HOME AGAIN

Southland Times, Issue 19502, 17 March 1925, Page 5

HOME AGAIN

AFTER A WORLD TOUR GATHERING AT RIVERTON WELCOME TO DR. TROTTER. (From our Correspondent.) The Riverton Town Hall was comfortably filled on Friday evening, when the town Councillors and residents met to welcome home the Mayor. The notice was short, many being of the opinion that the function was to have been held on Tuesday evening; nevertheless, all parts of the district were represented, including a fair number of ladies. The Deputy-Mayor (Mr E. B. Patrick) occupied the chair. Apologies were received from Rev C. Webb, Messrs L. W. Petchell, G. Kerse and W. S. Hunter. COMPLIMENTARY REFERENCES. The Chairman said he was pleased to see such a large assemblage who had met to welcome home their Mayor after a twelve months’ trip abroad. He was sure he was echoing the sentiments of all present when he said that they were all pleased to see the doctor back again, and looking the picture of health. He had visited many places during his holiday, and no matter where one went it was always a pleasure to get home and shake hands with old friends. The large gathering present showed the high esteem in which the Mayor was held, and he hoped he would long be spared to administer to their medical wants, and also to hold the honour of chief citizen. Dr Kingston, as locum tenens, had faithfully carried out his duties and during his stay he had made friends in Riverton, friends who would look forward to his future career with interest. (Applause.) Mr Gee, as Chairman of the Progressive League, said he was glad to see the Mayor back amongst them again. He hoped the doctor had enjoyed his trip and from all outward appearances, he was looking healthy and strong, and, he thought, younger. He had to congratulate him on selecting such an able substitute in the person of Dr Kingston, and while many would regret his departure, they were all glad to see their Mayor back again. Mr Willett said it gave him great pleasure to be be present. Dr Trotter had been long and favourably known to them. The doctor was very observant, and as travel broadened one’s mind, he was sure the doctor would give them the benefit of what he had seen abroad. He noticed that Dr Stewart, Invercargill, had also made the trip, and judging by what he had read, the travellers had a good time all round. As regards Dr Kingston, he would be missed from the golf links. Not only had he provled a careful and patient physician, but he could show them how to play golf. He had played many games with him, and the doctor proved himself something above the ordinary player, being the champion of the club. He hoped Dr Kingston would have a successful career. He was young yet and he hoped to see him at the top of his profession. (Applause.) Mr William Hart, Round Hill, also expressed his pleasure at seeing Dr Trotter amongst them again. He hoped he had enjoyed his holiday. THE MAYORS REPLY. Dr Trotter, who, on rising to respond, was received with loud applause, said he had to thank them sincerely for the kind welcome home. It was difficult to know how to address them on such an occasion. He had to thank Mr Patrick for the able manner in which he had carried out the duties appertaining to the Mayoral office during his absence abroad. Before going away he wanted to resign the position of Mayor, but the Councillors would not listen to the proposal. He considered that a great honour. Being a Mayor of a borough, no matter how small, was a great help to one when travelling, for it gave ; him a guarantee of safety. It also enabled i him to see places and works which would i not be granted a private citizen. During ' his holiday he had no fear about Dr King--1 ston, who he knew would carry out his duties nobly, and the kind remarks made ’ regarding his locum tenens showed that Dr | Kingston was equal to the occasion. He ' was thankful to be back home again. Travelling had its drawbacks, and had he gone on a holiday solely he would have been back six or seven months ago. He had visited many places, London, of course, being the most wonderful, and he never seemed to get tired of it. The way the traffic was controlled was something marvellous and he gave a good description of how the policemen controlled it. Paris was well worth a visit, but the taxi drivers seemed to own the roads. They seemed to have no consideration for pedestrians, and one had to keep a good lookout or they would run one down. He visited all the places of interest, the palaces of the old time kings and art galleries. He visited Edinburgh, where it rained all the time he was there, and his best companion was his umbrella. In Manchester the weather was again bad —rain all the lime. In the Isle of Man he had a more enjoyable time, and stayed with an old friend—an ex-New Zealander—who gave him a good time. What struck him in America and Canada were the huge trains, which travelled at a great, speed, and were supplied with all conveniences. He was greatly impressed with what he saw, and came away with a great admiration for Americans and the Canadian people. They appeared to be kindly disposed towards Britishers and especially New Zealanders. The first time he felt the cold was in those parts where the temperature was 50 below zero. He also visited the lumber mills, where he was shown over the immense properties, and he thought at the time how interesting it would have been for some of his local sawmill friends to be there. Ho, however, was more interested in bones. (Laughter.) Dr Troter gave a fine description of the cities in the East. Yokohama, Shanghai, Hongkong, all being visited, and while he was at Shanghai a battle was in progress between the opposing forces, and the residents were making every effort to leave the danger zone as quickly as possible. The voyage on the whole was interesting throughout, the Eastern one especially so. In conclusion, he said, if anyone present contemplated taking a trip home, he would advise them to include the Eastern cities, which were well worth a visit. He thought he had kept them long enough, and he would conclude his remarks by again thanking them all for the kindness shown, and the hearty welcome home accorded him. (Loud applause.) . CONCLUSION. The Chairman said the doctor had given them a fine account of his trip, and he appreciated it very much. No doubt on some future occasion Dr Trotter would give them more of his experiences. (Applause.) He would also like to wish Dr Kingston, who would be leaving shortly for Queenstown, every success in his new place of abode. Dr Kingston, in reply, said when he came amongst them twelve months ago, they were all strangers to him. Since then he had made several friends; he had enjoyed himself whilst in Riverton, and he was pleased to know that his work had met with their approval. Mr Patrick, in particular, had shown him the greatest kindness. Not being a public speaker, he would just like to say again, “thank you for your kindly appreciation of my services.” After singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and the National Anthem a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close.