SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO MR E. KELLETT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17156, 8 November 1917, Page 5

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO MR E. KELLETT.

A social was tendered to Mr E. Kellett last evening in tho Rata Tea, Rooms, ju recognition of his Jong services as organising secretary oi tho Amalgamated faociety ot Carpenters aud Joiners. Mr A. J. Cooper, president of tho society, presided over a very largo attendance. Aiming those present were many invited guests, including the Mayor ot ttie city- (Mr J. J. Clark) the Mayors of West Ilaruour and St. Hilda (Mesa.s Moller audi Klcurr), Mr H. Y. Widdowsori, S.M., and the Jrion. J, T. Paul, M.L.C. There was quite an elaborate repast, aud tho proceedings wero ot a most sociable character. Tho toasts honoured wero: "The King," "Boys at tho Front," *'Our Guest," "Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners," and "Our Visitors." Music ajxl recitation formed a leading feature of tho evening, the performers being Messrs Peake, Jacobscn, Errington, Mills, Rawlinson, Scurr, Hawcrxii&u, ana unver, several of these gentlemen's names ligurmg on the programme more than once. Ihe accompanist was Mr Hawcr.dgo. The Chairman, in proposing the toast, "Our Guest," said that tne representative gathering was sufficient to show the lugii esteem m which Brother Kellett was held. It was said that a prophet had no honour in' his own country, but he thought the present occasion, was tho exception that proved tho rule. So far as the society was concerned it was very much the exception. In his (tho chairman's) experience, extending over £0 years, that was the third social gathering he had attended, so that the carpenters as a rule did not go out of their way to honour their brethren. That being so, Brother Kellett must deserve tho honour very much. When he (the speaker) camo here Brother Kellett was president, and he never yet saw a better president. Brother Kellett had l , ho thought, done more than any other man in New Zeal'.nd for the organisation to which they belonged. He regarded Brother Kellett as tho premier organiser in New Zealand. He was a mountain of tact; ho did nst approach two persons in tho same way, and everyone had a good word for him. During tho sis years ho (the Chairman) had been connected! with the society, in one form or another, his intercourse with Brother Kellett had been of benefit to himself, and the men had come to regard their guest as a big brother. As*a member of the District Council he (the speaker) could testify to Brother Kellett 1 s great adaptability as an organiser, and his ability to see both sides. Invariably his advice had been taken in matters which had been successfully carried out. One of the causes of that success was attributable to Brother Kellett's large-heartedness. The position ho at present hold, and they knew how he held' it, was creditable. They had been looking for a man they could trust, and ho had been found ready to hand. Mr Thorn endorsed tho remarks of the chairman, and said that he did not know of a moro energetic man than Brother Kellett. Ho was one of their mainstays.

Mr Loydall said he had to thank Brother Kellett _ for many kindnesses. He had always given advice willingly, and the society could not have had a better organiser.

Mr Warren referred to the difficult task Brother Kellett had hadi to perform. To organise the working class was the hardest task that could befall anyone. Tho Chairman then presented Brother Kellett with a gold watch, which bore the inscription, "Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Otago branch. Presented to Edward Kellett in recognition of his valuable, services as organising secretary, November 7, 1917."

Mr Kellett, on .rising to respond l , was received with loud applause. He said ho had to thank the oommittee for organising the function in his honour, and for the splendid display made, also for the invitation extended to several very old friends of his. He mentioned the fact that that was his birthday, and said that his chief (Mr Widdowson), after listening to what had been • said, would probably regard Mm as a very "essential" man, and if he were eligible he would be entitled to exemption from service. He appreciated very highly tho honour done him. If he had done one half what the speakers had credited him with, ho would feel perfectly satisfied. But he had been fortunato in being associated with men of tact and ability, and that had been of great assistance _ to, him. If there was a time for attending meetings, thinking a little, and acting, now was the time. Commbnsenso should tell them what to do. Thousands of men would bo coming back, , and employment would be required for them. They were up against that proposition. They would be asked to accept into their organisation certain men who might not bo regarded as craftsmen. Tho point he wished to make was that any carpenter would hold out tho hand of fellowship to any returned soldier, but they wanted to watch that the soldier got a fair and squaro deal. He thought that it would bo admitted by everybody that six months after the declaration of peace 15.000 men would be landed here and distributed among them, looking for work. That was only tho start. He commented on the absence of young men from the gathering, which he attributed to the working of the Arbitration Aot. They had grown up undior a system of spoon-feeding, with what result? They cared nothing; they knew not; v they cared not. Everything would come all right. The Arbitration Act had taken away initiative. The young man was prepared to' depend upon his officers, and thoso who looked after affairs, while he took the benefits. In conclusion, Mr Kellett said he heartily thanked them all for their handsome present, and for tho public recognition of his services.