BANQUET AT MOSGIEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11950, 26 April 1902, Page 5

BANQUET AT MOSGIEL.

SEND-OFF TO MR. OARNOROSS, M.H.R. SPEECH BY SIR J. WARD. [BT TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Mosgiel, Friday. Mb. CaBSOBOSS, the member for Taieri, who is about to leave the district in order to settle in the North Island, was tendered a public send-off in the form of a social at the Mosgiel Volunteer Hall to-night. Mr. Thomas Aitken (Mayor of the borough) prosided, and amongst those present were the Acting-Premier (Sir J. Ward) and a number of menilwrs representing Otago electorates. An apology was received from the Hon. C. 11. Mills, who wired: "Nothing would have pleased me more than to attend to-night's social to testify to the good work done by the member for Taieri both for his district and the colony. No one is more popular in the House than Mr. Carneross, who well deserves the honour that is now being done him."

Sir Joseph G. Ward, in the course of an address, said that Mr. Carneross, by his industry and integrity, and his general courtesy in Parliament, had made a friendship of lasting character with his fellow members on both sides of the House. It was fitting that when a member who had faithfully served his constituents for a lengthy period, and was leaving the electorate, he should be tendered a fitting send-off. He expressed the hope, and in so doing he had not consulted Mr. Oarncross on the matter, that their member would continue to represent them, though he intended to take up his residence in the North Island. (Applause.) Sir Joseph said that no personal or corrupt motive had ever been ascribed to Mr. Camcross during his political career in the slightest degree. Referonre was made to New Zealand's contributing in the way of troops to South Africa. It had been a very good thing for the colony that we had been dragged into the Empire's troubles in this matter, and whilo he was opposed to anything like a standing army, he (the speaktr) held that it was our duty to see that our volunteer force was maintained in a state of efficiency, lift deprecated the talk in Australia of the establishment of a local navy for coastal defence, and said that all the colonies must continue to look to the British navy for external defence. He hoped to see the contributions to tho Australian squadron increased, and the establishment of an'lmperial aollverein, in which union America, Canada, Australia. New Zealand, and Japan would bo included. While, as he had said, we ought to discount in every possible way the spirit of militarism in this colony, ho thought it was the duty of the colony to have a pro-perly-equipped volunteer force, and this, with the" help of the British squadron, could, judging by ■ the object lesson which South Africa, had afforded, defeat any combination, whether it be from Russia, Germany, France, or even China. In conclusion, Sir Joseph said it was sincerely a matter of pleasure for him to co-operate with the memlwrs of Parliament present in assisting the electors in doing honour to the gentleman who had so long and so worthily represented Taieri as had Mr. Carneross. (Cheers.) In making a presentation on behalf of the constituency of a purse of sovereigns to Mr. Carneross, the Chairman expressed the hope that his political career would bo continued till ho was rewarded with Ministerial rank. Mr. Carneross said that lie found it very hard to say good-bye. While undoubtedly ho had many strong political opponents among the Taieri electors, he did not think there was a solitary man in the district who entertained personal feeling towards him. In a few months, after 12 years' service, he would be resigning his trust, and returning it unsullied as he had received it from the Taieri electors, and he hoped it would ever remain so. Loud cheers wore given, which were renewed at the call of Sir Joseph Ward, followed by singing For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The presentation of a coffee service was then made to Mr. Carneross for his wife. After an interval for refreshments Mr. J. A. Millar and Mr. T. Mackenzie spoke of the valuable services rendered in Parliament by Mr. Carncross, and expressed regret at Ins probable retirement from political life. The member for Waihemo unhesitatingly affirmed that there was no more popular member in the House, and deservedly so, than "Little Carney," and as a Whip he had proved invaluable to the dominant party. He strongly urged that in future preference" must be given for British goods in British markets, and expressed pleasure that Mr. Soddon was going to take this question up at the Premiers' Conference.

Before separating three hearty cheers were given for Sir J. Ward. '