MAIREHAU FARMER WHO MADE GOOD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 13

MAIREHAU FARMER WHO MADE GOOD.

MR W. J. WALTER IS GIVEN PRESENTATION

Entering public life twenty-one years ago, when he was elected a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board, Mr W. J. Walter, a Mairfehau farmer, quickly “made good,” with the result that he is now a member of six of the most important elective local bodies in Christchurch, and chairman of two—a record that is perhaps unequalled in the Dominion. Mr Walter was a member of the old Avon Road Board for two years, one as chairman, and he helped in the formation of the Waimairi County Council, of which he has been a mem-' her for thirteen years. He has been a member of the North Canterbury Hospital Board and the Lyttelton Harbour Board for the past nine years, and is at present serving his second term as chairman of the Harbour Board. lie has also been a member of the Christchurch Tramway Board for the past eight years, and is at present chairman. Last year he was acting-chairman of the Drainage Board for a short period. Mr Walter has also taken an active part in most branches of sport, but cycling has been his special hobby. He holds the position of president of the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union.

Recently Mr Walter was re-elected to the Waimairi County Council, the Hospital Board and the Harbour Board, and last night he and Mrs Walter entertained the members of his committee and other suporters at a social gathering in the Mairehau Public Hall. There was a large attendance, the hall being filled. Mr A. Cusworth, chairman of Mr Walter’s committee, presided, and on behalf of Mr and Mrs Walter extended a hearty welcome to the guests. The proceedings were opened with a verse of the National Anthem in recognition of the King’s Birthday. After a programme of vocal and instrumental items the chairman invited Mr and Mrs Walter to take seats on the platform. They were heartily applauded as they came forward. TJie chairman said that the gathering was something in the nature of a thank-offering for the recent elections. He referred to the large majorities by which Mr Walter was elected, remarking that in the Hospital Board election lie obtained 55 votes out of a total of 56 cast at Mairehau. Speaking of Mr Walter’s record on public bodies, the chairman said that he had now got to the top of the tree. The people of Mairehau were his loyal supporters. The chairman then made a presentation to Mr Walter of a silver paperweight and to' Mrs Walter of a silver jewel case, remarking that they were just tokens of the great esteem in which they all held Mr and Mrs Walter, and of thankfulness for the three big wins Mr Walter had just had. Personal tributes to Mr and Mrs Walter were paid by Messrs G. Robinson, J. Liggins, J. F. Wilson, H. G. Livingstone, A. Lang, G. Cresswell, A. Beck and E. J. Buxton. In returning thanks Mr Walter said that the gathering had been arranged by Mrs Walter and himself in order that they might show their gratitude to those who had so loyally worked to secure his re-election. The presentations had come as a complete surprise to them. A short community sing was then held, and after supper had been handed round the floor was cleared for dancing. During the evening items were contributed by the Misses Rennie (three), Mrs Stallard, Miss Beck, Mr Mitten, Misses Reta and Annie Lucas, Mr D. Bishop and Mrs Barabell. Miss Reta Lucas was the accompanist.