MR PYKE’S TESTIMONIAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1268, 18 June 1886, Page 2

MR PYKE’S TESTIMONIAL.

"'The followiog is a copy of tho letter forwarded to Mr Fyke by bis Worship the Mayor of Roxburgh (Mr H, H. Heron, Esq.) on the occasion of his forwarding the amount contributed by electors of the Dunstan Electoral District as a testimonial to their member:—

Roxburgh, 10th May, 1885. L Vincent Fyke, Esq., M.H.R. C'

Dear Sir, —On behalf of the electors of the several districts that comprise the Dunstan Electorate, allow me to forward for yonr acceptance the enclosed draft for LIOO, as a token of their apprecia. tion of thewnaelfish policy you have’para sued, and in consideration of the very great services yon have rendered them durinjiyonr career as their representative in the Now Zealand Parliament.

Although the amount is not so largo as wo had a right to expect, yet those who gave did so heartily, and with the hope that you may be spared for very many years to continue the duties you have so ably dis- _ charged and the efforts you have made to forward tho public interests daring tho * many years you have been thair representative.

At the same time allow me to express my very great regret that illness prevented you from receiving personally that recognition of our esteem tp which your popularity knre entitles you.

1 have the honor to remain. Your Obedient Servant, llevry H. Hbbos, Chairman Teelimonia’ Committee.

The following is Mr Fyke’s reply Dimmnr, May 14, 1886. The Chairman Testimonial Committee.

Osar Sir, • -I desire to acknowledge, with many thanks, the handsome present forwarded by the Testimonial Committee from the electors of the Dnnstan District, and to express my gratification at the kindly words wi'h which the gift is accompanied. To know that my public conduct is so generally approved by the constituency which 1 have the honor to represent is most satisfactory. It is a proud thing to win the respect and confidence of the people whom 1 serve, and no endeavour can be too great to retain it. The assurance that my efforts hj tye been thus fortunate in the past, more than compensates me for any toil or labor I may have bestowed upon their service, and will greatly strengthen my bands in the future.

I have sometimes been rebuked for’my disregarl of what is termed “party.” But 1 regard tha representation of the people as a sacred trns‘, not to lie bartered for party purposes, nor need for self aggrandisement, and I have sought to utilise whatsoe'er tal-nts I have been entrusted with to tbe best of my ability, for the hen-fit of the people, and the welfare of the country. Need 1 say then how complete is tho pleasure that I derive from this public token of my constituent's approval. Pray convey to the Testimonial Committee my nnfailing gr.atitnde for their voluntarily undertaken and friendly labors ; and to the electorate at large my assurance of continued zeal and industry on their behalf. —1 am, dear Sir, yonis faithfully, Vixcrnt Pyke.