SOCIAL AT BALFOUR.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1145, 5 February 1903, Page 2

SOCIAL AT BALFOUR.

FAREWELL TO MB J. D MoKBLUB.

the extensive Glenura estate, » mi othS anddoriog that period ha, beoorLrffl popular throughout tb. district. AnSf able evening was spent round the well auL Mr John Macpherson occupied the olmlnS Mr Arch. Stewart acted as vioe^hairman In proposing tbe toast of the truest of th. evening, the Chairman said that he knew M? McKellar very well, and he had known hi. father and grandfather before him, who had been among the pioneers of tbe district. The speaker had come closely into oontaot with he.r guest during hi. 'residence amongst yT', M i $ aU de *" n «' ! with hfm I , ° UDd ,J?' m * P erfeot who responded to fttl y M hl MBißtan<^ The district would be ver, sorry to part with him. The MoKellars were among tbe oldest pioneers on the Waimea Plains, they were widely respected, and as regarded their guest there was not a flaw in his character, of his welldoing towards his neighbor.. It was not a pleasing duty to proclaim hi. departure but as he was chosen to leave them well he was only sorry they could not prevent him. The surrounding squatters and settlers were unanimous in their expressions of regret at Mr McKellar's departure. He was leaving them in good faith, and he (the speaker) hoped that he would always remember the people of Balfour. He wished him long life and happinesß.—(Loud applause) The toast was enthusiastically drunk with musical honors.

wl*,, 0, C- ? ray was VBr y 'hat Mr McKellar was leaving them. He had known him for several years, and during that time had come into close contact with him*»both in business and private relations. In both he had found him to be a gentleman in the truest sense of the word,—(Applause). Mr Geo. Stuart also eulogised Mr MeKollar's good qualities. He was capable of doing a good action, and ho had done a large auuutitftffe of good in the district. In all business actions he had found him to be a gentleman.—(Applause.) Mr D. Dickie also spoke. He had, among other things, worked under Mr McKellar, and found him a first-rate master.

Mr Arch. Stewart said he had been acquainted with Mr McKellar ever since his arrival on tbe station. He had always found him very ready to oblige in all matters, and he trusted that he would be blessed with good health and prosperity hereafter. -(Applause.) Several other gentlemen spoke in a similar strain.

Mr McKellar, on rising to respond, was greeted with loud applause and cheers. He thanked the speakers for their kindly remarks, which he was doubtful if ho deserved. He was somewhat taken aback at tbe large number of friends who were present to bid him farewell, and he felt specially glad to see a number of farmer employees. He had spent about eleven years in the Balfour district, and on personal grounds he was extremely sorry to leave. Since he had arrived in the district he had come to regard himself as quite an old identity. During eleven yeais he had noticed a great difference in Balfour; the district had gone ahead rapidly, and he had no doubt that when tbe far-back sections were broken up (not the Glcnure station, he hoped) it would lend a further impetus to the township. He intended to still take an interest in the district: he had no intention of leaving there altogether, and probably would seo thorn regularly. Mr I'aterson, tbe new manager, was unable to be present, he was sorry to say, but he was sure that he was a sterling fellow and a gentleman, as they would all discover. —(Loud applause). Tho toast-list included that of "The King," by the chairman ; •' The Agricultural and Pastoral Interests," coupled with the names of Messrs Dickie, and P. 0. Gray. Mr Dickie spoke of tho advance of agriculture during the last few years, of tho backward state it was th»n in as compared with nowadays, and of tho active part their uuest had taken in matters agricultural and pastoral during his stay in the district. Mr Gray said the interests which he were intimately associated with farming in-*t tcrests, even if they were not identical. welfare of the district depended entirely the prosperity of the agriculturists, Vhi) were the backbone of the whole country. The success of every trade and the success of all commerce also depended upon them. Going further, he believed that the material prosperity of every community depended to a great extent on tbe prosperity of those who tilled tbe soil and those who found stock for our markets both locally and in foreign countries. Regarding the Balfour district things had been fairly prosperous as far as his experience went, although the weather experienced lately had boon very bad. ' Tho Army and Navy' was proposed by tbe vice-chairman, and responded to by Messrs G. Stuart and H. Koown; 'New Zealand Parliament' by the chairman, and responded to by Mr It. S. Black; • The Ladies' by Mr D. Dickie, and responded to in a felicitous manner by Messrs T. Anderson and John Macpherson, jun. Other toasts honored were ' The Chairman,' ' Tho Vice-Chairman,' and ' The Press,' which were enthusiastically drunk.

Musical items were contributed by Messrs Black and Kligo, and recitations by Messrs Gray and T. Anderson. The catering was carried out on a lavish Bcale by Mr D. McDougall of Gore, and a special word of praise [is due to Messrs Anderson and Maopherson for the manner in which all arrangements in onnnection with the gathering were carried out. The singing of 'Auld Lang Syne' about midnight concluded a most enjoyable evening.