MR. E. TREGEAR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1059, 23 February 1911, Page 6

MR. E. TREGEAR.

A PRESENTATION. Mr. E. Tregear, late Secretary for Labour, was entertained last evening at a "social" organised in lijs honour by the members of tho Seamen's Union. Mr. W. T. Young (secretary of tlio union) presided over a good attendance of its members. Mr. E. J. Carey (president of the Irades Council) and other prominent unionists were present by invitation. In tho coiirso of an introductory speech, Mr. Young remarked that they were all sorry that Mr. Tregear had reached the limit of ago which necessitated his retirement from the public service, but while the Government had lost a very important and 'valuablo officer, the Labour narty had gained, and for that reason the speaker was exceedingly glad that Mr. Tregear was a free man. (Applause.) liffore long, the speaker hoped, Mr. Tregear would represent Labour in Parliament. Mri Young, 011 behalf of tho Seamen's Union, asked Mr. Tregear to nccopt.an illuminated address and jewelled pendant for himself and a hand-bag for Mrs. Tregear. Before tho chairman sat down he received tho following telegram from Mr. Bolchcr, secretary of the Dunedin branch of the union: "Please convey to-night Dimedin sections admiration and respect to that noble, fearless, and humanitarian administrator, Edward Tregear." ' The health of Mr. Tregear was drunk with musical honours, nnd to an accompaniment of cheers. Replying. Mr. • Tregear stated that, on behalf of himself and his wife lie gavo them ten thousand thanks for their gifts, which lie 'appreciated all the more ns coming from tho Seamen's Union. ITo had not been nble to do os much for the seamen as for some unions ashore, nnd he took it that When tho seamen honoured him they had in mind such services as ho had been ablo to render to workers in general. Spenkiwr on behalf of tho Trades Council. Mr. Carey said lie very much appreciated tho action, of the Seamen's Union 011 this occasion. Ho might mention that tho Trades and T.nbpur Conference which was to assemble at Christcliiirch .at Easter-time would attempt a more representative recognition of Mr. Tregear's services to Labour than had been possiblo that evening. '