VALEDICTORY GATHERINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2116, 26 June 1907, Page 3

VALEDICTORY GATHERINGS.

MR. D. J. BARRY. Mr. D. J. Barry, accompanied by his wife, leaves to-night for Wellington by the Waikare, thence proceeding to Sydney by tho Monowai. From there he embarks for England on tho Moolton, leaving Sydney on July 6th. There was a large and representative gathering of business men at the Poverty Bay Turf Club’s room yesterday afternoon to bid bon voyago to Mr Barry. The Mayor occu-'ied the chair, and opened proceedings by saying that they had met to say good-bye to Mr Barry, who was going Homo in order to obtain the best surgical skill for one of liis children. All hoped they would return to the colony with their child restored to health. Pic asked those present to drin'k the health ol the guest. After honoring the toast, tho chairman said they hail a couple of tokens of their regard in the shape of a suit-ably-engraved case of silver-mounted pipes for Mr Barry and a New Zealand rug for his wife. Air Barry, in reply, returned thanks for the kindness of the gentlemen present. It was not a trip of pleasure, he said, unfortunately—it was a case of compulsion, anil if successful he would be more than pleased with his journey. Everything hinged on the result, of the operation to be performed on his child. Air F. -Hall was called upon for a few words, and said that Air Barry was a merchant who had started scratch, and he thought , all would give him credit lor having the brains to got up'-Che tree. No one appreci_ateu Mr Barry more than ho [lid, being associated with him in business in a good many things, and he could say that he was conscientious and straight in all his dealings. He hoped the trip would be successful for the sake of the little child, and wished Air Barry all the success the world could give him. (Applause.) Air W. Pettie also added his quota of praise. Although Air Barry did not take an active interest in public matters, he was a large employer of labor and. exeroised a considerable influence in the town, and he was sure the company would agree with him in saying that this influence was always exerted on the side of right and the side of progress. Air J. TV. Bright wished God-speed to the guest, and said that although he had had no connection with Air Barry’s business, in all his twenty years’ residence in the place Mr Barry’s name stood as an emblem of straight-dealing, thorough rectitude, and good-fellowship. As to the future of the family, he hoped that the main purpose of the voyage would be achieved.

Mr F. Harris hoped that Mr Bary would return from his trip with pleasant recollections. It seemed to him

that if a man is to be up to date he must go to the Old Country for a trip. Mr C. H. Ambridge endorsed the sentiments of the previous speakers, and wished Mr Barry a speedy issue of tho trouble which took him Home to obtain the best advice possible. Those who had dealings with Mr Barry had found them to be of the pleasantest nature. Apart from business arrangements, those in search of donations found him one of the foremost. in coming forward. The Mayor, in- bringing the gathering to a close, said that all would agree with him that a trip of this nature was not always pleasant, but they wished him all success. ' He 'suggested closing the meeting by shaking hands with Mr. Barry, which was done.