VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 March 1925, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

MR. W. J. TENNENT. On the eve of his departure from Alasterton to take up his residence ire Dunedin, Air. W. J. Tennent was entertained at afternoon tea yesterday at the Central Arcade Tea Rooms by a representative gathering of citizens,. A,fter tea. adjournment was made to the balcony, where on behalf of those present the Alavor_prcsented Air. 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 ire Alasterton. Air. Tennent came here nine years ago with a reputation for integrity and straighforwardness. He might say of him, as Air. Skerrett said of Mr. Justice- Hosking the other day, that he came there unsullied, and he departed also unsullied in reputation; his character without a single stain upon it. lie had proved himself one of the most public-spirited men he (the speaker) had ever come across, and they felt that they were speaking for the/whole of Alasterton in saying that they deeply regretted his departure. He had often been referred 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. His Worship did not say that in a flattering spirit; it was absolutely true. AH. Tennent half taken an - active and helpful interest ire every institution in the town. They were assembled as fellow townsmen, and more particularly as friends, to bid Air. Tennent farewell with every respect, to wish him a calm eventide and. that he might be spared many years to enjoy that eventide in health and friendship wherever he might reside. “We here shall always remember him for his splendid characteristics, for his great and generous disposition and for his public spirit.” His Worship then handed the gifts to Air. Tennent as “some token of the deep love and esteem we have for you, our dear old friend and fellow' citizen.” Apologies were received from Messrs. P. AI. Compton, D. J. Cameron, W. ft. L. Dickson, A. Donald, W. G. Lamb, W. S. Jngo, A. Keith, E. L. Holmwood, C. D. Shoosmith and P. AI. Melvin. the last named expressing his great appreciation of the interest Air Tennent Bad taken in the Y.AI.C.A. Air Tennent, speaking with considerable feeling, thanked the gathering for the kind things they had said. It was not very easy at his age to go to a new town and make new friends, amt he was very sorry to leave Alasterton, but his womenfolk had taken charge, and Bo had .nothing to do but to obey. He vid received an immense amount of kindness since he came to Alasterton as a complete stranger. It was only natural that one should do what one could to help the town, and it was,, in so doing that lie had made so many acquaintances. It had been a very happy time for him. and he .regretted that Be had to lessen his activities one after another owing to causes that he could not help and to hjs own strength failing, but he would take with him a fund of memories of Alasterton and of their kindness to him. He only regretted that he eeould not remain to help further in some of the activities tney were engaged in. (Applause. )