairs active and intelligent interest that has greatly benefited us aB a body. You have shown a ready desire on all occasions to assist in undertakings which have been promoted for the welfare of the congregation, and it owes much to your wiso counsels ; on the Board of Management and to the ; very generous support you, as an active] member, have always accorded ifc. We j offer you our best wishes for a pleasant voyage, an enjoyable holiday, and a safe and speedy return to the land of your adeptioc. Assuring yon of a hearty welcome whenever you may please to again come amongst ns,— We are, dear sir, on behalf of the committee of the Canterbury Jewish congregation, yours fraternally, H. Haeeib, president, S. Phillips, hon treasurer,* P. Selig, hon secretary. - Mr B. Ballin spoke in support of what had been said by the preceding speakers. Mr Louieson said that the firs!; he knew of the affair was when a note was handed him the previous evening inviting him to attend a presentation to a member of the congregation. The speakers had referred in glowing terms to what he had done for the congregation, but there were others who had done jußt as much. What he had done he could soy, to be candid, was from a feeling that it was hia duty, and ho thought that it was a pity that, though they were small in number?, others that could do sa did not come forward to take part in the communal affairs. What he had done had been a labour of love, and ho would, therefore, all the more appreciate the kindneaa that had prompted this handsome addreEs, which j he would always be able to look back upon } with pride— ono that hi 3 children could | and would, he felt cure, also cherish. If on hie return tho congregation considered he could be of any service he would only be too pleased to accept any office they I might honour him with. He would like to briefly refer to one of the letters of apology that had been read. He alluded to that ' from Mr H. Marks, who, they all knew, . was on a bed of sickness. Mr Marks had ; for a longer number of years than himself j been a very good and liberal member of the congregation, and he (Mr Louieson) ( knew he waa only voicing the sentiments ' of. all present when he said he hoped that ] gentleman would recover from his illness, j In conclusion Mr Louisson, on behalf - of Mrs Louisaon and himself, thanked ihe - ladies and gentlemen present for their attendance, and the members of the com- ' mittee for their very handsome expression of 1 goodwill. -^ J i