LIFE OF SERVICE.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17836, 8 October 1929, Page 8

LIFE OF SERVICE.

THIRTY YEARS’ RECORD

MR W. NEWELL HONOURED. WAIKATO COUNTY FUNCTION. With a long and meritorious record of service in the interests of the ratepayers of the Waikato County, Mr William Newell, of Tamahcrc, was honoured at a gathering at Ihc County Chambers, Hamilton East, this afternoon. Among those present were all the present members of the Council and several old members, including Messrs J. E. Primrose, S. Cowling, .). Gordon and Swain.

Ratepayers and representatives of other bodies were also present in large numbers.

The gathering took the form of a social and many interesting reminiscenses were exchanged between old identities of the Waikato district, some of whom were responsible for the formation of the first road hoards of the district. A beautiful illuminated address was handed over to Mr Newell by Mr 7k 11. Hinton, the present chairman of the Council. The address reads:

“We. Ihc undersigned representatives of the ratepayers of Hie County of Waikato desire !o place on record our appreciation of llie long and laitiiful service you have always unslinlingly given for the progress and advancement of Ihc district as a whole. For flu years you represented Hie ratepayers of tiic Cambridge Road district on Hie local hoard and also on the Waikato County Council, in the year 1920, after Mr John P. Bailey retired from the Waikato County Council you were chosen by your fellow councillors to bo their chairman. During your term of office the business of the Council developed considerably in scope and importance. The remaining road districts were abolished and 4 progressive policy under the council’s own engineer was inaugurated. "We realise the loss of lime and inconvenience you have suffered in serving on these bodies, hut the good work which you have so ably assisted in bringing about coupled with the public's appreciation of your service: will, it is tioped, in some measure compensate you for the sacrifices made in Hie public interest, in conclusion we desire to wish you many years of happiness richly earned.” The scroll is signed by Messrs T. Hinlon, G. Smith, T. Procter, A. A. Woodward. S. Lye, r f. 11. Henderson, I). P. Laird, ,1. A. Sampson, G. M. Walt. J. Gordon, W. Henry, T. Clarkin, and T B. Insoli.

Prominent Part in Local Politics. Mr T. If. Hinton said Mr Newell had played a very prominent part in local politics for the last 38 years. lie continuously represented the Cambridge riding of the Cambridge Road Board for 30 years. for the last three years he had been chairman of the council, and had fulfilled his duties admirably in Ibis respect, it was during his term that the road boards had merged with the county. Tiie speaker paid a tribute to Mr T. B. insoll who had been clerk for the last 25 years. He also spoke eulogistically of Mr Woodward, the engineer, and Miss Richard-i. another oid servant. Mr Newell had been responsible for having the new Council office erected which had considerably relieved congestion. He said Mr Newell was worthy of all that could be said of him. He hoped Mr Newell and his wife would be long spared to remember the feelings of his admirers Inwards them. While the light was mi public service did not always seem worth while, hut when such service was deeply appreciated 111 c work was well worth while'.' He regretted Mr Newell had lost his seat at the last election, hut this had not meant that lie had failed in the estimation of his many friends, lie wished Mr Newell long' health and happiness.

The toast of Mr Newell was then drunk, and “For He’s a Jolly, Good Fellow'’ was sung with great gusto. (jr. T. 11. Henderson said the gathering was not only honouring an old councillor, hut one who had come from his own country. As a neighbour Mr. Newell had been second lo none. In every association Mr. Newell had taken an active part and l'cw men had done more for the good of the district and country, (applause,. It gave him great pleasure io express his opinion of Mr. Newell and ins work.