PRESENTATIONS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4896, 2 October 1901, Page 3

PRESENTATIONS.

MR H. H. LEARY.

About 30 gentlemen met at the Town Hall last evening for the purpose of presenting Mr Leary, who has been a resident of Lawrence for a number of years, and who has always 4akau a nroraiaaat p«t in both eooial and public matters oonne oted with the town, with a.handsome writing desk as a mark of their esteem and goodwill on the occasion of his recent marriage. Mr B. Winn (Mayor) presided and apologised for the absence of the Revj. J. A. Will and J. G. W. Ellis, who were unavoidably absent through prior engagements. Mr Winn said it was with very great pleasure indeed that he was present to do honor to Mr Leary. — (Applause.) He had known Mr Leary intimately for about 11 years and had worked with him in a great number of ways and he had from the very start formed a very high opinion of him ; indeed, the longer ha knew him the better he liked him and he felt that opinion was shared by all who had been brought into contact with bim. Mr lieary was aTzaa.ii of considerable ability, and be had always shown a a willingness to give his services for the furtherance of any object either for the welfare of the town or for individuals. They were all pleased to have this opportunity of wishing Mr Leary every success and happiness in his married life. They hoped that both he and his wife would be blest with good health, and that tbeir life would be one continual gleam of sunshine. Oo behalf of his numerous friends, he had very much pleasure in presenting him with a writing desk and esoretoire, which he hoped he would be long spared to use and which would always remind him of tbe many friends he bad made in Lawrence. — (Applause.) Mr J. C. Browne, as one who had been in iimaiely associated with Mr leary, testified Io Ihe sterling character and to the enthusiastic and able manner iv which he carried through everything he took in hand. He trusted the change in Mr Leary's state would in no way deprive the town of the benefit of his servioes in the different capacities in which he had so long been a tower of strength. Messrs A. B. Haggitt, H. L. Darton, A. Blair, and W. B. Pearson also spoke eulogistically of Mr Leary's qualities. Mr Leary, in reply, said his position w*s both a difficult and pleasant one. While he was very grateful to them for their many expressions of goodwill towards his wife and himself, he had never anticipated being made the recipient of so substantial a tok^n of j their esteem. Daring his residence of 13, years among them her had endeavored to do his best, both publicly and privately, and he tool: it, from tbe very flattering remarks that had been made and the gift with which they were accompanied, that he had succeeded. They could not have made him a present that he would appreciate more than the one they had. He had, during his residence in Lawrence, found a number of true friends and he sincerely trusted his actions in the future would be such as to merit a continuance of their appreciation and good will. "Whether he would be able in the future to take as prominent a part in different institutions in the town he could not say, as the rules and regulations for his future guidance had not yet been laid down (laughter), but, provided he got permission, he thought they could still count on his assistance. Oo behalf of Himself ana Mr? &e&rj be. agftia tUauKed tuaaked tfrem tor. their, my fawafoome gilt.

The proceedings, whioh were marked by the at most enthusiasm throughout, terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.

The desk, whioh bore the following inscription : " Presented to H. H. Leary, Esq., by his Lawrence friends as a mark of esteem on the occasion of his marriage— August, 1901," was manufactured by Mr F. A. Miller, of Lawrence, and is a handsome piece of work. I* is made from red pine, beautifully polished, and has a rolling' top which, on being pulled down, automatically looks all the drawers— bn}y onekey (whicti Becures the cover) is therefore required.