COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9396, 17 March 1909, Page 5

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

MR JOHN STEVENS ENTERTAINED. HIGH COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE. IMPORTANT CHANGES. Mr John ‘Stevens, ex-member for Manawatu, was entertained last evening by Ins late constituents at a complimentary social. The social was held in the Opera House aud was very largely attended, there being present representatives of the most distant parts of the Manawatu electorate.

Sir Joseph Ward was present, and amongst others were Mr Edward Newman, member for Manawatn ; Mr A. E. Remington, member for Rangitikei; Mr T. M. Hornsby, exmember for Wairarapa, representatives of Local Bodies and a largo number cf ladies. ■

Dr, Skerm:m, i es-Mayor of Mar ton, occupied chair.

A number of apologies wore received from well-known residents and distinguished Parliamentarians, al]£c6udiug|l'elioisons complimentary messages. Proceedings were commenced some time after 8 p.rn., when the chairman invited the audience to devote soma little attention to “Internal Affairs,’’ by drawing on the generous supplies spread on the festive board. While ’the invitation was being accepted Mr Bait srozier’s Orchestra tuned up and made melody. The Chairman first extended a hearty welcome to the Premier, and then expressed his pleasure at being present to do honour to his esteemed friend. Mr Stevens. (Applause.) Their relations had been of a most friendly description, and although they differed politically, it made no difference whatever to their personal friendship. This was characteristic of Mr Stevens' career. The first toast on the list was announced by the chairman and the hiss of the lemonade announced that His Majesty’s health was to be drnuk in strictly temperance beverages. However, it was honoured none the less heartily or loyally. In proposing the “Parliament of New Zealand,’’ the chairman expressed a hope that’ it would still continue to hold the high position it bad attained THE PREMIER’S ADDRESS. Sir Joseph Ward, who was received with loud and prolonged cheers, lasting some minutes, replied to the toast. He referred to'the chairman’s remarks concerning the non-political character of the occasion and stated that it was not his intention to deliver a policy speech, bat that during the next few weeks the task would devolve upon him of delivering a policy speech in some other part of the Dominion, when he would explain the policy of the Administration, and speak on many matters of importance to the people of the Dominion. Referring to Parliament as a whole he said the men returned had to be iu the truest sense of the term if they wanted to effetcually carry on the work they had marked out in the interests of their country; One never liked talking about himself, but sometimes it was necessary to do so. There were one or two things he wished to take the opportunity of saying. A short time ago he noticed a suggestion published in the Wellington Evening Post over the signature of a clever writer that there was a possibility of his taking his departure from New Zealand. He did not know what prompted the suggestor, but he did want to say it was inaccurate in every possible way. (Applause). He had neither thought of nor contemplated leaving this happy country. Moreover, if such an idea had existed in his mind he would have known what his duty was to the country, the members of Parliament, and to his constituency, namely to bo the first to publicly Inform them. (Applause). He wished to say tnat wherever such a suggestion emanated from it was absolutely incorrect. For some reason the idea was circulated in different parts of the country that physically he was not as strong as he ought to be, and that was likely to be his reason for retiring. Physically t he had nothing wrong with him. About a month or six weeks ago he was slightly inn down as a result of hard work, and he considered it best in the interests of his health to take a rest for three weeks at that wonderfully recuperative place, Rotorua. It was extraordinary that he should find it circulated throughout the country that he was breaking down, and Heaven only knew what was going to take place. Anyone who could shoulder the responsibiities devolving on him, without feeling some effects, would he a of Samsons. He wished to take them into his confidence with respect to several changes in connection with the High Commissioner’s office in Loudon. There was for several years in Lon; don, Mr Walter Kennaway, Secretary to the High Commissioner’s office, a gentleman who had been more than 40 years in the service of the country, during which time he had fulfilled hie duties with credit to Jhimself and profit to his country. Mr Kennaway was to retire at the end of June. The Government bad appointed Mr Palliser, who had been audit officer in the High Commissioner’s office in London for a number of years, and who possessed all the qualifications necessary to carry on the duties devolving on that position. He had been in the service since 1865, and the intimation of the appointment was despatched ‘ that morning. In turn that created another vacancy, and to the vacancy of audit officer they had appointed Mr T. H. Hamer, Undersecretary for Mines, in Wellington, who goes Home to take up that position in iLondon. He had filled many posts in this country and everyone he had undertaken successfully, and displayed high abilities and rendered capable service in. every way. Both appointments had been carried out with the full concurrence of the Controller and AuditorGeneral, whom he consulted upon the,matter, and who, he was glad to say, agreed in each instance in the course that was being followed. The work of auditor in London was of great importance, and as Mr Hamer would he in the Audit Department, and under the direction of the Controller and Auditor-General, he was sure he would do as good and faithful work in that position as he had already done in the various other important and responsible posts filled in New Zealand. The development of trade between the Old Country and New Zealand, both ways, was a matter of great importance to the Dominion and the regulaon and control c£ immigration^was

a matter that required thorough attention. In order to enable an active officer from New Zealand with local knowledge to carry out these duties, the Government had appointed Mr T, E. Donne, at present General Manager of the Tourist Departcuit, to fill this responsible* position There were two officers in the High Oonmiissiooer’s office who would be recalled to ihe Dominion. Both Mr Douuo and Mr Hamer would leave tor London at an early date, Th alterations that we,ie being made would :ne«u 'comparative!}' no increase in expenditure. In fa'*S the total increase upon the estimates for the High Commissioner’s Office would be but £B4. But against this the salaries of both Mr Donne and Mi Hamer ib New Zealand would he practically saved, as Government had decided not to appoint officers to fill the vacancies caused by their promotion and this would cause a saving “of between £I2OO and £I3OO. It was intended to make the Tourist Department a branch cf another important department before long, but he would make this announcement in a few days. It would not be necessary to fill the position vacated by Mr Hamer. He Joelieved the appointments would do a vast amount of good for the Dominion and give effect to the views expressed in Parliament that changes in the Home .office snould be more frequent, as otherwise the officers got out of touch with the people of New Zealand, (Applause). “Local Bodies” proposed by Mr Remington, were then toasted. Mr R. K. Simpson, chairman of Rangitikei County Council, replied. THE PRESENTATION.

Sir Joseph Ward, in proposing “The Guest of the Evening, ’’ said it would.be quite impossible within the limited time at his disposal to deal frilly with the past services and achievements of Mr Stevens. He did want to say that lie was a man who had been in the eye of the public in the political arena since 1881—28 long years—and was able at the end of that time to find that he had not only the cordial sympathy and goodwill of* his friends, but equally of those who in public life were known as opponents. And in public life a man should be able to go into a contest whether it be on the track or even in the boxing yvorld and meet defeat equally with success, and if he comd not he should never go into the political arena at all. If there were a man who could say he tried to do his duty while he represented various constituencies in this country,‘under the most difficult circumstances in recent years, showing the old Spartan bravery, that man was Mr Stevens. (Cheers). During bis own time from 1887 he certainly made numerous friends on both sides ofi the House, and no man could do much for a constituency nulessghe could make friends in Parliament of men all round. They realised that out of public life he was as happy as a youngster. And after a tonr in the Parliamentary fields, in the constituency and Parliament itself of 28 years, here he was to-night more vigorous than six months ago. In the political world where politics had at times, even in his own constituency, been very warm, he had not left an enemy behind him. He had gone out of it with friends on both sides of the House who wished him now better health and greater physique until as time went on he had to look for other regions for the display of those abilities which he had manifested in this country. And let'him' conclude by asking them to wish long life, ’happiness and prosperity and continued good health to Mr John Stevens. The toast was drunk with musicaiJionQurs and cheers for Mr Stevens. Cheers were also given for Miss Stevens. The which was meat artistically executed, was as follows : To John Stevens, Esq., Dear Sir, — We the electors of Manawatu desire to express to you our high appreciation of the service yon have for a period of nearly{2s years as a member of the New Zealand House of Representatives rendered to the Rangitikei and latterly to the new Manawatu District. We know well that you have allowed no opportunity to pass when a benefit could be obtained for the constituency you so long represented, and Jthat your capabilities and sphere of usefulness were extended'and rendered freely both in and out of Parliament, to the Dominion at large land loyally to the Empire, and fntther that although yon are not now its official representative your influence and care will still be beneficially exercised in promoting the welfare of the district in which your efforts for good have so long been prominent. For these things we owe you our thanks, and for the respect in which we hold you we sincerely hope that you will ctill enjoy many years of health and usefulness, and we remain, Dear Sir, with warmest wishes for your future happiness, your sincere friends and wellwishers.

Signed on behalf of the Committee Messrs E. Bead, A. H. Sutcliffe, P. Garrity, R. W. Look, John Sanson, Fred Sisson, J. E. Walker, J. M. A’Court, W. L. Little, and R. H. Odker, Secretary. MR STEVENS’ ACKNOWLEDGE MENT. Mr Stevens, who was received with loud and continued cheering, said it was needless to say that there were occasions when defeat was sweeter thin success. On this occasion, although defeated, neither himself nor his supporters were dismayed, because everyone recognised, who was fair minded, with to what was necessary for the advancement of the country in which he lived, that there must be two sides to everyt question, b There would be no credit, there would be no kudos for a public man if he had no opposition. Opposition in commercial circles was said to be the life of trade. Opposition in public life was the only true means by which could be brought to the surface the sterling worth of men who sacrificed their time and their money to the best interests of their country. , During theTpast 28 years both in and out of the Parliament of New Zealand he claimed, without egotism, to have fulfilled.some of those qualifications which the Right Hon, Sir Joseph Ward had, so kindly, credited him with. So far as his present inclinations "were concerned and so far as his future inclinations would be concerned they were to see that New Zealand prospered, and to see that all sections of the community did in their own interests that which was necessary even as it was their duty, viz,, to uplift each other to the highest possible level with the highest possible aspirations towards the betterment of themselves and the , Dominion generally. It ~aj

to note, gratifying to him at any rate, that not only " his staunch friends both political and personal, but that many cf his personal friends who differed from him politically, were';preseut to do honour to him for those humble services which he claimed to have rendered ungrudgingly he hoped, and with a great delay of pleasure certainly. He had always endeavoured to make his political life a life of pleasure and to b ieve when he was returned that he represented the constituency as a whole, and to a small degree the Dominion, All t.Vso questions and Lie living of a political life, better prepared one for whan was to como hereafter. But although he had known for a long time that the Bight Honor £ the Prim e Minister* was a fairly good prophet, he crossed swords with him when he said he would have to think about the other side of Kiwa in' 15 or 20 years. That was a thing no fellow could understand. He did, however, fee) very thankful indeed good health he enjoyed with the exception of a little physical infirmity, being able only to see through one’s mind instead of one’s glass eye. Notwithstanding all this he wished to allowed to thank the electors of Manawatu generally for the great consideration which they had always shown him throughout his long career in public life, and he hoped and trusted that the same goodwill as had been shown to him by all sides and by all sections of the com- w munity would be accorded to his successor. (Applause). Until the next election when he hoped that all the Liberal electors would rally round the Liberaljpoll and without exception vote according to their belief and not allow themselves to be misled, not be led away, bat stick to the creed and the belief which was in them, and that he believed was the election of some one who would carry out as far as possible the true tenets of discipline amongst the Liberals. He appealed to them not to have Jhalf'a dozen gentlemen como in only (in the Prime Minister’s words) to find out subeequently who they were not after the election was over. He exhorted the Liberals to keep’on vigilantly from the present to the time of the next election, and he felt confident that with the advancement taking place and that which would befseen in the next few years the Manawatu seat would come back again to the Liberals. He hoped the Chairman would not consider that touched to too great an extent. He was merely giving expression to his strong opinion, and so long as ho had sufficient breath to voice his opinions as to what was necessary for the future generations of this great and fertile country of which ho was a native, so long would he continue to express those opinions which were necessary npon all reasonable occasions to harden up, get together and cement together the Liberals of New Zealand. In saying wfaat;he said on this subject he was sura that be could not have offered a greater meed of praise to Mr Newman and his supporters because had they fainted at a scintilla of an utterance that Mr Massey was not a Liberal and was not leading Liberals that would be assumed that that was the greatest offeuce possible for them. (Laughter). So he hoped he had pleased both sides. Ha again thanked his supporters especially those who had come to do him one of greatest honours that had been accorded to him during his public career, and he could only say that when be was in the House he had done what he reasonably could. Now he was out'of the House if there was anything he could do in concert with the Memberjfor the District fer tbe good of the district, he had only to be asked to d o so. ( Applause). Ha must say that on several occasions he had been consulted some public and some titivate matters of business. Ho could not do so because he wished his listeners to understand that he believed in political etiquette. While ha was a member of the House he never under any circumstances interfered with another member’s electorate, unless he was asked to assist. (Hear! hear!). He in his private capacity hoped to pay to Mr Newman the regard which as a public man be believed him to be entitled to, in that he would not go between him and the Government, but on all occasions when the opportunity occurred and bis humble services were required, Mr Newman or [Jany other elector could command them and they would be at their service consistent wish his doing that which was strictly within the etiquette of public life. He thanked the Chairman, Sir Joseph Ward and those present from the very bottom of his heart. He felt confident if other future representatives received the same cordial ■goodwill which he had received at the hands of the electors they would have nothing.to complain of. Thanking them again, he, wished them health, wealth and ' prosperity. (Cheers and applause). OTHER TOASTS.

The other toasts which were in capable hands were honoured as lows:— “The Visitors,” proposed by Mr J. E. Walker (Bulls), responded to by Mr J.gT. M. Hornsby,ex-member for Wairarapa; “ Committee and Workers, ” by Mr Sttevens, who expressed his high approval of the work of various committees so zealously carried out for the Liberal Party, with a view of retaining the Liberal seat for Mauawatu. He felt he was justified in praising the work of one who had since 1881 acted as Secretary to the Central Committee—he referred to his old and esteemed friend, Mr Edward Read. (Applause). Yeoman service had been done by him at every election and whenever defeat came along ho was -more sorry for (him than ho was for himself. Id all parts of the electorate he (Mr Stevens) had received the greatest . consideration and he warmly appreciated the zeal and energy displayed by all his committees, particularly in later years when he had been unable to get amongst the electors himself. It was highly gratifying to him to know that his active supporters had never caused any personal dissatisfaction with “the Other eido.” (Applause.) The toast was responded to by Messrs J. B. Walker (Bulls), E. Read and R. H. Coker (Marten). “The Army and Navy” was proposed by Mr Edward Read, aud re Spondod to by Mr Edward Newman M.P. Mr Burohain (Haioombe) made a felicitous speech in proposing “The Ladies,’’and Mr C. B. Ooliina acknowledged the toast. The Chairman proposed “The Press” and the proceedings then closed with a vote of thanks to the chair proposed by the Premier. The social was distinguished by an exceedingly cordial tone throughout aud was thoroughly ‘ enjoyed, by til ■ present, * : Its * ‘ mm