COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHEON.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 243, 28 June 1928, Page 4

COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHEON.

TO MEMBER FOR DISTRICT. About 30 representatives of all sections of the community were present at a complimentary luncheon which was tendered to Mr. F. F. Hockiy, M.P., at Simpson’s tearooms on Wednesday. Mr. J. W. Barr Brown, president of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce, presided, and apologies were received from Messrs. F. C. Barnett (Putaruru) and H. H. Bryant (Tokoroa). In extending an official welcome to Mr. Hoekly, the chairman of the Town Board, stated that the gathering was intended as a slight compliment to " our member.” He used the phrase advisedly, because it covered two points which he wished to stress. The first was that the gathering was purely non-political, and was intended by the chamber to be a slight recognition of the many services rendered to the district by Mr. Hockiy. Secondly, the phrase seemed to define Mr. Hockly’s standing with all electors, for even opponents recognised the intense human qualities of the member for the district, and often referred to him in the heat of argument “ as a decent old stick ” (laughter)—who did his best for all classes. (Laughter). In reply, Mr. Hockiy stated that he found great difficulty in expressing his feelings. He recognised the non-political nature of the gathering, and the intense good feeling which prevailed. Since being elected nine years ago his aim and object had been to represent all sections, and not merely those electors who had supported him. This he regarded as a sacred duty. If he had achieved that object then it gave him great joy and pleasure. Some men were peculiarly fitted for politics by temperament and qualities. He thought he had the temperament as it was no difficulty for him to listen to anyone’s troubles, and if they did not bring their troubles then he could not help them. He thought all would admit that if there w'as one thing which gave them a glow it was the knowledge that they had been of some benefit to their fellowmen. He was Chairman of Committees in the House, but it was not generally know’n that he was also DeputySpeaker, and when the Speaker was called away at any time then he took his place. After giving an interesting description of the election of a Speaker, Mr. Hockiy stressed the fact that his relations with the Chamber of Commerce and the old Development League had been most cordial. Chambers of Commerce throughout New Zealand were unelected and unofficial, yet they did wonderful work, and this was recognised by the Government, which always paid particular attention to their suggestions. He was pleased to record the fact that the local chamber did not confine its activities to a narrow outlook, but recognised its duty to the country districts as well as its duty to the town. Every progressive farmer should become a member of the chamber because numbers always told, and it gave a momentum and force to any chamber, especially when it worked for the benefit of both town and country. The cry of town versus country was a most deI plorable one —the cry should be our Dominion and the Empire. In supporting the toast of “ Our Guest,” proposed by the chairman, Mr. A. R. Vosper stated it was a unique occasion. The Development League had always received a most sympathetic hearing, while to-day, though they were working on different lines, he felt they could look forward with confidence, feeling that Mr. Hockiy, as in the past, would do his best for them. Mr. D. D. Sneddon said it was an honour for him to be asked to speak. He had known Mr. Hockiy ever since he helped to “ tye the knot ” at the speaker’s *wedding. The lot of the farmer with an area guch ps he had was a hard one. It would take seven miles of road to cut his block up, and this was beyond his means. If they could not sell it meant bankruptcy, and he felt assured Mr. Hockiy would do his best for them.

Mr. Peters stated he was one of the youngest farmers, yet when he first came to Putaruru there was only a “ pub,” store and blacksmith's shop. In spite of all criticism, he, as an ex-soldier, felt that the Government had done a lot for soldiers, and they owed a lot to Mr. Hockly. (Applause). In a brief reply Mr. Hockly expressed his thanks for the kind sentiments offered and stated that if there was anything he could do for them either individually or collectively they had only to ask' and he would do his'best. f The following toasts were also !

honoured: The King, Mr. J. W. Barr SrCWfij “ The Farming Community,” Mr. J. H, 0. Lochhead —Mr. A. J. Ingle; “ The Chambe? of Commerce,” Mr. F. F. Hockiy, M.P.—MesSrs.- J. W. Barr Brown, H. J. W. Scott and C. C. Neal; “ The Press,” Mr. J. W. Barr Brown—Mr. G. G. Griffiths.