Valedictory.

Southland Times, Issue 12012, 17 December 1907, Page 4

Valedictory.

FAREWELL TO MR ROBERT CUPPLES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

A large number of district friends, together witli a contingent from Riverton, met in the Fairfax Hall last night to express the high estimation in which they held Mr Guppies. The chair was occupied by Mr J. R. Mills in a manner which rellected great credit on that gentleman. He read apologies from Messrs D. Cameron, John Fisher and John Fraser. He hoped all present would enjoy themselves. There was full and plenty for all. He felt honoured to be called on to occupy the chair on so important an occasion. He then proposed the usual loyal toast, after which he called on Mr T. R. Carroll for a song. He then explained the object of the gathering. They were about to part with Mr Cupples. Ho need not remind them that this was a serious loss to the district, and that Mr Cupples would be much missed. He had a very high esteem for their guest (Mr Robert Cupples) with whom lie had been acquainted for the past 40 years, and with whom he had had many important business transactions. He .always found Mr Cupples shrewd, hut straight and honest. He was a good judge of stock and an honest dealer, and always gave a fair price. He used good judgment when to buy and when to 'sell. Dealers to be successful must be born dealers. He was sure Mr Cupples was one. (Applause.) Mr Cupples as a farmer was successful. He had bought many farms, improved them, and sold for £3 or £4 an acre more than he had paid. His foresight and energy accounted for his success. Lately lie went into politics, and was a member of the Wallace County Council. No private business, no matter how important, could make him lose sight of his public duties. All present would admit that as a councillor he showed good business abilities. Mr Mills humorously said; "The plain fact is, gentlemen, Mr Cupples is qualified to take the place of our High Commissioner in London. He is lit to fill any Chair, and would be a grand advertisement for New Zealand.” In conclusion, the chairman said Mr Cuppjes was good natured and performed many acts of charity without boast. He had great pleasure in now presenting the guest with a superior portmanteau and a case of pipes suitably inscribed, on behalf of a few friends. (Loud applause.) His health was thendiuuk with musical honours.

The vice-chairman (Mr McDonald), a close neighbour of Mr Guppies, could endorse all the chairman said. Mr Haywood said he was sorry he had not been well enough to take the chair at such an important function, as was previously arranged, but was glad now, seeing what an able chairman Mr Mills made, and then went on to describe the many good qualities of Mr Guppies, and said the district was indebted to him for raising the high standard of its stock.

Mr John Mclntyre, one of Mr Guppies' oldest neighbours, bad been personally acquainted with the guest for nigh on 4S years. He had ulwuv.s found Mr Guppies, even when ho (Mr Guppies) had his foot on the first rung of the ladder, a generous, honourable, and trustworthy man. successful in life through honest energy. None of your day dreamers who sat waiting lor tilings to come to them. He would advise many of the young men, if they wished to be successful, to copy Mr Guppies.

After Mr John Ford had testified to all that was said in praise of their guest, Mr Spriggs (the gentleman who bought Mr Guppies out), said he found Mr Guppies the living embodiment of straightforwardness.

Mr Ben Ward nearly broke up the company with a humorous speech. Mr Bonnet gave a recitation "Rio Grande'’ after which Mr Cupples, amid groat applause, rose to thank all present for the very nice tilings said about him. He was not much of an orator, and could not find words to thank them enough. His early training was somewhat lacking in luxuries. Pie came from the north of Ireland where lie used often barefooted to accompany his father to markets and fairs all over the country. It was thus he hud received his training in dealing. He came to this country about Half a century ago with little or no money, a chap a little over ten stone weight. He sought employment, making up his mind to save money. He was not long in putting £3OO together, and from that time lie never worked for another boss. He admitted being successful, and was sorry to leave the district. He hinted that sooner than lose his seat on ihc Wallace County, lie would rather invest in another property (cheers). However he had not made up his mind. Ko matter where he went or what he might do, he would never forget the happy hours spent witii most of those present. He had known the chairman (Mr. J. R. Mills) over 40 years, aid knew him when he took a great delight iu riding a good bucking horse. As far as his own public life was concerned he thanked the different speakers for the kind opinions expressed. He did his duty to the best of his ability. When he went into office the indebtedness was over £II,OOO. He was glad to say that it was now reduced to £6OOO. He would once more thank them for their kind presents, and, in whatever sphere lie might be, would look on them as a token of esteem. (Prolonged applause.) The “Agricultural Interests” wore left in the hands of Mr W. E. Willett, who spoke of the progress of the country, coupling the toast with the names of Messrs J. Mclntyre and Wm. Ford, who suitably replied, each taking an opportunity of referring to the guest. Mr Sharp then sang “He brought the Coal” and Mr Philp gave a recitation, "Glasgow on the Clyde.” Mr William Ford proposed "The Local Bodies,” and Messrs Cupples, Affleck, Carroll and Philp responded.

“The Parliament of New Zealand” was left in the hands of Mr T. R. Carroll. After expressing the opinion that Mr Cupples deserved all the good wishes of the Western District people, Mr Carroll said ho considered the affairs of the state were being ably administered by both Houses. There was an absence of extreme partyism. The happy medium seemed to be struck by Sir Joseph Ward, a man of whom wo might ail feel proud. In fact, Southland was one of tiie best represented provincial districts in the dominion. He was glad the Hon. Mr McNab hud set timid people’s minds at rest at the 'nanquet at Otautau when lie told thorn the defence of the dominion was being well looked after. But these things should not ho made public from the housetops. Coming to their own electorate, all would admit Wallace to be ably represented. So long as Mr J. C. Thomson continued to pay such attention to his district, there was little need of change. He had great pleasure in coupling this important toast with the name of their worthy member, Mr J. C. Thomson. Sir Philp then contributed a song. Mr Thomson was received witii a ring of cheers on rising to respond. He thanked Mr Carroll for the fair inter-

pretetion of the work of both Houses, and after referring to Mr Cupples as a man with more than a local reputation, and endorsing all the , other references to the guest, Mr Thomson said that people were rather extravagant in the things they expected of . Parliament. But my notes will not allow ,me to, report the whole of Mr Thomson’s speech. The next toast was "Our Member” by Mr John Mclntyre. Mr Cupples took an opportunity of speaking to tills toast, after which Mr Sharp contributed a song. Mr Thomson responded. After the toast of .“The Chair,” all joined hands around the hall and sang “Auld Lang Syne,” and the party broke up* about 1 a.m., after spending a most enjoyable evening. The piano was ably presided over by Mr Cobbledick, and the catering was iu the able hands of Mr Dickson, Otautau. 14 th December,