Presentations at Arrowtown

New Zealand Tablet, 18 October 1906, Page 13

Presentations at Arrowtown

Shortly after it became known that Mr. J. J. Cotter was about to take Ins departure from Arrowtown (says the ' Lake County Press ') steps" were taken by leading residents of the district to tender him a suitable farewell. This took the form of a* banquet on Thursday evening, October 4. His popularity was evidenced by the large and representative gathering that assembled in. the Council Chambers. The attendance num>bered something like 50. , The Mayor (Mr. H. M'Kib'bin) presided, and seated on his right was' i the guest of the evening, while "Messrs. R. Cotter, senr., T. J. Cotter> and R. J. Cotter occupied chairs at the same table. A lengthy toast- -list was through, the different speakers testifying. to the sterling worth of their guest, and regretting his departure " from their midst. They referred to his good work in the various institutions he had been connected with, and the zeal and energy he displayed in anything he ' took in hand. As secretary of the Lake. County A. and P. Society he would he a severe loss. The success of the shows and the Society generally was main- ' ly due to his untiring efforts. They "offered their congratulations to' him on acquiring a, valuable grazing run property near Middlemarch, and wished Him and " Mrs. Cotter every success in their- "new sphere of labor.

The Mayor said an important duty devolved upon him, but before carrying it out, he also wished to express his regret at the loss the district was sustaining by the departure of Mr. Cotter ; at the same time he, with others,, tendered his congratulations to their guest on his advancement in the world. He' had been associated with Mr/, Cotter on the Borough Council for some years,, and he (the speaker) had always found Mr.' Cotter conscientious, and. fearless "in carrying "out the duties of councillor.. Mr. .Cotter-,had-also been connected with different bodies -(referred- to by other speakers), and filled the offices with .credit to himself and the body" to which he' belonged. TheMayor then presented Mr. Cotter, on behalf of .the people of the district, with a handsome gold 'albert- and pendant (inscribed s 'Mr; J r J. Cotter, from -Arrow friends; 1906 '), and remarked ' that he hoped Mr. .Cotter would- long be spared "to wear it. It would serve to, remind him of the days he had spent in Arrowtown, and the number of friends he had there.

In accepting the presentation Mr. Cotter said words failed to express to them his thanks and appreciation for the very kind remarks and handsome gift. In regard to the A. and I. Society he was a paid servant, and it was his- duty to do the best he possibly could in the interests of that body. His connection with other institutions" had been most pleasant. He hal always endeavored to further the interests' of the bodies, to which he belonged, and hoped he, had succeeded. In. reference to the -Mounted Rifles,* he had been a member since the corps was first -formed, and recently an honor had been conferred on him. by being elected to a lieutenancy. He wished the corps- every success. On behalf of Mrs. Cotter and himself he again desired to thank them for their many kind references. A most successful function was brought to a close -by the singing of • Auld Lang Syne,' and three hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Cotter

At St. Patrick's schoolroom, after Mass on Sunday, October 7, Mr.' Cotter was farewelled in the presence of most of- the congregation. The Rev. Father O'Donnell, after referring to Mr. Cotter's many excellent qualities, read the^ following address •—

Dear Mr. Cotter,— W r e have heard with regret that you are about to leave the district and vacate your position as secretary of our church committee. We cannot allow you depart without testifying to the prompt and efficient manner in which you. invariably carried to a successful issue everything undertaken for the advancement of St. Patrick's. We recognise we are los--mg one of our congregation -who was always in his place at the church services, and who continually set us the best example possible. As an expression of our appreciation of your services., and, to show our gratitude, we beg to present you this address and Burse of spvereigns. We wish you eveiy blessing in your new home and sphere of life, and we hope and pray that your future career may be long and successful. -Signed on behalf of the congregation, John F. O Donnell, Rector ; Thos. M'Donnell, Thos. TVE'Entyre.' Mr. Cotter said he could not find words to express ms gratitude. He extended a hearty invitation to friends to visit him in 'his new home. Mr Moran also made, a few remarks. He had known Mr. Cotter's parents for over forty years They always welcomed members of the congreagtion to their home, and were kindness itself. The Rev. Father O'Donnell added that the clergy were always welcome at" the home of Mr. and Mrs Cotter, sen., and treated most kindly