COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 3042, 7 April 1923, Page 5

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

I MR T. LYE HONOURED

GATHERING AT CAMBRIDGE

On Thursday evening last Mr F. Lye, member for the. Waikato electorate, was''entertained at a complimentary social at the Cambridge Town Hall, when there was a large and representative gathering, and the function was: a great success in every Avay. Non-Political Gathering.

• Mr Meryyn Wells (chairman of the meeting) at the outset of the gathering, explained - that a public meeting had -been called to consider the matter of giving a social to celebrate Mr Lye's election to the House of Representatives. It had been decided that the function should be non-political, and therefore.the speaker had been glad.to assist. Mr Wells said he thought it high time that the Cambridge district had one of its own residents to represent them in Parliament, and they wcl'o now.in that happy position. Mr Lye was not only a local man, but a safe man. He had no doubt that Mr Lye's main object would be to serve New Zealand as a whole, and his own district in particular. Mr Lye, too, was not a man to bring forward any wildcat schemes, and the speaker said ho thought our politics would be well looked after by our present member. Mr Wells expressed the opinion that political differences should be set aside immediately after an election campaign. The Cambridge Domain was a very beautiful spot, said the speaker, but .if it had not been for political dis .sensiors Cambridge would liave a much greater income, that would have enabled three more men to be kept regularly on at the. Domain, and that would have enabled us to make-tkis already beautiful spot a perfect paradise. In concluding his brief remarks, Mr Wells said he thought the people should let all political differences die between the present time and the next election, and give Mr Lye all the support they could. (Applause). Mr Stopford

Mr Walter Stopford endorsed MiWells' sentiments. He said it had often been remarked that Cambridge was a suburb of Hamilton. They did not want Cambridge to be a suburb of Tc Awamutu or Kawkia, but, with all due respect to other parts of the electorate, they wanted a man of their own as their parliamentary representative—a man who would -bring Cambridge prominently before the eyes of all. They did not want their town to become a dead letter. Mr Stopford urg--his hearers to forget all the heated remarks made during the recent elections, to drop all differences, and to .support their member. He referred to Mr liye 's maiden- speech in the House, which stamped their member as a man with ideas who would give a good account of himself. Mr Stopford said he was particularly pleased that they now had x a local resident in the position of M.P. Apologies! At this stage the chairman read letters apologising for the unavoidable .absence of Messrs S. Lewis (Mayor of Cambridge), J. A. Young, M.P. for Hamilton; R. F. Bollard, M.P. for Raglan; and F. F. Hockly, M.P. for Rotorua. Mr Lye's Reply Mr F. Lye, M.P., who was received with hearty applause, made a brief reply, in which he heartily thanked the Cambridge people for the splendid gathering in his honour, and also those who had contributed so successfully to the musical programme. He said he fully realised the important position he occupied, as .first member for the new-Waikato electorate, which he believed was one of the finest districts iu New Zealand, and he spoke advisedly, and he esteemed.it a great honour to be in his present position. The town of Cambridge, too, was undoubtedly one of the prettiest and cleanest in the whole Dominion. Mr Lye referred to the magnificent response made to the appeal for the Chard Benefit Fund, saying ho considered this an exhibition of true religion, and he was indeed proud one of a community that exhibited such a fine spirit on such occasions. • Mr Lye assured hi:s hearers that he would at all times endeavour to discharge,his duties as their representative to the best of his ability, and in the interests of the Dominion. He was not a man who loved the lihielight, but they could rely on him to study their interests and do his utmost for them, and he thought that at the end of his term of office they would have to be ashamed of their repress fflßive in Parliament. (Applause). Musical Programme. An excellent musical programme was submitted, and much enjoyed. Mr T. fßoyce was encored for his singing of "Mountain Lovers/' responding with "I'll Sing .Thee Songs of Araby." Miss * Jean McCullagh's song, "Land of the Sky-blue Waters," was nicely rendered and well received, her encore : «umber being "Dawn." Mr Litehwark contributed a very pleasing 'cello solo, followed by Mrs Griffiths

Jones, whose song, "Good Morning, Brother Sunshine," was greatly enjoyed. Recalled, sho sang a pretty Maori song. "One Fleeting Hour," sung by Mr W. Maberly, with 'cello obligate, was a nice item, fully appreciated, the singer responding to an encore with "Vale." Mrs V. Cornaga, who has won favourable opinions as a vocalist, showed her versatility by her monologue, in character, "The Lancer," which proved most popular, being recalled. Mr Fred Baker was as successful as ever, his contribution, "Bedouin Love Song," and encore, "A Chip of the Old Block," being two most enjoyable items. Mr J. Gray's Scotch song, in costume, "brought down the house," the singer responding with "The Lass o' Killicrankie." Mr H. W. Smales gave a very clever exhibition of conjuring, his tricks being clean and attractively presented, affording a very pleasant interlude. Mr Alf. Boyce provided the accompaniments iu masterly style. Supper and Dance. At the close of the musical programme refreshments were served in the supper room. The tables had been most beautifully decorated by Miss Willis and Mrs Mervyn Wells, whose artistic taste in this direction is well known. The tables were laden with a most delectable supper, catered by Mr W. Muller, who deserves great credit for the excellent spread provided. After supper dancing was indulged in for several hours. Mr Banlield, as usual, provided tip-top dance music,, the floor was in good order, and the large number present spent a very pleasant time. Altogether the function was most successful and enjoyable.

Credit is due to the Committee and to the energetic and. capable secretary (Mr H. W. Smales) in particular, for the capital arrangements made.