HUNTLY.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 766, 28 September 1900, Page 4

HUNTLY.

Pdbuo Presentation.—On heiring that Mr E. A. Dawson had been promoted to the traffic inspectorship on the Wellington section of the railway, the public of Huntly determined to show their appreciation of his services in a suitable manner. Ab stationmaster, post and telegraph master, he has been an efficient and " civil" (in the best sense of the word) servant. In every movement calculated to advance the interests of Huntly, Mr Dawson has been in the fore-front, and into the work of all institutions he has brought tact, energy, push, vim, and determination to overcome every obstacle. InS. Paul's Church as a vestry-man, as lieutenant of the rifles, and a most enthusiastic officer ho was, as secretary of the Masonic Lodge about to be opened, as the dominant partner in the school committee ; and as superintendent of the Huntly Juvenile Temperance Lodge ; in fact, in all he was efficient, capable, trustworthy and zealons. To acknowledge such services the public of Huntly assembled in large numbers in the Drill Hall at 7 p.m., when the volunteers in full uniform, under Lieut. Elliot, assembled to take leave of officer whose departure they re. gretted. The chair was taken by Mr Wright, whocregrotted that tho brevity of Mr Dawson's notice to report at Wollington, had prevented many, especially those in the outlying districts, from participating in the tunotion. The Rev. Mr Bradbury, who spoke of Mr Dawson as a churchman, was followed by the Rev. Mr Ward, who acknowledged the indebtedness of the school committee towards their late secretary. a public servant, the Chairman said, Mr Dawson was just, equitable and and obliging. He could speak from experience, for when manager of the Kimihia mine all four mines were at work, and all grabbed as many waggons as possible. This was remedied by Mr Dawson who was impartial in his distribution. Of him as postmaster he could speak in equally high term 9. The Rev. M. Cook, who followed, dealt with the qualities which Mr Dawson had brought to bear in his work, chief of which were energy and bull-dog tenacity, while Mr Molesworth spoke of him as a man and _ a man and a gentleman. Lieut. Elliot said that the men would show their hearty appreciation of Lieut. Dawson by their cheering, which they did with vigour and effect, and thereby marched round in fours and at the open, saluting as they passed the guest of the evening. On behalf of the railway "staff Mr Elliot presented Mr Dawson with a fine pipe and pretty match-box, as well as an address expressing sorrow at the departure and congratulations on his promotion. On behalf of the residents of Huntly Mr Elliot asked Mr Dawson's acceptance of a handsome gold lever, and stated that he thought there would be sufficient money left to provide a pendant which should bear a suitable inscription. Mr Dawson, who was visibly affected, replied in suitable terms, the singing of •' Auld Lang Syne " and the National Anthem bringing the meeting to a close. Social.—A social was held in the Drill Hall, Huntly, on Tuesday evening to say farewell to the Misses Talbot, who have assisted in every good work and have done great services for the public institutions of Huntly, and to Mr and Mm Dawson. There was a very large muster, and with songs and dancing a most enjoyable evening was spent. The ladies' committee, presided over by Mrs H. R. Porter, provided the supper comestibles, which, like the other arrangements, were excellent. The proceeds will be devoted to purchasing small mementoes of their stay in Huntly to the ladies named. Departure.—Mr Dawson left Huntly on Thursday for his new sphere, a large crowd gathering at the station to see him off.—-(Own Correspondent).