A GOOD CITIZEN.

Wairarapa Age, 13 March 1925, Page 4

A GOOD CITIZEN.

FAKEWELL TO MR. TENNEKT. BY REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING. One the eve of his departure from Masterton to take up his residence in Dunedin, Mr W. J. Tennent was entertained at afternoon tea yesterday at the Central Arcade Tea Rooms by a representative gathering of citizens, including His Worship the Mayor (Mr O. N. C. Pragnell), Messrs Jas. Allan, H. M. Boddington, E. J. Brown, J. Caselberg, Rev. J. Davie, S. R. Gawith, J. V. Gordon, E. W. B. Hornabrook, H. P. Hugo, T. Jordan, A. B. Lawrence, D. K. Logan, A. D. Low, D. Ogilvy, H. C. L. Robinson, C. C. Ross, G. C. Saxton, Dr. G. H. Scholefield, G. C. Summerell, Dr. G. H. Uttley, T. F. Watson, and G. D. Wilson. Mr Tennent's son, Mr Hobart Tennent, of Takapau, was also present. After tea adjournment was made to the balcony, where on behalf of those present the Mayor presented Mr Tennent with a tobacco jar, set of pipes, etc. In doing so His Worship said it was with very great regret that they said good-bye to one of the most estimable citizens who had ever resided in Masterton. Mr Tennent came here nine years ago with a reputation for integrity and straightforwardness. He might say of him, as Mr Skerrett said of Mr Justice Hosking the other day, that he came there unsullied, and ho departed also unsullied In reputa Gon; his character without a single stain upon it. He had proved himself one of the most public-spirited men he (the speaker) had over coins across, and they felt that they were speaking for the whole of Masterton in saying that they deeply regretted his departure. (Hear, hear.) He had often been Teferred to as “a dear old man,” that being a term not only of endearment but one of respect. They had learned to respect and to love him in the highest degree. (Hear, hear.) His Worship did not say that in a flattering spirit; it was absolutely true. Mr Tennent had taken an active and helpful interest in every docent institution in the town. (Hear, hear.) They were assembled as fellow townsmen, and more particularly as friends, to bid Mr Tennent farewell , with every respect, to wish him a calm i eventide and that he might be spared i many years to enjoy that eventide in health and friendship wherever he might reside. “We here shall always remember him for his splendid char--1 aeteristics, for his great and generous 1 disposition and, for his public spirit.” 1 His Worship then handed the gifts ■ to Mr Tennent as “some token of tho 1 deep love and esteem we have for you, 1 our dear old friend and fellow citizen. ’ ’

Apologies were received from Messrs P. M. Compton, D. J. Cameron, W. S. L. Dickson, A. Donald, W. G. Lamb, W. 8. Jago, A. Keith, E. L. Holmwood, G. D. Shoosmith and P. M. Velvm, the last named experssing his great appreciation of the interest Mr Tennrnt had taken in the Y.M.C-A.

Mr Tennent, speaking with considerable feeling, thanked the gathering for the kind things they ba dsaid. It was not very easy at his age to go to a new town and make new friends, and he was very sorry to leave Masterton, but his womenfolk had taken charge, and he had nothing else to do but to obey. He had received an immense amount of kindness since he same to Masterton as a complete stranger. It was only natural that oae should do what one could to help the town, and it was in so doing that he had made so many acquaintances. It had been a very nappy time for him, and he regretted that he had to lessen his activities one after another owing to causes that ho could not help and to his own strength failing, but he would take with him a fund of memories of Masterton and of their kindness to him. He only regretted that he could not remain to help further in some of the activities they were engaged in. (Applause.) Mr Tennent then shook hands with all present.