VALEDICTORY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2308, 8 March 1930, Page 4

VALEDICTORY

A FINE TRIBUTE. MR E. VEALE FAREWELLED. After residing in Cambridge for the past thirty years—during which time he has filled many important public positions, and has proved his worth as a good citizen, zealous for the welfare of the town and district, and ever ready to give of his exceptional abilities as an organiser and worker —Mr E. Veale is about to leave-the town to take up

residence in Taurangai The local resident3 f, decided that they could not allow Mr Veale to depart without some recognition of his fine self-sacrificing labours in the interests of the town, and a' public gathering was held at the local Town Hall yesterday afternoon for that purpose. The very large and representative gathering, including residents of the town and all parts of the district, among whom a large number of old residents was particularly noticeable, was a fitting tribute to the esteem in which Mr Veale is held, showing that all classed of the community were anxious to do-J honour to their fellow citizen. The--whole function was carried out in excellent style, and Mr and Mrs Veale were given a most cordial and fitting send-off. Afternoon Tea. A delicious afternoon tea was served in the supper-room,' which afforded inadequate accommodation for the large number present. Thanks to the lavish, hospitality of the Cambridge ladies, and the efforts of a most and energetic ladies’ committee, a royal repast was provided and served in faultless style. The floral decorations in the supper-room were particularly pleasing. Presentation. After tea had been partaken of, Mrs W. G. Caro, Deputy Mayoress, presented Mrs Veale with a beautiful bouquet. Mr W. G. Care, Deputy Mayor, stated that they had gathered together to do honour to a good citizen, Mr E. Veale, who had set an example in citizenship that would be Jrard to follow. Their guest had been resident here for thirty years, and it was safe to say that in that time no one had’ won greater esteen and effection. * •

Mr Caro said, that in the absence of the Mayor he had been honoured with the duty of expressing the people’s appreciation of Mr Veale’s work in the district. Mr Veale had been responsible for the whole of the organisation of the Cambridge Agricultural Show. But for him the show would not have been in existence to-day. In .any move for the benefit of Cambridge, Mr Veale was always to the fore. The Plunket and rest-room was a monument to ki3 work and energy, and the splendid result of £I3OO raised from a scheme in which £SOO or £6OO was aimed at, was typical of the man who drganised. it. Mr Care said Mr Veale was remarkable in that he not only had the faculty for devising various schemes, but also had the brains and the energy to carry them out. j

The speaker' also referred to Mr Veale’s efforts in connection with the Competitions Society (of which he had been president), the Literary and Debating Society, etc., in all of which he liad given of his best and done yeoman service.

In presenting Mr with a handsome cheque, Mr Care said the commit- , tee thought he could use the money as best he thought to interpret their good wishes. . He wished Mr and Mrs Veale good health and .all possible happiness in the years to come, and assured the guests that they carried away with them the very best wishes of all the residents of Cambridge and district. Mr Veale’s Reply.

After musical honours had been accorded the guests, with great heartiness, Mr Yeale made a most able and fitting speech in reply. Ho said it was the most wonderful thing in his life, .after thirty years ’ close contact with the people of Cambridge and district, for them to show their confidence in, and goodwill towards, him in such a splendid and overwhelming manner. It was a wonderful experience to him to have been permitted to have shared j-their prosperity and adversity, their jpys and sorrows, and he was-proud to Jhqvo been one with them in it all. He felt that “you are my people.” Not to many people was it given to do the big things in life, said Mr Yeale, but the little things that had come his way he had done to the b a at of his ability. Mr Care had exaggerated his efforts, but all he had been able to do had been done freely and gladly, and with joy to himself.

Mr Vcalo expressed gratitude to Mr M. Butler for having introduced him to the farming interests of the Waikato, and spoke of the association he had had with many sterling men and women in the district.

In concluding au excellent speech, Mr Yeale said he regarded the presou-