Presentation to Mr and Mrs Thos. Bellamy.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4457, 2 September 1909, Page 2

Presentation to Mr and Mrs Thos. Bellamy.

VALEDICTORY DINNER AT WAIHOU.

Much regret i\vas expressed by settlers throughout this district when it became known that Mr Thos, Bellamy had disposed of Bis farm at Waitoa, and that he had decided to leave the district aud take up his residence on his recently acquired farm in Scotchman’s Valley—some twenty miles distant. Mr Bellamy, during his long residence amongst us has times out of number proved his sterling worth, both in public and piivate life, No sooner had the news of Mr Bellamy’s approaching departure become known than steps were taken to give him some tangible souvenir qf the high esteem in which both himself and his good wife are held by the settlers. Monday evening last was the time s&h apart for the sead-off, and it took place in a right royal manner. The large dining-room in Host Lewis’ Hotel was taxed to its utmost capacity, many coming from long distances in order to take part in the proceedings. A sumptuous spread was provided, aud ample and varied liquid refreshments supplied to meet all tastes. In the absence of Mr W. P. Chepmell, County Chairman, who was indisposed, Mr W. H. Her.ies, M.P., for the district, presided, while Mr R. Parr occupied the vice-chair. The first toast “The King” was drunk with musical honours, after which the Chairman made a few opening remarks appropriate to the occasion, and called upon Mr W. R. Johnson, who sang “ A Motto for Every Man.” The piincipal toast, that of “ The Guest of the Evening, Mr Thomas Bellamy,” was proposed by the Chairman, who, jocularly referred to the term “Bellamy”—wellknown in Parliamentary circles, and spoke in a very laudatory manner concerning Mr Thomas Bellamy’s past career in the district; the way in which he had worked on local bodies, County Councils, Road and Drainage Boards, School Committees, Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and many others. He possessed all the essentials that go to make a successful 'colonist—he liked the word

Colony better than Dominion—as it gave one a better idea of the old pioneering days. We should not forget the pioneers, for in the old days it was not all sailing. One of the principal factors vn pushing this district along was the guest of the evening, who did more than Kis share iu this direction. In all matters he had the courage of his convictions, and , that is one of the reasons why so many admired him. He had an estimable wife who had proved a real helpmate, otherwise he could not possibly have taken such a prominent part in local poliites. It was to their wives that many men owed their success in life. In times of adversity they cheered us on our way, and spoke of the good time ahead. As regards Mr Beliamy he never heard a man say a bad word against him. Mr R. Parr, referred to his lengthy acquaintance of the guest of the evening, and many a time he left his own work to help a friend. He considered him one of the whitest men that ever stepped into the district—he did not know a better man.

Mr Thos. Gavin said it gave him great pleasure to do, honour to Mr Bellamy. Speaking as an ex-Councillor he served six years with Mr Bellamy during the whole of which time he met no one who did their work more cheerfully. On deputations, committee - ;, or inspections you world always find him, and when he made a promise you could depend on it being fulfilled. He (the speaker) considered it wise to couple Mrs Bellamy’s name in the presentation, for she must have done a big share of the work on the farm, while her good husband was attending to the requirements of others—on local bodies, etc.

Mr H. O, Cooper said he felt he must say a few words. He had known Mr Bellamy for 11 years, quite long enough to find him a tip-top neighbour. He was always willing to lend his neighbours a hand, during haymaking or any other time. Mr Bellamy looked after the interests of others, and did not get on local bodies to serve his own selfish ends.

Mr P. Gilchrist spoke in high , praise of Mr Bellamy’s many qualities, and he did his work conscientiously and well. He had great pleasure in testifying to Mr Bellamy’s good qualities. Mr A. Bosson, as a neighbour of 1 the guest of the evening, endorsed all 1 said by the previous speakers. Mr F. Pilling said he had known Mr Bellamy for a good many years. Outside of Road Board, Drainage Board and County Council work, he had known him many a time to assist others in driving cattle and sheep along the roads, and help them in many other ways. He was a real good sort. Mr Bellamy, on rising to respond, was greeted with rounds of applause. He. thanked them all from the bottom of his heart. He did not consider himself worthy of the good things said about him. He tried to do his best. While on local bodies he felt it his bounden duty to do his utmost for the district—he had only missed two meetings in twelve years, He was pleased to see many of his old friends present, and he would like to see them at his new home should they be journeying that way. (Applause.) Other toasls duly honoured were:— “ Our member, Mr Heiries,” proposed by Mr G. Smith, responded to by Mr W. H, Henies ; “ Local Bodies,” proposed by Mr T. Mclndoe, responded to by Messrs John Rowe (deputy-Mayor of Borough of Te Aroha), Chas. Manuel (Piako County Coirao’l), H. Makgr’U (Waitoa Drainage Board), J, B. Johnson (Borough Council) ; “ The Dairying Industry,” proposed by Mr Gilclr Ist, and responded to by Mr Thos. GaGi; “ The Mining Industry,” proposed by Mr John Rowe and responded to by Mr Chas, Manuel; “The Local Press,” proposed by Mr H. O. Cooper and acknowledged by representatives present; “ The Ladies,” proposed by Mr Tom Hanna and responded to by Mr S Hanna; “Cur Host,” proposed by Mr O- F. Piling. Mr Lewis responded; Mr D. McL. Wallace proposed “The Secretary and Organiser of To-night’s Meet* eg.” coupled with the name of Mr W. R. Johnson, who su'tably responded; “ Or : Friend, Mr R. Pair,” proposed by Mr Mclndoe, Mr Pair responded. Mr Mclndoe favoured the assembly with “ Off to Philadelphia,” Mr G. Smith recited “ BIT Adams,” Mr W. R. Johnson contributed several songs, Mr'.

Williams, who ably presided at the piano, also contributed several songs. Dr-ing the evening Mr W. H. Heines presented Mr Bellamy w.th a veiy hands ime silver tea and coffee service (suitably inscribed) ; also a testimonial, signed by a number of settlers. # . Want of space prevents ns giving the numerous speeches indetai'. The function was one of the most successful held in the district.