VALEDICTORY SOCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 2 May 1907, Page 2

VALEDICTORY SOCIAL.

•The social tendered to Mr. R. M. Birrell on tlic occasion of Ids departure for Scotland, took place last nigth under tlio auspices of tlie Gisborne branch of the Farmer’s Union Mr. W. D. Lysnar occupied the chair. Mr. Lysnar, in opening, said the company had met to bid good-bye to Mr. Birrell, who was tearing for th » Old Country. Although the weather was unpropitious, it was pleasing to note that several gentlemen had ridden in considerable distances to be present. The loyal toasts being honored, Mr. Bloore favored the company with a song.

The Chairman said he had great ploasure in proposing the toast of the evening, particularly so, from the Farmers’ Union standpoint, as Air. Birrell was one of the most active in aiding Air. Glass when he came here first. Ever since he had been a constant suporter of the Union in all its movements. He was a strong fighter and a strong supporter of the whole platform of the Onion and many differed from him, but he had the courage of his opinions and for that reason he was very helpful. While at Home Air. Birrell would visit Denmark and on his return would have useful information in the dairying and other industries, so important to New Zealand. He had been requested to present Air. Birrell with a rug of colonial make, to keep him in remembrance of those he leaves behind. He also referred to Air. Birrell’s energetic work in connection with the Caledonian Society. Mr. C. J. Parker spoke eulogisticall.v of Air. Birrell’s interest in social matters and all that was going on. Air. J. A.Harding testified as to keen interest taken by Air. Birrell. not only in farming matters, hut in other matters concerning fbe welfare and progress of the town and district. Whenever required he was always on the spot. Air. Birrell identified himself, not only with local, hut with outsido politics. He never took upon himself any responsibility without giving it due consideration.

Air. W. D. Bell sad that lie it was who persuaded Air. Birrell to join the local branch and. he had worked hand in hand for a very long time. He called upon Air. Clayton to make some remarks.

Air. W. L. Clayton, thus requested, said that it was many years ago since Air. Birrell and he first became associated in the Farmers’ Union. When Air. Glass came round, Air. Bell was the second man he knew and the third was Mr. Birrell. From the day he became a member of the Union Air. Birrell was one of its most indefatigable workers. Although he (the speaker) was not always on tbe same side as Air. Birrell. be was glad of that Because opposition was tho life of everything, and while the latter took sometimes the most extremely progressive side, he took the moderate and safer side, favoring evolution rather than revolution. Although the two had spoken against each other in public, they were the best of friends privately. He had much pleasure in supporting the toast. Air. Ewen Cameron, referring’ to the Caledonian Society, said that men like Air. Birrell were needed to keep things alive. Air. AlcLoughlin commented on the wideness of Air. Birrell’s views. Ho even supported Home Rule. (Applause). Air. Birrell, in reply, thanked, especially those who had come from long distances. He was proud to see so many of liis friends present. The songs of his native land which had been sung, had almost broken him up. It was eighteen years since he came to New Zealand, knowing no one, but he was not friendless to-day. Ho intonded to found a Utopia, hut it never eventuated. He did • not know whether it was owing to the climate or the people but he never took a pessimistic view of his fortunes. He never regretted coming* to New Zealand, and Be Bad now two countries. He had taken great pleasure in whatever Be had done for the Farmers’ Union. He would tell them in the Old Country of the powerful organisation existing in New Zealand. There were difficulties in tho way of tho farmers seeing oye to eye, but the time was coming when they must forego their differences. Tho prosperity of the colony was not conducive to the welfare of tho Farmers' Union. Ho did not stand as a prophet of evil, but he believed that the day was coming when competition would bring the farmers together Anything he could do while he was away would be done. He would consider it his duty to advance the interests of New Zealand as far ns possible. He was pleased to sec so many present to wish him farewell. (Applause). Air. A. J. Cameron iu proposing the tosat of the Farmers’ Union, urged that greater interest should he taken in’ that body. Combination was necessary. He coupled tho toast with the names of Alessrs. Birrell and 8011.

Mr. Birrcll said that the Union had had an uphill fight. The local branch had taken a’ prominent part in advocating what they considered for the good of the farming community and for good of others. Greater interest was needed in the Union. If the farmers continued they would receive as much attention as the tradespeople. Some thought that the Union should be a political body, he did not think so. If they were united their wishes would be respected by the Government of the day. The Argentine and Australia were doing their best to come to the front and those united would come out on top. The Farmers’ Union should be organised in New Zealand.

Mr. Bell did not think the Union should be a political body. Mr. Clayton, in proposing the toast of the Agricultural Society, said that the agricultural and pastoral were the most important interests in Poverty Bay. The A. and P- Association was most popular'. Their fixture had developed into a horse show; not what it should be. There was not enough competition. This was abso-

Air. McDonald, in reply, admitted that the exhibits of cattle and sheep had been small, but of lato the entries had increased wonderfully. The exhibits here were all local; this was owing to the lack of communication. In other places exhibits were railed from the surrounding districts.

Air. Noilo proposed the toast of the ladies coupled with tho name of Mr. Burton and that gentleman suitably responded.

Mr. A. J. Cameron proposed the toast of tho press. Alessrs AlcDonald and Walsli replied.

The toast of the Chairman was proposed by Air. Harding, who, in the course of his remarks said that Air. Lysnar had identified himself with Gisborne and the interests of the district; lie had taken a leading part in sheep-farming, creameries, baconfactories, etc. He hoped that in the near future, Air. Lysnar would represent thorn, possibly iu something higher than local politics. Mr. Lysnar in returning thanks for the hearty way in which liis and liis wife’s health had been honored, said bo had differed with Air. Harding on tho Borough Council and concerning the Alayoral election, and he valued his remarks tho more for that reason. There was no district equal to this: it could not he spoiled but only retarded. It must go ahead with leaps and hounds. He agreed with other speakers that politics should he kept out of tho Union —it was host to hold aloof from polities. At tho last election the Union was not allowed to ho used, hut if it came to a question of life and death, it would be necessary ’J-Je was not looking for Parliamentary honors: he was looking for the prosperity of the district. Air. Birrell proposed the toast of the host, Air. Harding. The latter suitably replied.

Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Alessrs. Cameron, v. Bilco, A. F. Kennedy, and Holder. Air. Graham Johnstone worked energetically for the success of the gathering. During the evening songs were rendered by Alessrs. Bloor, Gallaway, Birrell, Hogg, Bell and Laurenson. Mr. W. Lissant Clayton contributed a whistling solo and Air. Nichol, recitations.