WAIMATUKU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2545, 24 December 1902, Page 31

WAIMATUKU.

December 19. — One of the mest successful socials we have ever had here was held on Friday, 12th inst. It was got up in honour of Mt J. C. Thomson, our new M.H.R. No sooner was the idea mooted than a strong committee of ladies met to discuss ways and means. This committee was assisted by another of youug men, who undertook the laborious part of the preparations, 6uch as decorating the hall, fixing up the rabies, etc. So well did this combination worls, so keen an interest did MiThomson's numerous supporters take in the function, that the hall was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the table at which the guest, visitors, and speakers were accommodated was laden with all that goes to make an excellent repast. The sitting capacity of the hall was taxed to the utmost, visitors coming from Thornbury, Waiamwa, and InvercargiU. Mr John Fraser, chairman of County Council, presided, and after the good things provided by the ladies had been partaken oi, introduced the guest. He said that two motives actuated us to entertain MiThomson — first, Mr Thomson opened II 11I 1 is campaign at Waimatuku, and we wished to reciprocate the honour by getting up the social on his behalf; secondly, ws were anxioifs to congratulate him on being now our M.H.R. He then cal'ed on Mr D. M'Konzie to propose tho toast of the evening, "Our Guest.' Mr M'Kenzie reminded us that cut first acquaintance with Mr Thomson dated back 12 years, when he (Thomson), in company with Mr Hanan, now member for Invercargill, and several other yoimg men, visited Waimatuku on the invitation of the Debating Society. He then predicted that young Thomson would yet be heard of as a good public speaker, a prediction that, he ventured to say. was now fulfilled. He predicted a further success for Mr Thomson— viz., if he would fight his battles in Parliament with the same candour, fortitude, and determination with which he fought the political contest, he would yet be heard of a= a statesman who would leave his mark on the records of the colony. Mr M'Kenzie assured Mr Thomson that he carried with him th<> sympathy and good wishes of the e'ectors; but to be a truly successful pubic ma.n one must have more than the sympathy of the people to support him, more than preat qualities to maintain him, more than a thirst for sell advancement to stimulate hiru — he must have the wisdom that is borne of true honest principles and a desire to do good. He believed Mr Thomson had that wisdom, and trusted it would carry liim. jJufwdi. to a> £U££esaiul issue^ sq thai the

electors would be pleased they returned him to Parliament, and we would be pleased we had him thare that night. The toast, "Health, Happiness, Prosperity, and Renown to Mr J. C. Thomson, M.H.R.," was received with loud applause. Mr Raymond, member of the Southland Education Board, and candidate for Mataura against Mr M'Nab, was the next speaker. He was pleased to be present to congratulate and honour Mr Thomson, his colleague, and chairman of the Education Board-. In a very happy manner he referred to Mr Thomson's success, contrasting it with his own defeat. He felt proud of the electors of Wallace for having risen above sordid considerations and sending Mr Thomson to Parliament with such an overwhelming majority. Mr William Templeton was the next speaker. He bad known Mr Thomson from boyhood, and watched his career with deep interest. He quoted Shakespeare's "There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." and s?id that the election of J902 was the tide in the fortune of Mr Thomson. He drew a word picture of our member returning frcm Wellington laden with honours. When Mr Thomson rose to reply he was greeted with cheers. He delivered a most telling and eloquent speech, which was frequently applauded. He was glad the battle was over and the smoke cleared away from a victorious field, but they ware not there that night to boast, but to have a, social hour together. He had considerable difficulty to find words to exDrpss his feelings. He had given so many political speeches that he cculd not touch on that subject; furthermore, the extreme kindness of the Waimatuku people was such that he could only thank them from the bottom of his heart. He referred to the chairman's, remarks, and said that Mr Fraser was one of the most energetic workers at the election. In replying to ihp toast he said the incident referred to by Mr M'K^nzie was fresh in his mind. He eulogised the advantages to be got from a debating society in bringing out latent talent, reminding us that of the members of the society that came to Waimatnku two were M.H.R.'s, two were ministers of the goipel. and one a professor. He strongly advised the Waimatuku young men to- organise a society for next winter. With reference to Mr Templeton's speech, he gave some interesting reminiscences of t*tt ir school days, speaking in terms of endearment of their late tesicher, Mr A. M'Donald. Asrain he thanked the Waimatuku folk for their loyal support and flattering reception of himself and Mrs Thomson. The Rev. R. M'Cully, havins expeiience in that particular line, was called on to cut up a wedding cake, to be passed round, indicative of Mr Thomson being wedded to the Wallace electorate. The rev. gentleman, in an excellent speech, remarked that it gave him the ?reatf>st pleasure to be present to congratulate Mr Thomsoa. Hs spoke in high terms of our member as a man and a Christian, and he had every confidence in him. The other toasts were "The Ladies," by Mr T. Sfobo, who. in his usual happy style, referred to the Mataura election, saying that tha defeated candidate was a married man, while the 9tipces*fnl one was -unmarried. Mr Raymond responded for the ladies. Tha next toast was "Our Visitors," by Mr W. S. Fraser. to which Mr George M'Leod, j another membsT of the Southland Education j Board, responded. He felt sure Mr Thomson ] w.uld make a grood representative, and honed j the electors of Wallace would not measure his 1 success by the number of roads and bridges he wculd promise them. During the evening songs -were given by Messrs William Fraser and John Brown and Misses Janet Brown and Maggie Brown. Mr W. Templeton proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for the excellent spread and to all who had helped 10 make the social what Mr i M'Leod termed it — an intellectual treat. The Waimatuku Darkey Warblers then dressed up and provoked some mirth by their jokes. They also gave some good songs. The most enjoyable evening ended with a dan-", in which the ycujg folk indulged for a fc*v hours.