HON. R. F. BOLLARD.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15359, 6 October 1923, Page 5

HON. R. F. BOLLARD.

WELCOMED AT TAUPIRI AN ENTHUSIASTIC FUNCTION.

WELL-MERITED TESTIMONY.

(Special to the Times.) TAUPIRI, Saturday

As it is the area in which the Hon. U. P. Bollard and Mrs Bollard lived for several years and the point from which Mr Bollard first started off on his political career, Taupiri recognised that it should show the appreciation (hat was engendered hy the raising of the member for Itaglan to Ministerial rank. This happy and quite fitting event was fulfilled last evening, when there was a very representative gathering from all parts of Ihe district. Unfortunately ihe night was wet, and this kept several from a distance from joining in the demonstration of welcome to the distinguished guests. Set aside altogether as it' was from political atmosphere the ceremony was a genuine testimony do the respect the district as a whole had for people it was personally in touch with and who had brought it such high honour. The welcome took the form of a social and dance, and the speeches were made at an interval in the proceedings. Vi The Starting Point. Mr A. H. Waring said that he wished to express on behalf of the large and representative assemblage a welcome hack to the district to Mr and Mrs Bollard —(applause)—and to extend to Mr Bollard the congratulations of all on his having attained Ministerial rank. (Loud applause.) Personally, it was a great pleasure to welcome back people they had known so well and who as settlers and neighbours were the embodiment of all that was highest and best. (Applause.) Just as Mr Bollard had fulfilled the ideals in those times and environments in a manner so creditable, so as a Minister of the Cabinet of the country would they always find him straightforward and one who gave of his best service. (Applause.) The speaker traversed the c-arly history that led up to Mr Bollard entering political life from the Taupiri district, and gave credit to Mr R. D. Duxileld, who he was pleased to see was with them that evening, as having been the first to introduce the name of Mr Bollard as a candidate for the political field. After traversing some of the incidents associated with the campaigning of the especihl period, Mr Waring said that it gave them all great pleasure to have Mr Bollard serving their interests in the political life of the country for the fourth term, which was a genuine and unassailable warranty that the constituency was perfectly satisfied with him as their representative. (Loud applause.) In paying his closing tribute to Mr Bollard as a man who was above suspicion, the speaker reiterated the extreme pleasure that the people of Taupiri and district, where Mr and Mrs Bollard had lived for so many years, had in extending to their distinguished guests a hearty welcome hack. Mr Waring expressed the sincere wish that Mr Bollard would he spared many years to serve them, and have unlimited enjoyment in the honours which lie so richly deserved. (Loud applause.) ‘•A True Man!”

Air R. D. Duxfield said that he had been associated with Mr Bollard for a great number of years, several of which were prior lo his entering Parliament, during which lime lie had learned of ids value and the recognition of him as a true man. (Applause.) He had learned the adage that silence was golden, and was not a seeker after the limelight. All who had been closely associated with Mr Bollard as lie, the speaker, had been were quite aware of this precious trait. Their guest that night had represented Raglan since the area was formed, and in that time had given genuine service. (Applause.) Air Duxfield added that he wished to congratulate Mr Bollard on his elevation to 1 a position lie so justly merited, and he trusted lie would he long spared lo them. Digressing, Mr Duxileld touched oil the political life of the country, and said that ho was in favour of a Country Party. There was a need for it, and he iiopcd that when it was consummated lhey would have Air Bollard a member in it. In-closing Mr Duxflcld expressed his deep pleasure at having the privilege of being present to extend his felicitations and to do honour to Air and Mrs Bollard. (Loud applause.) Hon. Mr Bollard’s Reply.

On rising to reply, Mr Bollard was received by an enthusiastic round of applause. He thanked the speakers for their many kind expressions in regard to his wife and himself, and the residents for the entertainment they had arranged in their honour. It was pleasing, Mr Bollard added, to be back again in the “ old home ’’ and among the sincere friends he had known for so many years. While he appreciated the high honour which had been conferred upon him, and would fulfil his duties to.the best of his ability, on the other hand it had its sad side, for as the result of his appointment he would require to live in Wellington. That meant being cut off from his old friends, from whom he did not like parting. However, they could rest assured that, although away, he would look after their interests if he were actually with them. (Applause.) Dealing with Mr Duxiicld’s point in regard to a Farmers’ Party, Mr Bollard remarked that if they were out for the benefit of the farmer they would have all the support that was necessary from him. As long as he rc'maincd in Parliament he would light for the country people, who deserved every consideration. ' (Loud applause.) In dealing with Dominion matters, Mr Bollard said that he was proud of the people, for the grit and energy they had displayed in circumventing troublous financial times, and he was glad to say the outlook was now very much brighter, and he trusted that conditions would continue to improve. He felt confident they would. In referring to many of the beneficial measures introduced by the present,Government Mr Bollard said that the abolition of the income lax would further lighten the burden of the farming community. The re-valuation of soldiers’ land, arrangements for which were now being made, would confer benefits upon the even if the country lost immediately, the return would come in increased revenue. “ Even if we lost the whole amount it would not repay the sacrifice made by our soldiers,” added Mr Bollard. However, ho was, certain that the benefits would be returned in increased measure. Pensions for men suffering from war disabilities had been increased, and, if they were not sufficient, they should be further increased, as the Government was out to help the returned man who was willing to do his part, as the vast majority were. Mr Bollard, in conclusion, said that he was pleased to bn back to renew old acquaintances and he thanked them

deeply for the sincere welcome to Airs Bollard and himself. (Loud applause.) The gathering rose en masse and sang “ For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” and enthusiastically cheered the guests of honour.

VISIT TO THE WAIKATO. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. B. F. Bollard) and Mrs Bollard, accompanied by Mr E. Poulton, private secretary, reached Hamilton last evening from Auckland and Taupiri. Mr Bollard, who is on his first visit to the Waikato since his Cabinet appointment, will spend the week-end at Tamahere, and will leave on Ids return to Wellington on Tuesday evening.