HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10, 12 March 1908, Page 33

HOKITIKA.

On the afternoon of February 2G, a number of members of the legal profession and leading business men of.Hokilika (says the 'West Coast Times') assembled at Keller's Hotel for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr. Joseph Burke, Deputy Registrar of Deedson the eve of- Ins removal to Wellington. ' The Mayor (Mr. Michel), who presided," in making the presentation, said they had met to say good-bye to Mr. Burke, who was a native of Hok'itika, and who had held a responsible Government position here for the last twelve years. It was inseparable from the- exigencies of the public service that officers should be removed from time to time, and although in Mr.Burkes case they were glad to know his transfer ' re cant substantial promotion—a fact on which the speaker was glad to congratulate him, as also on having recently passed his law examination— still they very much regretted his departure. During his long period of service in Hokitika, Mr. Burke had proved a zealous and able officer, one who did his duty thoroughly, and even more than his duty. He asked Mr. Burke'-s acceptance of an accompanying purse of sovereigns as symbolising the esteem and regard in which he was held by the members of the Bar with whom he had been associated, and by the residents of llokitika. On their behalf he wished him every success in his future career, and tiusted he would rise to a very high position. Mr. Acheson, S.M., said he had been in daily association with Mr. Burke for the past three years, and could say that he had always proved himself a capable and courteous officer. He had something of far more value than any qualities they could credit him with, however, inasmuch as that he led a pure life and was a man of M^h principle. Messrs. "C. P. Sellers, T. L. Ralfe, and J. Haraian (Greymouth) paid tribute to Mr. Burkc's many sterling qualities, expressed regret at his departure, and congratulated him on his well-deserved promotion. Mr. Burke, who was very cordially received, said he did not; know how to thank them all for their great kindr.ess and \ aluable presentation. He had. been twelve years amongst them, but was never a stranger in Hokitika. Many generous things had been said of him, but if he had done, as was said, even more tlian his duty, it was because he recognised that he was a servant of the public and civility cost nothing. His duties had been made pleasant and easy for him by the kindness and help he had always received, boui from 1 the law officers and from the public. He greatly regretted leaving Hokitika, and it was only an amibition to improve his position that reconciled him to it.

Mr. E. O'Connor, proprietor of the Catholic Book Depot, Christchurch, draws the attention of heads ot Catholic schools to/ Dr. Chusier's ' Bible History/ for which he is booking orders. Mrs. Sadlier's translation of Dr. Chuster's ' Bible History ' was recommended by the Australasian Catholic Congress for adoption in primary and high schools. Th 3 manual, which is an excellent class hook, contains. 418 pages, with 110 illustrations and two colored maps....