PIONEER HONOURED.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10462, 26 October 1929, Page 3

PIONEER HONOURED.

Mil M. BROPHY. iOne of the largest and most enthusiastic social functions held at Milford for some time, took place at the residence of Mr M. Brophy on Tuesday evening, when a large party of neighbours and friends, under the leadership of Mr R. Mills, assembled to honour Mr Brophy’s eightieth birthday. The first part of the evening was spent in card playing, after which an adjournment was made to the dining-room, when Mr R. Mills said that now they had come to the real reason of their vi lit. As they all knew, Mr Brophy was 80 years of age that day, and although he had been only some ten years at Milford, the whole of Lis long residence in New Zealand had been spent in South Canterbury—-first at Orari Bridge, Winchester, St. Andrews — and Southland, so they could see he had been hovering round the best place of all —Milf >rd. They felt that they could not let such an important event pass .vithout in some way expressing their regard and esteem for Mr Brophy and his family for their many kindnesses, especially in time of trouble. Mr Brophy was, as they all knew, a man who was always ready to do a good turn and help in any way he could to make life a little easier for his fellow men. He had seen South Canterbury grow from a land of ■tussocks and scrub to one of the finest wheat and frozen meat-pro-ducing districts in New Zealand; and no doubt, later on in the evening, would give them some reminiscences of his early' experiences. As there were several more speakers, he would ask them to drink Mr Brophy’s health, which was dond with musical honours.

Mr M. Leonard, in endorsing Mr Mills’s remarks, said there was, no doubt, a great change since Mr Brophy’s early contracting days, when ploughing was done for four or five shillings per acre, against the ten or twelve shillings of today; and after a long day’s work they had to come home and boil the billy, and live on bread and mutton. Messrs Lawlor, Westaway and Healy also paid a tribute to Mr Brophy’s many good Qualities. The chairman then called on Mr P. Lynch to make the presentation. Mr Lynch said he had much pleasure, on behalf of the residents of Milford, in asking Mr Brophy' to accept a walking stick and torch, as a small memento of their kind regards and goodwill, and wishing him, on their behalf, many happy returns of the day. • • Mr Brophy', on rising to reply, was greeted with applause. He said he was proud to see so many old friends present, and that, in itself, was a great honour, but they were not satisfied, and had to make him accept a valuable present. Mi- Mills had suggested that he give some reminiscences of the early days, but as these were rather lengthy, and as he was pleased to sec so many young people present, he thought they would enjoy themselves better if they indulged in dancing. (Applause) . Mr G. Harris proposed the toast of “Mrs Brophy,” and this was responded to by Mr P. Friel. “The Brophy Family,” proposed by Mr P. Lynch, and responded to by Mr Horgan, was also duly’ honoured. After a delicious supper had been dispensed, dancing, interspersed with music, song and story, was carried on. Items were given by Mrs F. Anderson, Mr Wallace (Wellington), Mr P. Friel, Mr M. Healy, and Mr M. Collins. The accompaniments were played by Miss Scannell and Mrs F. Anderson.