Complimentary Social.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8192, 20 September 1906, Page 7

Complimentary Social.

A Bunnythorpe Settler Entertained.

There was a great time in the Bunnythorpe Public Hall last night, wheu a large • number of sympathisers and friends of Mr John Jarvie Gillies gathered to entertain him at a social. Mr Gillies, it will be remembered, was charged with causing the explosion at the Dried Milk Factory. The bill was thrown out by the Grand Jury. All the surrounding districts were represented, visitors being present from Palmerston, Feilding, Aorangi, Pohangina, Rongotea, Komako and other places. The chair was occupied by Mr Arnold.

In opening the proceedings the chairman explained the object of holding the gathering. He said there was an impression prevalent amongst outsiders (according to the evidence published) that Mr Gillies was still guilty of the offence alleged to have been committed by him, and the object of the social that night was to prove to the outside public that the residents did not believe Mr Gillies to have been guilty (applause;. It was with great pleasure that he ex tended a welcome to those present, who were all sincere sympathisers of Mr Gillies. The very large number present showed that "the residents of Bunnythorpe were not backward in coming forward to support a " right" cause, as it undeniably was. Their sympathies were in reality and not in form only. The speaker also referred to the great expense incurred by Mr Gillies m defending the, charge against him, and said that the settlers desired to show in some practical form the' esteem in frhich he was held by them. The Aorangi district was represented by Mr J. McFarland, who expressed pleasure at being present, as the settlers he represented were all associated with Mr Gillies in the dairying industry. It would be quite unnecessary for him to dwell at length upon the genuine sympathy which was felt for Mr Gillies. They all rejoiced to know that Mr Gillies had come through the ordeal with flying colours.

Mr H. Jury said he also would like to have a hand in the welcome extended to the guest of the evening, and to show him the sympathy felt for him. He was glad to think that Mr Gillies had " got off " —although that seemed hardly the term to use, but he would use it, as he had not another at his command at the moment —because he (the speaker) bad not tbe slightest doubt, and all would agree with him', that Mr Gillies Dried Milk Factory outrage, nor was he likely to have had anything to do with it. (Hear, hear.) He had no doubt that everybody was of the same opinion as himself, ihey frould not be present j if they were not, and he would be very sorry to see them present if they thought otherwise. He was sure they were all pleased that no blemish had been left on Mr Gillies' character. However, while firmly- of the opinion that Mr Gillies was innocent of the crime charged againßt him, he thought it was a great pity that the real offender had not been caught. He was gratified to j know that Mr Gillies had so many advo- ! cates on his behalf. The whole case i would be an object lesson to the young people, as it would show them that a good and unblepiished character would always stand theni in good* stead in a tight corner. He would like to impress upon all not to get flustered when asked questions -by strangers, because tbey might be led into danger. It was wise to remember that " a still-tongue mak°B a wise head." The chairman subsequently asked, Mr Madden to present Mr Gillies with a pntse of sovereigns, which would show him that their sympathy was a practical and not a " mOCH " sympathy. Jie WBs very proud to live in a place wliefe sd much sympathy came forward in such a genuine case. All their friends had risen to the occasion to do their utmost to fellere Mr Gillies.of his trouble. They all very sorry to hear of Mr Nathan's trouble and sympathised with him, because they would like to see his industry thrive; for the more it progressed the more it enhanced the value of their properties and would also be a big advertisement for their .district. In responding to the chairman's request, Mr Madden said he felt that the position he was filling that night was the proudest that had ever fallen to his lot. He was not ashamed to call on his friend Mr Gillies tovftccept the purse containing such a conoiderable amount of money as it did. He thought with all the members of the committee who got up the social that Mr Gillies was " not the man." With all due, respect to the detectives, who were under the impression that he was, his idea was that Mr Gillies had been skilfully trapped. He had known Mr;. Gillies intimately for over 13 years, and in his business dealings with him had always found him to be strictly honest. A more unlikely man to be guilty of the charges he was acoused of could scarcely be found in the district. On hearing of Mr Gillies' arrest on suspicion of having caused the explosions, he had gone to see what could be done for him, but had found the factory deserted. Subsequently he met a young boy, who aptly described the feeling, he believed, of all the residents of Bunnythorpe. The boy with visible signs of grief in his face said to him, " Oh! Mr Madden, 'Mr Gillies has been arrested. I have never seen such a day in my life. Everyone you meet have got their heads bent down, and will not speak. I hope such a day will never come to Bunnythorpe again." JThat expression conveyed hia..own feelings. He might add that many older and wiser than the boy had sobbed. t p,lso. He then called upon Mr to accept the purse he would hand to fiim, every corner of it being filled with ,best wishes for his future happiness-ahd prosperity. .(Loud and continued applause). On rising to reply Mr Gillies appeared to be deeply touched. He said : " I thank you all for your v present to-night. It is a surprise to me, and I thank you one and all* for your kiEjd expression of sympathy."" At the- conclusion of Mr Gillies' remarks the audience cheered him and sang " He's a Jolly Good Fellow." < _ The -rest of the evening was pleasantly spent in a programme of songs and dances, the following contributing the musical items Mrs Holland, Mr Print, Miss Desmond. Mrs and Miss Blake, Miss James, Miss Donald, Mr Biss and -Mr Potts. . Miss Scheidt played the accompaniments and contributed the music for the dance.