THE HON. A. M. MYERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3033, 1 May 1912, Page 9

THE HON. A. M. MYERS.

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL. enthusiastic RECEPTION. AUCKLAND, April 25. A complimentary reception, tendered to the Hon. A. M. Myers by the citizens of Auckland on the occasion of his election to Ministerial rank as first lieutenant of the Prime Minister (the Hon. T. Mackenzie), was held in the Town Hall to-night. About 3000 persona attended, and the proceedings were marked with the greatest enthusiasm. The speakers included the Prime Minister, the lion. G. VV. Kusseil, IUo Mayor of the city, the president of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr Elliotl, the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr Guneon), and Mr T. Long (Labour). The Mayor read a handsomely-bound address prepared for presentation to Mr Myers, and congratulated him upon the honour bestowed upon him. Ho also referred to his past services and ability. The Hon. Mr Myers, on rising to reply, was greeted with a storm of applause. The Mayor then stood up and called for three cheers for the Minister, and these were most heartily given. Mr Myers heartily thanked the speakers for their remarks concerning himself. lie felt how inadequate words were to express his sincere and deep appreciation of the high honour that had been extended to him in this gathering.—(Applause.) Ho was deeply sensible of his an worthiness of the honour conferred upon him by the Prime Minister. He had almost shuddered upon hearing Mr Mackenzie state that ho wag to undertake the responsibilities of his three portfolios, but he realised that Auckland should have a Minister, and he determined that it was fitting that he should accept the position and try to do justice to his onerous duties.—(Applause.) At the present time, Mr Myers said, he was in the happy position of having as a Minister done nothing. He concluded, therefore, that the meeting was some modification of what would be in store for him if in the future h© could prove in some email measure worthy of the great con-' fidenoe that had been reposed in him. — (Applause.) The Minister expressed pleasure at the presence of his chief, the Hon. T. Mackenzie.—(Applause.) The people of Auckland appreciated honesty of purpose, and the motto on the banner of the Mackenzie Ministry was “ Honesty of Purpose and Efficiency.” All recognised that the time had oomo for an efficient administration. Even the “ other side ” held that to be on© of th© planks of its platform, and it had been accepted by the Mackenzie Ministry. The most urgent questions before the people to-day were land settlement, railways, transport, and prudent finance, and all the portfolios concerned with these wore held by northern Ministers. They could be sure that they recognised their high resfjonsibilities, and that these important matters, whose solution would do much for tho progress and prosperity of the Dominion, would receive tho utmost consideration at the hands of the present Cabinet —(Applause.) They, fortunately, had a clean elute, and all they asked was that, tho public should suspend judgment until they proved worthy or otherwise. If they proved unworthy, they would ask for no quarter, but would in duo course retire and hand over their duties to those who would then possess tho confidence of the people. Ho wished to say no more. His heart was too full to express his feelings about what was to him the most memorable occasion of his public life. Long continued applause followed tho speech, and very hearty cheers were again given for Mr Mjers and for Mrs Myers. The Prime Minister was greeted with great applause. Ho strongly advocated the vigorous need for the rapid settlement jf the land, and he emphasised the benefits to be derived from bringing into cultivation the kauri and other Lands. The Hon. G. W. Russell also spoke. Tho meeting concluded with cheers.