FAREWELL TO MR C. WHELAN.

Inangahua Times, 29 January 1909, Page 4

FAREWELL TO MR C. WHELAN.

A large number of citizens assembled at Stevenson's Hotel last evening where a farewell social was tendered to Mr Charles Whelan, (or some years Postmaster in Reef.on, who is under orders to proceed to Gore. Mr Scantlebury, County Chairman, occupied the chair. After justice had been done to the spread provided by Host Stevenson the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toast, which was drunk with musical honors.

The toast of the evening "Our Guest," was then proposed by the 1 Chairman, who said he voiced the opinion of the whole district when he stated that Mr Whelan was the most obliging Postmaster that Keeften ever had. He pointed out many improvements io the postal and telegraph service that Mr Whelan had been instrumental in procuring, and the various societies he had been connected with, some of which he had been instrumental in forming. As a social man Mr Whelan had been in great demand, as well as Mrs and Misses Whelan, and all would regret their departure. In mining matters, Mr Whelan had taken a great interest, and it was due to his energy that at least two local ventures were now working. The Chairman concluded by wishing Mr Whelan and family health and success in their future home, resuming his seat amid applause. In responding; Mr Whelan thanked the Chairman for his kind remarks. He found it hard to say farewell, as only now that he was leaving did he find how many true fiiends he was leaving betiind. He instanced the growth of telegraphic business since he ariived in Reefton. There were only five wires here when he came, and now there was a network of them all through the district. He claimed that in assisting mining he had only dooe what all should do, but in fathering the Horticultural and Poultry Societies he was layiogihe foundations of future industries ,fo.i the Inangahua. Although he regretted leaving the district, his transfer meant promotion, and he hoped to return at some future, date when he was sure he would find the district more prosperous. Mr Whelan concluded by thanking all for the kind ness extended to his family and himself.

Mr R. Dunphy proposed ff The J Mining and Commercial Interests,' j which was responded to by: Messrs; B. P. McMahon, and W. Henderson The former remarked on the want of capital on the mining field, which was necessary for the proper development of the field, and instanced , a number of good properties which had been thrown into the Crown again through want of means to success-1 fully exploit them. j j , Mr Henderson spoke of the corn- - mercial interests, and he was that the books of the various busiites% people would show that trade had largely increased. I ' Mr Carroll proposed " The County Council," and regretted that the recent floods had made a heavy expenditure by the County Council necessary. ' ,

Messrs Betts, O'Regan, and O'Rourke responded. The first named spoke of the great pastoral and agricultural possibilities of the district, which would surely be very largely developed in a very short time.

Mr o'Regan spoke on County finance, and chacterised the overdraft as a good thing for members, when such a multiplicity of works-were required by their constituents—it gave them a splendid excuse why all the works called lor were not done. Mr O'Rourke humorously re-t lated how he became a member of the County Council, and was sure that the Murchison residents would regret their Reparation from the Inangahua County before long.

Mr J. W. Morris proposed the toast ot "The Parliament of New Zealand," dealing extensively with the coal mining possibilities of the district, and why Parliament should direct special attention to this part of the Dominion. Mr F. B. Stallard and Mr T. O'Brien briefly responded. "The Ladies" was proposed bv Mr J. Patterson and responded to by Messrs Monteith and J. Irving, while that of "The Press" was responded to by Mr J. Noble. The toast of the Host and Hostess" was proposed Mr J. Scarlett, and responded to by J. Stevenson. During the evening songs were sung by Mr H. Wicken and Mr T. O'Rourke, and recitations given by Mr H. Smith and Mr Whelan, and a most enjoyuble evening was concluded by all singing "Auld Lang Syne."