THE MEMBER FOR TEMUKA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10684, 3 February 1913, Page 2

THE MEMBER FOR TEMUKA.

MR BUXTON ENTERTAINED

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING

Mr T. Buxton, M.P., and Mrs Buxton were entertained at a public gathering at Temuka on Friday opening, on tho eve of their departure for England on aholiday trip. The Mayor of Temuka (Colonel Hayhurst) presided, and Mr J. Craigie, M.P.; and Mr J. Kennedy (Mayor- of Geraldino) woro amongst those present. Tho chairman read the following telegram from the Hon W. F. Massey: "On my return from the north last night, I received your kind invitation to bo present at tho send-off to Mr and Mrs Buxton prior to their departure for England. I regret that it is impossible for me to be present, but I trust that the function will be attended with great success. I wish Mr and Mrs Buxton a pleasant trip to the Old Country, and a safe return." Apologies were also received for tho absence' of the Hon R. H. Rhodes and; Messrs T. M. "VVilford, M.P. (Hutt), W. Nosworthy, M.P. (Ashburton), F n H. Smith, M.P. (Waitaki) and T. Hawkey "'(Mayor of Timaru). The chairman said that he had known Mr and Mrs Buxton as long as anyone present. Mr Buxton had been in the Tomuka district for a number of years, and had risen to his present position by "hard graft" rather than by chance. For ten years.lie had been Mayor of Temuka, and he had represented Temuka in Parliament for some years. A man who could hold such positions for so many years must be a man of grit. (Applause.) Mr Buxton and the speaker differed on many subjects, but that was a good thing. "When there was agreement all round, something was wrong. He hoped that the departing guests would have a pleasant trip and a safe return. (Applause.) . Mr J. Fitzgerald said that Mr Buxton was a keen and honourable business man, and in building up his own business he had not only improved his own property, but also the property of other people. He had brought a great deal of business to the town through his business connections in England, Australia and other parts of the world. Thousands of pounds would have gone through Timaru if it had not been for this honest man ready to do an honest deal in Temuka. He hoped that Mr Buxton would find time to visit Ireland, and call at Parliament House, where he would hear something about Homo Rule. (Applause.) Mr Fitzgerald then presented Mr Buxton, amid applause, with a pair of field glasses and a Kaiapoi rug, "the gift of Mr Buxton's friends and constituents.

Mrs Tilbrook, in making a presentation to Mrs Buxton, spoke of the high esteem in which that lady was held, and said that Mrs Buxton's influence had helped Mr Buxton to the. position he now held. Mrs Buxton's friends were delighied that the time had come when she could 'take this trip, and they wished her. a very pleasant journey and a safe return. Mrs Buxton would go to the Old Country as a real representative of the town and district, as she was born, bred, educated and married in Temuka. As wife! mother and hostess she had been faithful to her responsibilities, and in her duty to her God and her church she had not failed. (Applause.) Mrs Tilbrook then presented Mrs Buxton with a large and handsome dressing-case, a gold necklet (chain and pendant) and a Kaiapoi rug. Mrs • Buxton, on rising to respond, was warmly received. She said that words could not express the thanks she wished to tender to all for their kindly sentiments and most valuable presents. She was always pleased to give assistance in public matters after her home and children bad received her attention. She hoped to return to Temuka, and with fresh vigour do her utmost in public affairs and in the interests of the town she loved. She concluded by expressing sincere thanks for tho public's generosity. (Applause.) Mr J. Craigie, M.P., said he admired Mr Buxton, as he had practically worked himself up from the ranks. He would suggest to Mrs Buxton that she should look up the suffragettes and make them acquainted with the land where women voted. Probably she might address a meeting. The speaker referred to the history of Temuka, and remarked on the prosperity of the town at present. Mr Craigie concluded by wishing the guest a most pleasant voyage and a safe return to Temuka. (Applause.) Mr J. Kennedy (Mayor of Geraldine) said that the fact that Mr Buxton had done his duty to the town and country was evidenced by the large attendance present at this gathering. He wished both'Mr and Mrs Buxton a most pleasant trip and a safe return, Mr 0. H. Besley (St Andrews) and Mr W. M. Bolt (Albury) also spoke. Mr Buxton, on rising, was greeted with loud and prolonged applause. Ho said that it was most difficult to adequately acknowledge the kindness which had been shown him that evening. He. felt highly flattered, and fully appreciated the many kindly expressions made regarding himself and Mrs Buxton, and the handsome presents which had been given them. Ho had endeavoured to do his best for Temuka. He had commenced public life as a Councillor, and had occupied the position of Mayor for ten years. Later he had been privileged to represent the town and district in Parliament, and he had done his utmost in the interests of the district while occupying a seat in Parliament. In regard to land settlement, Mr Buxton said lie was pleased to say that he had been successful in one respect, and that was in obtaining closer settlement in South Canterbury. He agreed with , Mr Craigie that closer settlement was in the interests of the country. He was not going to say anything of a debatable character, as the meeting was called as a non-political function, but in speaking of land settlement he spoke of something of interest to all, irrespective of party. If be were Minister of Lands, he would advocate closer settlement, and he would do his best to promote and encourage tho settlement of the land. He had got one little amendment in the Lands for Settlement i Act, and if he lived to take a further part in parliamentary matters in New Zealand he would add a few more. He had been treated well as a public man. and had not the slightest intention of leaving them. He meant to improve his own business, and ho thought they would not blame him for that. He appreciated the kindness of those whohnd attended, and of those who had subscribed for the beautiful presents. IT? had done his best for what appeared the majority, although he was aware that ho did not please all. This was impossible. He hoped to come back to Temuka with fresh vigour and determination to pursue his duty to his district. (Applause.) On the "motion of Mr M'lnnes. a heartv voto of thanks was necordoci to I the chairir.au. Chi>?"< for Mr mid Mrs i Buxton termiiuiifd '> most, succcs-lu! gathering.