%META:TOPICINFO{author="PaulKlemick" date="1185737160" format="1.0" version="1.1"}% %META:TOPICPARENT{name="PolishArtilces"}%

-- PaulKlemick - 29 Jul 2007

Waihola

PRESENTATION TO MR. JOHN WILSON

On the evening of Friday, 26th May, the School was filled with local residents, assembled to bid farewell to Mr. John Wilson (of Wilson and Scott), who is about to leave Waihola and seek "fresh fields and pastures new" upon the Taieri Plain. After a short programme of music, &c., the Chairman (Rev. J. A. Somerville), in the absence of Mr. Wm. Tuff, senr., J. P., presented Mr. Wilson with an illuminated address, of which the text was as follows:

"To John Hereward Wilson, Esq.-

Dear Sir,-On the eve of your departure from our midst, we, the residents of Waihola, desire to express our regret that you are severing your connection with our district. We entertain a lively sense of the many excellent qualities you have exhibited during the years of your residence among us. In your public capacity as a member of the County Council, School Committee, and other local bodies, as well as in your private life as a citzen, you have invariably shown the greatest industry, uprightness, and courtesy, and in your efforts for the general good of the district you have set an example worthy of the imitation of all. May health, happiness, and prosperity attend you withersoever you may go. Signed on behalf of the residents of Waihola: William Tuff, Thomas Adam, C. A. G. Hilgendorf, F. McGillivray, Water Sinclair, John L. Bonnin, C. Robertson, John Beaton, Frank Barra, J. A. Somerville, W. J. Morton."

The address is beautifully engrossed in old English lettering, and adorned with water color sketches of scenes in the locality, the whole being mounted on crimson velvet, and handsomely framed. It was designed and carried out by Mr. Geo. Barker, of Dunedin, who deserves credit for the excellence of his workmanship.

Mr. J. L. Bonnin, also on behalf of the teachers and scholars of the Presbyterian Church Sunday School (where Mr. Wilson taught for many years) handed Mr. Wilson a silver mounted inkstand.

Mr. Wilson briefly and feelingly thanked the residents for their parting gifts, and assured them that however far he might wander from them, he would often think with the kindliest thoughts of Waihola and its people.

Tea was the served, and after a second programme of music, &c., a most enjoyable meeting was brought to a close with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." "The Bruce Herald", 16 June 1899.