VALEDICTORY

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160710, 24 July 1920, Page 7

VALEDICTORY

PRESENTATION TO MR W. DUNN. BY MEMBERS OF THE SWANKERS’ CLUB. A large and representative gathering of members of the Swankers’ Club assembled at Chavanne’s Hotel this morning to say farewell and make a presentation to Mr W. Dunn, who during the past 6V2 years has been manager of His Majesty’s Theatre, and who is leaving for Hamilton on Monday. Mr G. Gordon, who presided, stated that during his sojourn in Wanganui Mr Dunn had proved himself 10 be a good member of the Swankers’ Club. The members were all very sorry Mr Dunn was leaving thqpi. While in Wanganui he had been a good citizen and had rendered good service to his firm, and they had now decided to send him to Hamilton to open up new ground, and all his comrades in Wanganui hoped that his future efforts would be rewarded with every success. The members of the Club felt that they could not let Mr Dunn go _ away without expressing very genuine regret. Mr Dunn would take away with him pleasant recollections of the happy times spent in Wanganui. Members also wished, Mr Dunn to convey to Mrs Dunn their best wishes, and hoped that she would also have a happy time in Hamilton. Mr Gordon then handed to Mr Dunn an envelope containing a substantial cheque and a gold tiki, and also a for Mrs Dunn, at the same, time intimating that the presents carried with them all sincere good wishes. The gathering then drank the health of Mr and Mrs Dunn, and sang “For they are jolly good fellows.” and gave three hearty cheers. Mr H. Duigan, as one of Mr Dunn’s oldest friends in Wanganui, stated that Mr Dunn had always proved himself a man, and when a person did that in Wanganui he was appreciated. They felt sorry that Mr Dunn was leaving, but they recognised that the best of friends must part. They hoped Mr Dunn would be spared many years to carry the “little bag” of the firm to the bank. The speaker then referred to the busines stransactions he had had with Mr Dunn which had always been most satisfactory. Mr Pry stated that he had been acquainted with Mr Dunn since he arrived in Wanganui and no one regretted their guest's departure more than the speaker. Mrs Dunn had also made a large circle of friends. He wished Mr and Mrs Dunn every success, and hoped that long life and prosperity would be theirs. Mr G. Swan said he was very sorry to say good-bye to “Billy. The community was losing a good citizen who had always been in the foremost rank to offer his "services. He wished Mr Dunn God speed, health and happiness. Mr Lacey, on behalf of country members, also paid a tribute to Mr Dunn’s popularity and business efficiency, and stated that he felt sure Mr Dunn would be the proper man on horseback 111 Hamilton, and would make a success of the business there. Mr Jas. Thain said he had known Mr Dunn for several years and had always found him a genuine good chap. He wished him every success in his new venture and felt certain Wanganui’s loss would be Hamilton's gain. Mr Dunn, in reply, said he regretted very much at leaving good old Wanganui. Although he was going to a good town lie would hare preferred to remain in Wanganui. The people, here had been very good to him, and he had made many pleasant associations. The presentation came as a complete surprise to him as he had never expected anything Of the kind. He thanked them all for the kindly sentiments and token of their esteem, and also returned thanks on behalf of Mrs Dunn. (Loud applause.) A welcome was then accorded to Mr Dunn’s successor, Mr H. Westgate. Mr. Dunn will be farewelled by the staff of His Majesty’s Theatre this evening.