RE-UNION BANQUET

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 March 1926, Page 3

RE-UNION BANQUET

. PIONEERS AT KUMARA. THE MINISTEWS SPEECH. Toasted and beribboned, the surviving pioneers of the Kumara gold rush Hau. tne day of their lives m the gaily-uecoi'ated old township yesteruay, when the Jubilee celebrations cuiininated in a grand, re-muon .banquet at the Memorial Hall, hour hundred guests had been arranged lor, but no fewer than 4'76 sat down. Perfect organisation characterised the banquet, which accordingly was of a very successful nature, and the Executive Committee, with Mr J. A. Peever as Secretary, fully deserved the tributes given them. The catering was done by Miss Keating, of Kumara, and reflected great credit on chat lady. She was assisted by a number of ladies of Kumara and Greymouth, who vied with each other in their attention to the guests. Ideal weather continued, and the re-union was held under the best possible conditions. The toast list was lengthy, and the speeches numerous, with tfie result that the gathering, which commenced at 1 p.m., did not terminate until shortly after 5 p.m. The Chairman, Mr A. B. Spiers (who had on his right Mrs R. J. Seddon and Mr and Mrs J. Murdoch, and on his left Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister for Mines, and Mr and Mrs T. E. Y. Seddon), briefly welcomed the guests, whom he was pleased to say exceeded in number those they expected. When the celebrations were first talked of many months ago, it was freely stated, even in Kumara, that they would not be a success. r lhe celebrations which had taken place during the past three days were the answer to that statement. He very heartily welcomed all present, and called upon the secretary (Mr J. A. Peever) to read the telegrams and messages received by the Committee. From the Prime Minister:—“l regret that my public engagements m other parts of the Domimoff prevent my being present at the J übilee celebrations of the Kumara Goldfields, which are being held to-day. The occasion will alibi'd opportunity for the re-union of many who were associated in former years in the worlmg development of mining on the. West Coast. 1 should like to say that the Government have given in _the past, and will continue to extend in the future, assistance in the prospecting of auriferous areas,, and will do all it reasonably can to promote the prosperity of the mining industry in .New Zealand. I send my best wishes lor a most successful gathering.” From the Hon. 11. L. Michel, M.L.C. :—“I much regret that 1 have to ask you to apologise for m,y absence from your Jubilee celebrations. It only a very important engagement that would have prevented me returning in time to have been with you on such a very interesting occasion. Greetings and all good wishes to people of Kumara.” Prom Canon and Mrs Bean, Christchurch “Regret exceedingly our absence from Jubilee. Our best wishes and greetings to all old friends.”

From Joseph Giles, Mount Eden (a Warden in 1876):— “Congratulations Kumafia 50th Year from their old Warden, now in his 94th year. Lively recollections of old sludge channel days, and Richard Seddon and others. Best wishes enjoyable celebrations.” From Father Eccleton :—‘Tlongratulations Kumara Jubilee and best wishes for future prosperity.’’ Messages were also received from Dr. and Mrs Morice (Wellington), —r J. C. Christian, R. Murtha, J. A. Gilbert, Sam Eddy, Mrs V. Fraser, S. Peters, J. Turnbull, C. Roloff, I*’. Williams, and R. Lyons. These messages were received with rounds of applause. The Chairman proposed the Royal Toast, and after this had been honoured, handed the programme over to the Toast Master, Mr J. A. Murdoch, who at once asked all present to give to Mrs Seddon, the first Mayoress of Kumara, a rousing West Coast welcome. He then called for a similar honour to the Hon. G. J. Anderson, which those present gave in no uncertain manner.

Mr Murdoch proposed the toast of “The Pioneers,” and said that a pioneer was “one who goes before/” who blazed the trail of civilisation, and the pioneers of the early Co/istMiad made it possible for the people of to-day to enjoy the comforts they. did. Mr Baucke, who undid his waistcoat, so that he could get his speech off his chest better, replied at length. He was “agin, the Government” who neglected the mining industry. Those present, after Mr Baucke had spoken for twenty minutes, sang “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and the speaker retired. Mr Jasper Jeffries briefly returned thanks ; also Mr Spindeler. The “Mining Industry,” coupled with the name of the Minister of Mines, was proposed by Aly D. J. Evans, who said that he had pleasant recollections of his early days in Kumara. Want of water retarded progress in Kumara when the rush broke out, but the Government races were brought in. It would be regrettable if they were now allowed to fall into' disrepair. He hoped that the Government would still regard them as public utilities. The Westland Power Board on the previous evening had received a proposal to reticulate the district for electricity, important mining propositions were also in train. Outsiders were prepared to invest £20,000 in the district. Even if the Kumara water races lost £lOOO a year, the Government railways lost much more. He hoped that the Minister would realise the spirit of the pioneers was not dead, and would press their claims before Cabinet, particularly with regard to the retention of the water races.

"DON’T TALK—WORK!” The Minister commenced his speech by expressing pleasure at being present. and to see so many old identities. It was trie third Jubilee he had attended, the others being in the Tuapeka district. He was a son of a pioneer himself —one of the old. prospectors who did not ask the Government for a. subsidy, but went out and dug the gold. Kumara’s history would always be paramount in the history of New Zealand. Not only had it given New Zealand one of the finest alluvial ■ goldfields in the Dominion, but it had given New Zealand one of her greatest Prime Ministers. (Applause.) Everyone was pleased to see the late R. T Seddon’s helpmate present—Mrs Seddon. Like all good wives, especially Urn wives of the pioneers, Mrs Seddon rendered no end of help to her husband. No one knew the. help, a good wife was to a Minister, or to any man who was worth his salt. The late Mr Sedflon’s great bumanilnrian legislation would live for ever. It was being copied through*

out the world. It was very interesting indeed to notice that all the great Prime Minister's of New Zealand had risen from humble circunlstances. Many of those present had known the late Mr Seddon, both privately and publicly; he took part in their joys and sorrows, and he was a worker in the best sense of the world. Another great Prime Minister, Mr AV. F. Massey, who went to his rest lately, was another man who rose from the people, who never forgot his old friends, who did what he could for the people, k and who, like Mr Seddon, sacrificed his life for his country. (Applause.) The present Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) had also risen from humble circumstances; while Sir Joseph Ward was another. Mr Coates was humanitarian at heart, and was pushing forward humanitarian legislation. “I am sure,” said Mr Anderson, “that the great flag of New Zealand humanitarianism will be carried on.” He went on to remark uliat Kumara was discovered by chance, but this statement evoked, strong opposition from an old pioneer. “You know nothing at all about it!” he informed the Minister, and; accompanied by a “cobber,” left the Hall, apparently in disgust. s The Minister, continuing when the laughter had subsided, said that the West Coast, up to the end of last year, had exported 6,408,916 ounces of gold. The total export from New Zealand was 23,176,091 ounces, so that about one-third of the gold nad come from the West Coast. (Applause.) The West Coast nad been a great factor in the development of New Zealand. A good deal had been said at Kumara about water races ,and he had told a deputation that morning he would consider the question, lie had explained the position as it was to-day. The whole of the capital put into the water races had been lost, and written off. Every year, since 1915, the Government had been losing over '£looo per year in upkeep and management. Since 1921, the loss had been reduced somewhat, but last year it was £9OO. They should think that over, more especially when he told them there was only one user of the water for mining purposes. It was all very well to talk, but he wanted them to work. Everyone knew that the Kumara terraces’, contained gold. “Get into them,” advised the Minister, “like my father and other miners of the old days did. Work, and don't talk!” The local bodies had received nearly £4,000,000 in goldfields revenue, and the Government did not get one penny. The local bourns got the lot. Upwards of £3,000,000 had been spent in fostering mining. Prospecting was going on under scientific methods, and the Government was endeavouring to help m Tivery way possible. Electricity was going to work wonders in mining, especially Tn Otago and Southland. .Felds would now be worked that could not previously be worked, owing to the expense of getting water on to thp fields. The West Coast had not only become noted for gold. It had great coal resources, but these were not inexhaustible, and careful mining was necessary. The Coast had a. magnificent future in agriculture. Mining might languish, but the future of ■ agriculture was great. The Minister gave the following figures showing the exports of butter and cheese from the West Coast: — Year Ended Butter. Cheese.

For the period April 1, 1925, to February 27, 1926, the exports were Butter, 497 tons ; cheese, 65 tons.

There were also wonderful timber areas on -the Coast, he continued. Some people might object to the restrictions placed upon the export of timber, but it must be borne in mind that it belonged to our children and our children’s children. The timber resources must be scientifically farmed, or our children would curse instead of bless us. In 1918 the sawn timber produced in Westland amounted io 45,700,000 super, feet; in 1921-22, the total was 48,300,000 super feet; and in 1025, it had risen to 73,429,000 super feet. PROSPECTING AIDS. Referring to prospecting the Minister said he believed that the future of mining largely lay along scientific lines. It was all very well to say they should get prospectors to go out ; but they could not get them. The old men were past doing such work, and the young men were not attracted, as they had better occupations.

“For some time past,” said Air Anderson, “I have been giving considerable thought to the question of prospecting, with a view to arriving at a basis of systematically prospecting portions of the Dominion. Experience has shown conclusively that the present system of subsidising one or two prospectors had not produced results commensurate with the amount expended by the Department. Furthermore, it is practically impossible for proper supervision, to be exercised over the existing method, while another drawback is that these prospectors more often than not prospect only for gold and silver, and it is doubtful if they possess sufficient knowledge to identify other minerals. It has therefore been decided by the Government to abolish the present system of subsidising prospecting parties, as soon as the proposed new method is brought into operation. What I intend to do is to hold a conference of the Department’s geologists as soon as possible after their return to Wellington on completion of their present surveys for this season. The Director of Geological Survey will be instructed to go carefully into the matter with thei* and to submit a report accompanied by lithographs indicating what areas in the Dominion should be systematically prospected by a party or parties, each headed by a mining geologist ,or a person holding an A.O.S.M. degree. The scheme will be worked in collaboration with local bodies or prospecting associations on a £ for £ basis. The party will be composed of three or four competent prospectors and a handy man to act as cook and attend to the packing of stores. The leader of each party will require to keep a daily diary of their operations, to map any discoveries, and a record of their work when completed will be kept by the Department- Last week 1 submitted my proposals to Cabinet, which has approved of provision being made on the next Estimates of a sum for the scheme. In the meantime it is open to any local authority, miners’ prospecting association, or a bona fide prospecting syndicate, to submit to me application' to be allowed to participate in such a scheme. It would be a condition precedent to consideration of any application that I must be satisfied that the applicant has arranged for his quota of the expense.” He proposed to go along those lines. He believed they were well thought out, scientific, and up-to-date. There was no use talking —they had to get to work. (Applause). Reverting to the pioneers, Mr Anderson said he knew what they went through; he knew the dangers they faced, the fortitude they displayed, the

hardships they endured, and the diff culties they overcame. He was amongst pioneers as a youngster, and he knew. The country then was in all its native beauty. Where were all the native birds now? Gone West, on account of the weasel, which was brought in to kill the rabbit. The rabbit was brought in for “God knows what!” The beautiful native grasses had gone in many parts of the country; now, there was bare rock,)and the2rabbit was to blame. There was no blackberry or other imported pests in the early days. Children in those days were brought up in hard times, but it did them no harm. “Thank God for such parents as we were blessed with!” exclaimed the Minister. He wished the remaining pioneers every happiness in their declining years.

It had fallen to his lot to carry on a portion of the humanitarian legislation founded by the late Mr Seddon. He took a keen interest in his work as Minister of Pensions, and believed that a sound principle underlaid the legislation. Thanks to the sympathy of the late Mr Massey, and the present Prime Minister, he had found the administration of the portfolio easier, and ventured to think that success had attended his efforts. He was sure that the great man who laid down the principle would approve of what had been done, were he here to-day. Mr Anderson stated that he had received instructions from Mr Coates to carry pensions legislation still further along the road of progress. It was the policy of the Government to give young and old every chance, and to leave the country better for having been in pffice. “Mr Baucke and myself,” said the Minister, “are good friends. He always criticises me, and I always take it in good part. Mr Baucke wants to try and improve 'the mining industry ■ along lines which I know cannot be done, while I believe my {ideas can be put into operation successfully. By helping each other, we can do a good deal towards bringing the mining industry back to prosperity.” (Applause). Mr. W. H. Parfitt, Mayor ol Greymouth proposed “The Parliament of New Zealand.” He claimed to be a pioneer himself—he was born in No Town and lived among pioneers all his life. The spirit of the pioneers was shown to the world by a Kumara pioneer, Richard John Seddon, whose name would live for ever and who was the greatest statesman the Dominion had ever seen.

Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon M.P. replied, saying that five months ago he had set out to gain the right to reply to this toast and did not even to-day know if he really had that right or not. He had to thank them for the honors paid that day to “Mum and Dad.” He appreciated the compliment; it was the finest tribute the family had ever had. Kumara had no great buildings to boast of, —no great deeds to make it famous, but it did have a spirit of what he would call West Coastisnl, which brought about such great measures as the Old Age Tension Act,', which received their birth in the old town of Kumara. Mr. S. P. Evans proposed “The day we celebrate’, w’hich was responded to by Mr. J. Steer (Greymouth). “The Visitors,” was proposed by Mr. W. B. Gilbert, and Mr. G. Allman, Palmerston North and Mr. W. Spindler, Christchurch, replied. Mr. R. Burrell proposed “Westland Public Bodies,” and Mr. D. Baybutt replied. Mr. Seddon proposed.“ The Ladies,” to which Mr. H. Chalk replied. “The Press” was proposed by Mr. G. Burger and responded to by Air. J. O’Brien. “The Jubilee Executive” was proposed in a happy speech by Mr. J. Rochford, who paid them a well-de-served compliment. Mr. Peever “the man at the helm” had worked wonders.

Mr. Peever, on rising to reply, was greeted with an ovation, all present recognising his great, work. He stated that there had been many difficulties. First they had to “arrange the weather” and then to stop those pessimists in their midst who predicted disaster. This had been done and one and all worked with a will. He was a stranger almost among them —but their success was only made possible by their united effort. He saw a great future before Kumara which was rich in natural resources. They only had “to marry electric power to those natural resources” to succeed, and the spirit of the celebrations committee would place Kumara on the map for all time.

Mr. Anderson proposed the toast of “the chairman, and Mr. Spiers.” Before Mr. Spiers replied, Air. Gordon Harcourt sang, by special request, “My Pretty Jane.” The chairman having replied, the singing of Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King followed by hearty cheering, brought the proceedings to a close. The Greymouth orchestra played selections during the afternoon, which were very much appreciated.

The children’s picnic took place yesterday on the racecourse and was attended by children not only from Kumara but also from the surrounding districts. The committee had erected swings, organised a sports programme and provided the eatables so dear to the hearts of children, thus the success of the outing was assured.

March 31. Tons. Tons 1921 ... ... 259 189 1922 ... ... 488 312 1923 ... ... 460 316 1924 ... ... 472 336 1925 ... ... 675 100