Testimonial to Mr. J. Pynsent Mathew: Master of the Talaton Harriers: This popular sportsman was on Thursday evening last week presented at the Dolphin Hotel, Honiton with a gratifying and well a merited token of regard. And so appropriate a compliment must have been greatly enhanced by the person attendance of neighbours, friends and brother sportsmen from all points of his county, anxious to show the esteem he had commanded during the long period (considerably over twenty years) that he had provided sport, and maintained not only his excellent pack but the honoured position of master of the Talaton Harriers, in a manner which had given satisfaction the entire agricultural community …. (description of event) …Sir John continued: it is now my pleasing duty to ask Mr. Pynsent Mathews acceptance of this noble gift, in the names of all who are present, and of those few upon this list who are unfortunately absent, and to offer it in the words of the following inscription engrave upon the chaste and elegant silver kettle now before me: “Presented with a tea and coffee service to J. Pynsent Mathew, Esq., of Rydon, Talaton, Devon, the 1st day of November 1877, on the occasion of a dinner (presided over by Sir J. H. Kennaway, Bart. M.P.) – given to Mr. Pynsent Mathew by the followers of his hounds, as a sincere token of the respect and esteem in which he is held by his neighbours and friends …. (other speeches) …Mr. F. L. Ellis proposed the healths of Mrs. Pynsent Mathew and family, and with a few other sentiments, some capital songs and five old bachelors returning thanks seriatim, for the ladies, this very successful “Meet” was brought to a close.
[see similar: Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Friday 9th November 1877]
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
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