PUBLIC APPRECIATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19478, 23 December 1925, Page 10

PUBLIC APPRECIATION

FOR SERVICES RENDERED PRESENTATION TO MR. AND MBS W. A. VEITCH. GATHERING OF CITIZENS. A very pleasant little function was held in Messrs Duigan’s rooms in Ridgiway Street yesterday afternoon, when occasion was taken by a number of citizens to make Mr and Mrs W. A. Veitch the recipients of substantial cheques in recognition < p their services to the community.

Mr John Morrison occupied the chair, and, in making the presentation to Mr A T eitch, said ho was called upon to perform a very pleasant duty. He assured both Mr and Mrs Veitch that the people of Wanganui had recognised for a lengthy period that Mr Veitch had represented them faithfully in Parliament for the past fourteen years. Their cstcemd member had been returned for another period of three years, and the speaker expressed the opinion that he thought there was not another man in sight who could unseat him. He was quite sure that all recognised Mr Veitch was a hard fighter, and there was nothing underhand about him. Mr Morrison said that ho did not do-i sire to bring party politics into the question, but they were all agreed on that point, and supporters of the other side had contributed towards the presentation. Mr Veitch was capable of lighting a straight election, and everybody admitted that after the fight was over. With each succeeding election he had increased his majority, and the speaker earnestly believed that when the next election arrived, Mr Veitch would be as hard a man to beat as ever. They were pleased in Wanganui to know that they possessed a good member, but the fact was repeatedly being impressed upon them by people of all shades of political opinion from all quarters of the Dominion. The best, men to return to Parliament were good, straight, and honest men, and, if they returned men of that calibre, the country and Parliament would be the better for it. Air Veitch had represented them for a number of years, and ho (tho speaker) did not think ho had neglected his duty as a representative of tho city once during his whole term of office. He had fought and worked not for Wanganui alone, but for the district and country generally. That was the class of man they required in the House. He had a. firm grasp of the various problems that confronted the country, and was admirably suited for the position ho occupied. Air Alerrison proceeded to make mention of the laudable work executed by Airs Veitch, and said that Air Veitch could not have won all his election campaigns with such big majorities had it not been for her. He had for two terms worked on Air Veitch’s committee, and he found their member’s highly respected wife to be a good organiser and worker. With the twQ together he thought they had a good combination, and the people of Wanganui felt they could not allow the occasion to pass without expressing their recognition for their past services. He then handed a cheque to Air Veitch. Air A. T. Cavell, in making the pre sentation to Airs Veitch, said that they recognised the great strength of the work of Airs Veitch, and the great assistance she was at all times to her husband, and their representative in Parliament. She had earned the goodwill of the citizens as a whole, and was quite as highly respected and esteemed by the community as was their respected member himself. They felt that it would not be fair to hand everything to Air Veitch, so they had arranged for a separate presentation for his good wife. At the speaker’s request little Alisa Margaret AlcQuarrie, granddaughter of Mr J. Alorrison, then made the presentation of the cheque, together with a handsome bouquet, to Airs Veitch. Air Webb-Jones, in endorsing tho remarks of the previous speakers, said that he was sure all parties would agree that Air Veitch was wonderfully attentive to his duties, and that he had done his best for the common good. IHe was delighted to hear during the recent election campaign the numerous expressions of respect for Air Veitch., He (the speaker) had had the opportunity of speaking with men on the other side in the House, and they assured him that there was no Ynembcr in Parliament held in higher esteem than their worthy representative. Further evidence as to the splendid nature of Air Veitch’s work was given during the election campaign when he received calls for assistance from members of his OW'D party throughout New Zealand. Airs Veitch had been of material assistance to her husband. In public affairs Airs Veitch had taken a prominent and active part, and he had much pleasure in wishing both Air and Airs Veitch every success and happiness for the future.

Alcssrs G. Spriggens and W. Dustin also added their felicitations. The latter said that Air Veitch was a tried man aud had grasped the situation in respect to what was required for the city and the country generally. With all due respect to others, both Air and ■Airs Veitch, had served the community faithfully and well during the past fourteen years. Air Veitch always carried out his duties and promises to the letter, and they owed a great debt of gratitude to him for the work he had executed in the past. The speaker also eulogised the work of Airs Veitch. Air N. Aleuli, in adding his tribute, referred to the comment of the late Hon. John Balallancc, who said that there could be no good Government unless there was a strong Opposition.

In electing Mr Veitch as member, no matter in what sphere, he would function as an excellent representative of the peonle. Mrs Veitch, he said, had been fully and nicely described and he endorsed the sentiments expressed in this direction. Mr Jackson stated that the people had silently expressed their gratitude to Mr Veitch for Lis services during the recent election.

In rising to reply, Mr Veitch received a rousing reception. He said he believed his wife deserved all the kind things that had been said about her. He appreciated the kindness of the people who had contributed towards the fund. His hearers had seen fit to divide tho funds into two parts, and, he pointed out, it was the first time the funds had ever been divided. It was a matter of great satisfaction to see so many citizens showing their appreciation of his services, while it was also gratifying to learn that it was not solely a party matter. Commenting briefly on the party system, Mr Veitch declared that parties had done a good deal of harm in New Zealand, and he thought that they might modify the matter. He was desirous of breaking down some of the extreme party’s ideas so that they could all work together for New Zealand. The fact that the presentation was a non-party affair was an indication that the goodwill of the people had been accorded his wife and himself. The speaker returned thanks for the support accorded him during the campaign by the people, and his energctc committees. He felt keenly their kindness and the people’s continued confidence and support. He imagined that he was better friends with, his opponents than before because he had fought a good fight. As soon as the election was over the fight was finished as far as he was concerned, and he tried to treat everyone on the common ground. While he had tried to serve the people to the best of his ability in the past, ho would try just a little harder, if possible, to justify the confidence placed in him, and the many kind expressions made. Airs Veitch also suitably replied.