VALEDICTORY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2095, 22 January 1908, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL TO MR A. W. BAIN

There was n large and representative gathering of boa'! business men at the Poverty Bay Turt Clubs rooms. Masonic Hotel, yesterday alhvrnoon. lo bid farewell to Mr. A. IV. Bain, of the Kainpoi Woollen Company, oil his tmuster and promotion ‘to the Wanganui-New Plymouth disL-'t. in succession to the lute Mr. fa Muon. Mr. IV. Pet no presided. Opening the proceedings, the chairman said tliev had met to say goodbye to Mr. Ihi in. who for a number of years had represented the celebrated Kainpoi Woollen Company m our district. All those woo had known him in the bus: .ess world would agree that he had been a ■ cess as a representative of that- company. The company had been exceedingly fortunate ill its representatives in this district, and the company's clients would regret Mr Bain’s departure. In regard to tho social aspect, the chairman said Mr. Bain was one of those genial, good-hearted men, and he would be missed very much, for on similar occasions lie had been the life and soul of the party, as lie could give a story or a song" and help all to enjoy themselves. It had been a pleasure to meet him in tho house, and anyouo who had had tho privilege of meeting him during t-lie evening and enjoying his society would feel very sorry at ■’osiiig him. He (the speaker) wished tlieir guest every success in the future. They felt that they could not let him leave wiliout, in some wav, expressing tlieir appreciation of him, anil lie hoped that a small present would be appreciated by Mr. and Mrs. Bain. He had much pleasure in handing him table cutlery and a tea. service, and for his own personal recreation a case of pipes. (Applause). Tho speaker referred to the guest's good qualities ns a sport; lie was a member of the Gisborne Bowling Club, and they would miss him very - much. The toast of ‘'Our Guest” was drunk with musical honors.

Mr. Bain, in reply, referred to tho well-known hospitality of Gisborne, and his feelings at tho generosity with which he had been treated. Ho appreciated to the full the kindness and consideration evidenced by their nieo presents to himself and Mrs. Bain. They were most appropriate, and lie gladly returned thanks for tho kindness shown to him that day. Ho had enjoyed himself thoroughly in Gisborne, and lie did not know of my other place where such a degree of hospitality obtained. They had tow a reputation for bowling and so•inl matters, and lie hoped that they vould maintain that spirit. It would be pleasant in after years to look back •pon the time spent hero. His friends tad bis best wishes and heartfelt hanks, because it was a feeling ot meat satisfaction for a man to think hat ho had been appreciated in some nnnner. He trusted that the prosjoritv of all would be marked .in the oming years. Gisborne, ho continu'd, will bo one of the foremost "arts >f the Dominion, and looking round it the buildings and tho state of tlio 'ountrv, a great future was assured : or the district. He regretted leavng here, and .it was his wish to take holiday some time and cornu back in a visit. (Applause.) Mr. C. H. Ambridge remarked that requently Gisborne people bad to say ;od-bye with one band and give a velroine with the other shortly aftervnrds. In this case he was glad to 'xtend the hand of friendship to Air. IT. Ilobbs, Mr. Bain’s successor, uid lie was sure lie would follow in -ho latter’s footsteps. He hoped that- the splendid unanimity existing amongst the travellers and business -rum here would continue. They -ould do tlieir work and could meet together on the bowling green with business entirely unregarded, and though there was opposition, they vere a united family, and lie did •iot know if any place could _ bo found which was run on similar lines, ife asked the company to charge their glasses, and wish Air. Hobbs ill success on the path that flay refore him. Air. Hobbs said that this came as a surprise to him. He passed through Gisborne eight or nine months ago, when Air. Bain introduced him to a number of local gentlemen, and jokingly prophesied that lie would follow him here, but he had not the remotest idea that there would be anything in it at that time. Mr. Sain spoke of the fine social feeling existing amongst the people of this district and the good fellowship between the opposition men in the soft goods trade. He had never seen it so marked as at this place. Ho chanked them for kind things spoken, and said he would do his best in business and socially. (Cheers.) Mr. F. J. Teat supported the chairman’s remark ; hi reference to Air. Bain, and wished him every success in his new sphere. Air. R. Johnston, of Sargood’s, felt ;orry at 'losing Mr. Bain, whom lie had met fifteen years ago, and at tho same time ho extended a welcome to hi-, succssor.

Air. Steele, on behalf of the travelers, and Alestrs Alurray and Crompou added tlieir quotas to the ■peeches. Air. Bain asked those present to ‘oil! heartily with _ him in -wishing au-cess to the chairman an all. his indertakings. Air. Pettie was al-a-ays to the fore when, there was omething to do. tf in future they vished to do him honor by electing iitn to the Mayoralty, the honor ,-ouU be appreciated by him, and ho veil deserved any honor which might V conferred upon him. . 110 knew of in whiter man.

In reply, Air. Pettio said that he vas sure that anything lie had ever lone was done willingly and prompt’d by the good feeling expressed -so reely that day. lie thanked them heartily for tlieir kind wishes.