VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 12 October 1907, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

A farewell banquet was tendered to Mr Jas. Chisholm in Mr Perreau’s rooms last night. Mr Jas. Chisholm has, for the past eighteen months, been manager of the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand, and only a few days ago received an intimation from headquarters that his services would be required to open a branch at Geraldine. The news came as a shock to Mr Chisholm, who has only recently settled comfortably down in the bank’s new premises. His many friends also received the news with regret, and were determined that he should not leave Foxton without carrying away with him a small token of their esteem. The work of organising the function and procuring a suitable memento, was left in the very capable hands of Mr Alf. Fraser, who carried out the affair, despite the short notice, with his characteristic thoroughness. It was a very representative gathering which sat down to honour the guest of the evening, among those present were the member for the district, Mr John Stevens, the Mayor, and a number of councillors, settlens, and townsmen, also Mr Chisholm’s successor, Mr Baillie. The Mayor presided.

The following toasts were honoured : —“The King” (Chairman). In proposing the toast ot ‘‘our guest” the Chairman referred to Mr Chisholm in very complimentary terms both in his official and private capacity. Head office had apparently recognised his ability as a bank manager. Foxton was his first bank managership and it should come as a compliment to Mr Chisholm to be called to open a branch at Geraldine where already two other banks are in existence. It would be to the bank’s credit if they possessed more men of Mr Chisholm’s stamp. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

In replying, Mr Chisholm stated that his eighteen months residence in Foxton had been a very pleasant time both from a business and social point of view. During the period he had watched Foxton make great strides and he referred to the bright future that was ahead. His best wishes were for the advancement of the town and its people. Mr Wilson proposed the toast of Parliament, coupled with the name of Mr John Stevens. He expressed the hope that Mr Stevens would continue to represent this electorate in Parliament for many years to come, as he was sure a more capable man could not be found in the district.

Mr Stevens in reply paid a tribute to Mr Chisholm, and briefly referred to the Government’s connection with the Bank. He gave a retrospective glance at the constitution of Parliament. Coming to our own Parliament he said its members desired to do at all times what they believed to be right in the best interests of those whom they represented. The press in recording the doings of Parliament in his opinion devoted too much space to jocular or frivolous items while the more serious matters , were set aside. Perhaps the former was more acceptable to the people for the moment. He showed by comparison that the decorum of our Parliament was of a very high standard —in fact he said it compared more than favourably with anj' other under the canopy of heaven. He paid a glowing tribute to the late speaker, Sir Maurice O’Rorke. It was a great loss to the country when his constituents desired a change. Sir Maurice had no superior in the high position which he had held. He also spoke in a commendable way of the present speaker, Mr Guiness, of whom he said a more considerate speaker it would be hard to find. The legislation passed had been accepted by two-thirds of the people and we were still going to advance. The business of the house was conducted with great decorum. Each member was impressed with the solemnity of the beautiful prayer uttered before the duties commenced. It impressed them with a sense of duty to a Higher Power. The statements made in the heat of debate were forgotten in the lobby and there was no personal enmity. That was why Parliament succeeded in its work. A member was elected by his constituents to do his best in the interests of the colony. He had been fortunate enough to be the representative of the good people of the Manawatu and in bis humble capacity had tried to do his best. He believed there would be six candidates in the field for the honour next election he would make the seventh (applause). If another representative was preferred then he would bow with the best grace. He spoke in a complimentary manner of the other representatives on this coast, and said they deserved the fullest confidence of their constituents.

The Chairman called upon Mr Fraser to make the presentation on behalf of those interested. In doing so, Mr Fraser enlarged upon what had previously been said in respect to Mr Chisholm’s sterling qualities. He expressed the opinion that the Board had dealt very hardly with Foxtou in removing Mr Chisholm, and the only redeeming feature was, that it meant promotion for Mr Chisholm. He had great pleasure in asking Mr Chisholm to accept a gold double Albert and locket, suitably inscribed, as a memento of good will. He asked the recipient not to think of the instrinsic value of the article, but hoped it would remind him of the feelings which prompted the gift. In years to come it would remind Mr Chisholm of the warm hearts left be-

hind in Foxton. It was with feelings of regret that the townspeople were losing Mrs Chisholm and himself from their midst. The} 7 would all be pleased to hear of Mr Chisholm’s advancement even to the position at some distant date of general manager. Mr Chisholm feelingly responded on behalf of his wife and self. Other toasts were “ Bank of New Zealand” (Mr Morgan), responded to by Mr Baillie, Mr Cnisholra’s successor. “ Local Industries ” (Mr Stiles) responded to by Messrs W. Ross and Phillips, ‘‘Borough Council” (Mr F. K. Jenks, who made an excellent speech, tracing the history of Foxton from the early days), responded to by the Mayor and Crs Stiles and Wilson: *‘ Chamber of Commerce” (Mr Hornhlovv) responded to by Mr G. W. Morgan, Pres'dent, who took occasion to thank Mr Stevens lor the valuable assistance he had given the chamber ; 1 ‘ The Ladies ” (was proposed in a witty speech by Mr Clemett) and responded to by Mr Murray ; ‘‘ The Press ” Mr (Fraser), responded to by Mr Hornblow ; ‘‘The Chairman ” (Mr Chisholm) responded to by the Mayor, and Messrs Murray and S, Wanklyn, who were given an opportunity of testifying to the good feeling existing between themselves and their late chief, Mr Chisholm. “Mr John Stevens ” (proposed by Mr Hornblow). In response, Mr Stevens said he appreciated the compliment, and he looked upon the electors of this constituency, irrespective of party colour, as his personal friends. Complimentary remarks were passed to Mr Perreau, for his catering and a willingness at all times in placing his rooms at the disposal of the public. “ Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem ended the proceedings. Before dispersing, special mention was made of the presence of Mr Neylon, and Mr Chisholm said he took it as a great compliment to think that our esteemed pioneer had come such a distance to do him honour. Three cheers were lustily given for Mr Neylon. During the evening’s items were given by Messrs Linds, Hornblow, Macdonald, Wilson, and Clemett. Mr Cargill presided at the piano.