SERVICE FOR COUNTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17837, 9 October 1929, Page 6

SERVICE FOR COUNTY.

TRIBUTES TO MR W. NEWELL. ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. Further speakers paid tribute to Mr W. Newell at the gathering at the Waikato County Chambers after we went to press yesterday afternoon. Ur. T. Procter (Taupiri) spoke highly of Mr Newell, and said he had always acted fairly and squarely with ratepayers. Mr S. Lye, an ex-representative of the Tamahere Riding, expressed his regret that Mr Newell had been defeated at the elections, but considered that'-Mr Newell had every reason to be proud of bis service on the council. He hoped he would remain Dale and hearty for many years to enjoy the fruits of his labour.

“Put Shoulder to Wheel.”

Mr J. E. Primrose, an old councillor, paid a tribute to Mr Newell, whom he described as a man who had done his bit and put his shoulder to the wheel at all times, quietly and unostentatiously.- He congratulated Mr Newell on his splendid record. Mr Robert Swain (Cambridge) said it was about 28 years since he had been associated with Mr Newell on the Cambridge Road Board. He thought the defeat of Mr Newell at the polls had been due to a discontented section of the community who had failed to take into account the faithful service he had rendered over such a long period. It was the fate of prominent public men to meet with defeat after a lifetime of sacrifice. (Laughter and applause.) Mr John Gordon, an ex-councillor and old settler of the district, expressed keen pleasure at being present to do honour to Mr Newell. He claimed to he one of Mr Newell’s earliest acquaintances in the Waikato. In those days it was customary to drive waggons over long distances and tie recalled the lime when Mr Newell as a young man had to drive a three-horse dray over a narrow bridge without a railing. Mr Newell had always proved himself a good servant and a good master. (Applause.) A line photograph of Mr Newell, hung on the council chamber wall, was then unveiled by Mr Gordon. Mr S. Cowling said Mr Newell had done his best not only for his district but for all the ratepayers of the county. Nothing more could be said of any man. He was delighted to he associated in any encomiums accorded Mr Newell.

Cr. J. A. Sampson (Wacrcnga) said Mr Newell bad always had the utmost confidence of all the councillors. It took a good man to take a beating, but Mr Newell had done so like the sportsman he was. He expressed the hope that Mr Newell would he hack again at the council table in the near future. (Applause.) . A further tribute to the guest of honour was paid by Cr. G. Smith, of lluntly. He said Mr Newell's progressive spirit and straightforward manner had carried him far. People elsewhere in the county had referred to him as "one of the whitest men in the Waikato.” This expression had been used by young as well as old settlers.

Speaking on behalf of new councillors, Cr. D. P. Laird endorsed the remarks of ttie previous speakers, and said he was a "white man and a gentleman.” (Applause.)

Mr Newell In Reply. In reply Mr Newell said he was overwhelmed by the large and representative gathering present. Had he known this he would have prepared a speech. After hearing the remarks of previous speakers and reading the testimonial to him he felt extremely proud. It was full compensation for everything. From the day he first took a seat on the Cambridge Road Board it was always his aim to see a fair distribution of the rates and that all got a fair share from the rates. He had always been particularly sympathetic towards isolated settlers in the backbloeka, who were the real pioneers. He had really never anticipated spending such a Jong time on a local body, but he was satisfied now that it had all been well worth while. Amusing stories of the early days involving Messrs Gordon and Primrose were then recounted by Mr Newell. Referring lo his defeat at Hie last' election, Mr Newell said he was sure it was due to his advocacy of Hie merging of the Cambridge Road district with the county. Many people had disapproved of this,, but lie had decided that it was for the best. His defeat was no disgrace because lie had "set his house in order’, arid could re.(Contlnued In next column.).

[ire gracefully. He was gratified a! the results of his work. Mr Newell then spoke eulogislieally of (hose who had been bis fellow-councillors. He was also extremely pleased with the work of the staff, who were always eaoable and civil.

Tributes to County Staff. He had not been in favour of the appointment of an engineer some years ago unless funds were available to pay him. However, lie was glad it had been decided to engage the services of a permanent engineer, because Mr Woodward would be a hard man to replace. (Hear, hear.) He had also taken the responsibility of urging the appointment of an assistant engineer, which he was satisfied had been a wise step. He expressed the view that no county in New Zealand was getting better treatment at the hands of the Main Highways Board than the Waikato County. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion. Mr Newell thanked all for the kindly expressions of goodwill extended to* him. He fell that all the progressive measures taken had been justified. There was more traffic on the, Cambridge road on one day now than in a month in the old days, lie hoped the Waikato would continue to prosper and to improve. Air Newell concluded his remarks by again thanking the gathering for the honour they had done him. (Applause.) The toast of the staff was honoured, after which the gathering adjourned.