SMOKE CONCERT

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 286, 6 November 1925, Page 3

SMOKE CONCERT

TENDERED HON D. F. WILBER. BY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. The Manawatu aiul West Coast A. aiul P. Association last night tendered a smoko concert to the Hon. D. F. Wilber, formerly Consul-General for the United States in New Zealand, who during his term of residence in this country took a keen interest in the affairs of the association, and who is at present on a holiday trip to tlio Dominion in company with Mr Whipple, a prominent business man of New York. Mr J. H. Perrett, president of the association, was in the chair, and there was an attendance of about CO, including Scnor Bidone, Consul for the Argentine. Among several apologies received for absence was one from Mr J. M. Johnston, treasurer of the association, who was indisposed. UNCEASING INTEREST IN SHOW.

Following tlio loyal toast, that of “Our Guest” was proposed by the chairman, who, in so doing, said that tlio lion. Mr Wilber had lirst visited tlio show in his official capacity in 1021, when he had enjoyed himself and made many friends. After that lie had not missed a show until his leaving the. country, but then his interest had not ceased, for some time after his return to tlio United States lie had notified the association of his intention to donate a valuable trophy for Friesian cattle, in which he had been particularly interested. That trophy had como to hand and had been competed for twice and would for many years to come serve as a reminder of Mr Wilber’s interest in the association. That gentleman had also been generous enough to bring with him on his present trip enough medals to go to the winners of the trophy for the next ten or eleven years. The association had come to regard Mr Wilber as one of themselves and esteemed him i very highly. Tlio 2400 members of the association appreciated his visit and would always be prepared to accord him tlie heartiest of welcomes on any future occasions.

The toast was supported by Scnor Bidone and Messrs H. Y. Lethbridge and T. R. Hoddcr, who all paid tribute to Mr Wilber’s interest in the association and the Dominion.

RESPECT FOR NEAY ZEALANDERS.

Mr Wilber, who was cheered lustily on rising to speak, said that he was overwhelmed by the splendid reception accorded him and would ever remember it as one of the choicest recollections of his life. “I came here in 1921, a perfect stranger,” ho continued,

“and I will admit that I was at that, time as ignorant regarding Now Zealand as the average American. 1 had not been here long before I received an invitation from your secretary to attend the 1921 winter show. 1 was very glad to accept that invitation, as I have always been interested in agricultural pursuits, being a breeder of Friesian cattle and Cheviot sheep in days gono by and having been practically brought up on a farm. I have never ceased to bo interested in agriculture and the breeding of stock.” Mr Wilber proceeded to say that, after his first arrival in the Dominion, as time went on and ho learned of what the New Zealand people represented ■ and their high ideals, lie came not only to respect and esteem them, but, more than that, he came to love them. And when ho had left New Zealand after having occupied eight posts in the consular service of the United States, on both sides of the world, he had gone with the deepest of regret at having fiad to sever his connection with the Dominion. He wanted to express to the association that evening his heartfelt and sincere appreciation of what had been done for him while ho was stationed in New Zealand. If his health permitted he expected to come back again. As far as the Wilber Remembrance Cup was concerned, it was one of the greatest pleasures of his life to forward that trophy, and if he lived long enough and the names of the winners covered the back of the cup, he would donate a duplicate. (Applause.)

OTHER TOASTS. In proposing the toast, “Mr Whipple,” Mr M. A. Conway said that, from what lie had learned of that gentleman, ho was pleased that ho had come out with Mr Wilber. The speaker was confident that when Mr AY hippie returned to the United States ho would act as a great publicity agent for the Dominion, just as Mr Wilber had done on his return.

.Replying, .M r Whipple stated that lie was pleased to have made the trip to the Dominion, which ho had already come to like very much. He had been struck by the magnificent looking men and splendid looking women. At this stage Mr Wilber presented the medals won by the winners of the Wilber Remembrance Cup this year and at the first Royal show, Messrs J. Stevenson and J. Sheppard accepting these on behalf of the Pirio Land Company and the Central Development Fanil, in handing over the medals, Mr Wilber said that tile stock he had seen exhibited at shows in this town were animals that the breeders could l'cei proud of, and were not second to any that ho had over seen anywhere. New Zealand breeders could congratulate themselves on the quality of their stock.

Tho toast of “The V isitors” was in the hands of Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., who said that Senor Biclone never had to bo asked twice to come here.

The response was made by Professor Peren (of Victoria College), Colonel C. 0. Powles and Messrs H. L. Young, A. Hannay and D. Ailan (of Messrs "Wright, Stephenson, Ltd.). in proposing the toast, “The Manawatu A. and P. Association,” Mr Wilber said tlita one could not possibly find a better set of gentlemen anywhere. Replying. the chairman made an appeal for greater assistance for the association in order that urgently required and very necessary works could be carried out. It was, ho mentioned, the intention of the association to make Mr Wilber a life member at the earliest opportunity.

Other toasts honoured were: “The President of the United States,” proposed by the chairman; “Tho Prime Minister,” proposed by the chairman ; “Tho Secretary of the Association,” proposed by Mr H. Y. Lethbridge and responded to by Mr W. T. Penny. During tile evening an enjoyable musical programme was contributed to bj’- Messrs J. H. Perrctt, E. R. and A. AY. Chapman, P. Eadic and AA\ T. Penny.