CONGRATULATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 59, 11 March 1926, Page 6

CONGRATULATIONS.

NEW MINISTER HONOURED.

MR. HAWKEN AT ELTHAM.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ELTHAM, this day. The Egmont Reform League held a garden party at Taumata Park in honour of the Hon. O. J. Hawken yesterday afternoon, when there was a representative gathering from all parts of the province. Apologies were received from the Prime Minister, Sir Francis Bell, members of Cabinet, Taranaki members of Parliament and other public men.

Speeches of congratulation were made by the president of the League, the Mayor of Eltham, Mr. 11. Dickie. (M.P. for Patea), Mr. J. S. Connett and Mr. Hebenton (Reform organiser).

The Hon. Mr. Hawken, ih reply, thanked the League members and others for honouring him. He realised the responsibility of his position and would endeavour to carry out his duties faithfully. New Zealand was a Wellgoverned country and the people were fortunate in their Government. He was proud of his electorate, which was the best dairying district from the point of view of production. If the Governmentfailed in legislation in would be because it was too progressive. The human element might fail, but the country would bring them out all right in the end. His endeavour, as Minister, would be to increase the production of the country and to ensure the prosperity and happiness of the people. Cheers for the Minister and Mrs. Hawken followed. A complimentary dinner in the Town Hall in the evening was tendered to Mr. Hawken by representatives of the agricultural, pastoral, dairying and commercial interests of Taranaki. Mr. Bridger (Mayor) presided and 100 were present.

Congratulations were offered to the Minister, who thanked the gathering for the honour conferred Upon him. He hoped to merit the good opinions expressed. He recognised the difficulties confronting the farming community and wotild endeavour to assist them as far as lay in his power. .