COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13767, 4 June 1908, Page 3

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

PRESENTATION TO MR. BAUME.

A complimentary social was tendered to Mr. F. E. Baunte, M.P. for Auckland East, by the members of his electoral committee, at St. Benedict's Hall, last evening. There was a largo attendance, the total number present being about4oo. Dr. J. Moir, chairman of Mr. Bnmuo's committee, presided, and he. was supported on his right by the guest of the everting, and on his left by tho Hon. George Fowlds, Minister for Education. -\ Among others present were. : The Hons. B. Harris, W. Bechan, M.L.C.'s, and Mr. A. Kidd, M.P. Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor (Mr. A. M- Myers), the Prime Minister, Sir ''Maurice o'E.orke, and the Hons. S. Thome. George and T. Thompson, M.L.C.'s, Messrs. C. H. Poolo, F. Lawry, and H. Poland, M.P.'s, the Hon. E. Mitchelson, and others. . - -

The toasts of " The King " and " Tho Ministry " having been honoured the chairman, on behalf of Mr. Baume's constituents, presented him with a handsomely illuminated address and a travellingbag. The address expressed appreciation of Mr. Baume's services, his work as | chairman of the .Education Committee of | the House of Representatives for three ! years, and his successful efforts in regard to the establishment of Juvenile Courts being specially mentioned. It also congratulated him upon his appointment as King's Counsel, and upon his restoration to good health. Tho Chairman said ho had.known Mr. Baume-for 20 years, and had watched his career with pride. He referred to Mr. Baume's contribution to the efforts that had been made to secure for the country settlers the privilege of tho freehold tenure of their homes. (Hear, hear.) Ho also spoke of the prominent'part that Mr. Baume had taken in connection with educational matters. Touching upon "socialism," he said that tho word had different meanings. Mr. Baume might be described as a socialist, but his socialism was not the kind of socialism that tended- to drag people down to one level, but it was that kind which pulled everybody up, and gave them a chance of getting to the top of the tree. (Applause.) Mr. Fowlds said that he had been associated with Mr. Baume in political life for the past live years, and had always found him a most brotherly and helpful colleague, and one who was most conscientious in acting and voting in accordance with his election pledges. In the House Mr. Baume was always listened to with attention, and upon many subjects ho was regarded as an authority" Auckland East would do well to stand by a representative who held such a worthy position, not only in his own city, but also in the State. (Applause.) Mr. Kidd, M.P., the Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C.. and Messrs. T. Harle Giles, G. L. Peacocke and W. T. Harding, also spoke in terms of high appreciation of Mr. Baume. In reply. Mr. Baume said that the present moment was the proudest of his life. (Applaiteo.) He , expressed his. gratification at seeing such a large assemblage of friends, which made him realise the truth of Carlyle's words, "Infinite is the help that man can give to man." He felt most thankful to them for tho great compliment that they had paid him that evening, as well as for what they had done in the past in helping him to attain whatever success he bid achieved. As to his election pledges, it had always been his aim to fulfil them, at no matter what cost. 'Ihe presentations made to him were unsolicited and' unlocked for, but he could assure them that they would be highly treasured. (Applause.) A number of other toasts were aleo honoured. The epoeches were interspersed with a musical programme, those contributing being Messrs. Allan McElwain Mrs. C. J. Phillips. Mr. Snowden, and Master Jas. Gardiner.