CONGRATULATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1922, Page 2

CONGRATULATIONS.

WESTLAND’S MEMBER HONORED.

The "Westland Racing a nd Trotting Clubs last evening entertained Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., at their Club rooms. Mr W. E. Williams,.. Chairman of the Westland Racing Club, presided and there were present Hon. Anderson (Minister of Mines), H. L, Michel and J. Grimmond, M’s ™ L.C., the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) and a representative gathering of the sporting community. The Chairman proposed the toast of “The King” which was drunk with musical honors. Mr. Williams then proposed th e health of Mr Seddon. In doing so, Mr Williams expressed the deep appreciation of the Club to Mr Seddon for the valuable assistance given in connection with the plantation at the racecourse. In adoption to much time he had also spent a great deal in gathering together the splendid collection of trees and shrubs that were 1 now gracing their racecourse. The I Club was greatly indebted to Mr Sed- | don in many other ways. They jvere j glad to know that Mr Seddon was joining the great army of benedicts. His only regret was that he had not made up his mind earlier. He extend ed his hearty good wishes fo Mr Seddon and his wife to be and tru’stted that their life would be a happy and prosperous one. The toast was drunk with musical honours. Hon. J. Anderson expressed the plea sure he felt at the coming happy event. He had. advised Mr Seddon on this course some 14 years ago anj he was glad to know at last he was tak-<—-ihg his advice. He assured those present of the popularity in the House of Westland's member and paid a high tribute to the standard of his popularity among all member* of Parliament, who extended the heartiest of good wishes for his happiness. The Hon. H. L. Michel joined heartily in the good wishes expressed for the happiness of the Member and his bride. The Hon. J. Grimmond in a kindly address expressed his good wishes for the future. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Ferry) wag glad of the opportunity of joining in the toasting of Mr Seddon, who had taken toll of him before. He was glad to know of the step he was taking, and he wished him every happiness and prosperity.

Mr A. Thompson said only th e name of Seddon would have brought him out that night. He was glad to have the opportunity to be present to honour the sou of the father whom he had the pleasure in nominating at the hustings when first he stood for parliament. He expressed his hearty good wishes to Mr Seddon, and the good lady -He, was shortly to marry. Mr F. said he wafS glad to join in the general congratulations though he had thought that he wag going to keep him company as a confirmed bachelor (laughter). He expressed tlie appreciation of the valued assistance Mr Seddon had given the Trotting Club and wished Mr Seddon every prosperity and happiness. 1 Mr A. Clifton also, took the opportunity of extending best wishes for future prosperity and happiness. Mr T. W. Bruce said lie was sure Mr Seddon would make a good husband. He knew he was a good son and brother and he \Vas certain that he would make a good husband. He heartily congratulated Mr Seddon a»d felt also that the lady could also be congratulated on the choice she had made. Mr D. J. Evans in endorsing the good wishes referred at some length to the work done by Mr Seddon on the racecourse plantation, work that had taken much of his time and money and as an instance mentioned that only a fortnight ago, a consignment of over

fifty choice rhododendrons had been landed at the racecourse on Mr Seddon’s behalf. The racecourse was always one of the first places that MrSeddon visited when in Hokitika to see how the trees were growing and he was glad to know that they were adding very extensively to the general appearance of this popular resort. Mr Evans concluded with good wishes to the young couple for their future. Mr Seddon on rising was very heartily received. He thanked them sincerely for their very kind references. He assured them that the tree planting was a hobby, and quite a pleasure In referring to the rapid growth of some of the trees he mentioned that the plantation would be useful for the purpose of showing the suitability •f West Coast lands for afforestation purposes. References were made to sporting matters generally and a eouple of enjoyable anecdotes were given, Mr Seddon concluding by again expressing his thanks of their kind references

to his intended bride and Shim’elf', which he deeply appreciated. The Mayor (Mr Perry) proposed the health of the Hon the Minister of Alines and assured him of the heartiness of the welcome and the pleasure it gave them to have their visitor with them.

The toast was duly honoured. Air Anderson replied suitably, expressing the pleasure he had at being present that evening. He wag always pleased to come to the West Coast and though they might’ not always got what they asked for, he hoped that when next he came that mining operations would again he in full operation in Kumara, and that She gold bonus question would have been satisfactorily settled.

Auld I>ang Syne and the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close just after 10 o’clock.