VALEDICTORY TO MR J. W. SMITH.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLVII, Issue 52, 31 December 1920, Page 7

VALEDICTORY TO MR J. W. SMITH.

A spirit of genuine goodwill permeated the valedictory social tendered to Mi J. W. Smith, Stock Inspector for the Clutha District on the occasion of his departure to take up the duties of Crown Lands ranger at Taumarunui. Mr John Christie (chairman of the Clutfca Fanners' Union) presided over a gathering of about sixty gentlemen representative of ; the agricultural and pastoral interests of the district. He read of apologies from other gentlemen unalble to ibe present. In proposing the toast of the departing guest, the chairman said that Mr Smith had during his term of district Stock, Inspector, adorned the office which he held. They wanted to raise the status of the office, and Mr Smith was the man who had done it in this district. They all looked' forward to the day when stock inspectors wonld be the guide and friend - of every farmer and be welcomed for the advice andknowledge they could impart. The farmer was up against numerous troubles, and he needed expert advice iind assistance. Mr Smith was always able to give this and he gave it •with a good grace. It was necessary to utilise 'brains to eradicate weeds, and the (best 'brains were needed. It Vras no use a farmer being '' strong im the back and weak in the forehead' 1 these days. On behalf of many friends he had much pleasure in presenting Mr Smith with a purse of sovereigns and trusted that success would follow him in his new sphere. .(Applause) The toast; of "Our Departing Guest" was •drunk with musical honours and the low M g ° f " F ° r h °' s a g° od fe *"

Messrs 'Capell, D. Murray, IP C Hislop, S. Wright, W. J. Cuttance, J. Cochrane, Geo. Patrick, Jas. Guest, W. °P e , , D - Marshall, and others also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Smith's good work in the district and valuable advice freely given. Mr Smith on rising to reply was greeted with applause. He said he greatly appreciated the honour done '• Since coming to the district three years ago he had learnt a great deal and always looked to the men he 'knew that he could learn from. He had met some very fine men in the 'Clutha distnet, and he would always remember them. He had tried to work with the farmers, well 'knowing that 'moTe could te done by harmony than by prosecution. On ibehalf of Mrs Smith himself and-family he thanked them' all very sincerely for their remarks and good wishes, (Applause) During tho evening a number of other toasts were proposed and responded to, and a musical programme was proyided, songs 'being contributed by Messrs 0. Elvidge, J. Sinclair, T. , J"?" A : ®" rk > McLintock, and A. iGvLaing; and a verv enjoyable function concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne" and "Will ye. no come 'back again."