THE MEMBER FOR OAMARU.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18875, 30 May 1923, Page 8

THE MEMBER FOR OAMARU.

MR MACPHERSON HONOURED. HANDSOME PRESENTATION. (Special to the Times.) OAMARU, May 29. At the conclusion of the Liberal rally in (he Opera House last night the party proceeded to the Drill Hall, where a banquet was tendered to Mr J. A. Macpherson, M.P., and the visiting members of Parliament. The spacious hall was completely filled, about 1500 people being present. The guests of honour were accorded a very hearty reception. After a liberal repast had been partaken of a short toast list was entered upon. After the usual loyal toast had been honoured the health of Mr Macpherson was proposed by Mr J. R. M'Culloch (Ngapara). After expressing his pleasure at seeing such a large attendance to honour his old friend, Mr Macpherson, Mr M'Culloch said he was particularly cratifiod that their new member had been elected to a position which he was eminently qualified to fill. He had been acquainted with Mt Macpherson for 30 odd years, and they had been associated on many different public matters. Any differences of opinion they had ha'd never impaired their friendship, and he' would like to emphasise the statement that Mr Macpherson was in eveiy way a perfect gentleman, and one of the most painstaking and methodical in the discharge of his public duties that the speaker had ever been associated with. It was particularly gratifying to him to see a large agricultural and pastoral district represented by a practical farmer who understood their needs and who could so ably voice their grievances, if necessary. Mr Macpherson was not only a practical farmer, but had also a good grasp of the business side of farming as he had been a representative of the farmers in North Otago for the last 10 or 12 years. As a matter of fact, they had had two representatives, one paid, and one unpaid, and the unpaid one had done a great deal more for the agricultural and pastoral interests than the paid one. They were living in an age of pools. They had the meat pool, and the dairy pool, but if all that was boiled down it simply amounted to common•sense and ordinary business methods in the handling and sale of coir produce, and Mr Macpherson had a particularly good grasp of these mattors. He had served as a member for Mount Ida for three years, arid the speaker did not think that Mount Ida was ever better represented. At that time Now Zealand led the world in progressive legislation, and stood in- the front rank in solving the problems of humanity. We could not say that now, but ho thought that what had been done before could be done again. He believed that we had Seddons yet for a Soddou's part, and John M'Kenzies, who were yet unknown, and if the young people of New Zealand would only unite in a common platform for a common purpose, and got rid of the extremists —who never led us anywhere except into trouble —a great deal might be Accomplished. There were ditches on both sides of the political road. In one ditch were the Conservatives, and in the other the Socialists, but the good old Liberals still kept to the centre of the road, and their policy was the same now as ever —to do equal justice to all sections of the community. Mr M'Culloch concluded by presenting Mr Macpherson with a pocket oook containing a cheque for a substantial amount. Mr Macpherson, who was received with cheers, extended his wannest thanks for the handsome presentation and the kind remarks made by Mr M'Oulloch. He thanked his fellow representatives for coming such a long distance to bo present, and he felt sure they Would go home realising that in the south there was as true a brand of Liberalism as could be found anywhere in New Zealand. In replying to the toast of the Liberal Party and himself Mr Wilford said that as a young New Zoalander he wanted them to know the Liberal Party. He was not taking for himself any of the applause, but Was taking it as Leader of the Party. Ihe men of the Liberal Party were upright and honest men. who had always lived a clean life, and who were not afraid of criticism. The Oamaru by-election had: done more to the lifting of Liberalism to a higher plane, than any speeches of liis could do. 'He urged the young people present to get in with the Liberals, and not be afraid to say that they were Liberals. The speaker conoludod with an appreciation of his wife, who was a good sample of a young New Zealander. He referred to the need of the young people to look to the future of this oountry, for it was a country worth looking after—(Applause.) _ The other taosts were:— The Visiting Members." proposed by Mr J. Irving, and responded to by the visiting members of Parliament; "The Ladies and tho Ladies' Committee," proposed by Mr F. Cooney; "The Chairman" (Mr White), proposed by Mr Macpherson, and "The Committee, proposed by Mr Wise. During the evening songs were rendered by Miss Pygall and Mrs Clark.