SOCIAL AND PRESENTATIONS

Tuapeka Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 6690, 20 August 1919, Page 3

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATIONS

TO ME H. H. LEAHY. The member of the Lawrence Fire Board and the members of the Brigade entertained Mr H. H. Leary at a social evening in the Fire Brigade Station on Friday night with the object of bidding him good-bye and testifying in a tangible manor their appreciation of his services in connection with both of these institutions, with which he had been connected for many years past. Mr D. Mcintosh (enairnian of the Fire Board) presided. The first part of the evening was devoted tocards, and time passed pleasantly till shortly after 9 p.m., when the chairman introduced the more important part of the programme. Mr Leary, he said, had been a member of the Fire Board from the beginning and had occupied the position of chairman for seven years, and during all that period he had taken a keen interest in the work of the Board. They regretted that his projected removal from the district necessitated the severance of his connection with the Board, and they felt they could noi allow him to leave without some slight tangible evidence of their appreciation and esteem. On behalf of the members and the secretary he had therefore pleasure in asking his acceptance of a silver mounted tobacco pouch. They wished him every success and happiness in his new sphere, and that he and his good lady and son would not only enjoy many happy and prosperous years, but also the inestimable blessing—good health. Messrs B. W Winn and D. L. Christio also spoke in complimentary terms of Mr Leary's abilities, and the valuable services he had so freely givon to tho various institutions in the town and also wished him and his family every success and happiness in the future.

Superintendent D. Stewart, on behalf of the members of the Fire Brigade, asked Mr Lcary 's acceptance of a case of pipes as a slight token of their appreciation of the interest he had ever shown in the interests of the Brigade. He had been always approachable and had mado a point of seeing that their requirements were attended to. They greatly regretted his loss to the town and wished him every success and happiness in the future, and that as he enjoyed a smoke from their gift he would recall his many happy associations with the Lawrence Brigade members. Fireman W. Christie said they could all endorse the complimentary iemarks of Superintendent Stewart in regard to Mr Leary He had been a good man to the Brigade and they were very sorry indeed to lose him. However, they all wished him and his family every success and happiness in the future.

Mr Leary feelingly acknowledged the gifts from both the Fireboard and the Brigade. He had felt proud of being associated with the members of both bodies, and though he had endeavoured to do his duty he did not feel that he was altogether deserving of the flattering remarks made. As a citizen he ' had recognised that it was his duty to take his share in their various organisations, and it was certainly gratifying to find that his services such as they were, were appreciated. He had had a happy time with them and in parting he could only say that ho would always I.ave a very pleasant and fragrant memory of his residence in Lawrence and the many personal friendships he had made in this district. —(Applause). In conclusion ho again thanked them for their handsome gifts and the good wishes extended towards himself and family.