HON. G. FOWLDS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 138, 20 September 1910, Page 5

HON. G. FOWLDS

TENDERED A FAREWELL LUNCHEON. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A complimentary luncheon was tendered by members of the Pacific Club to the Hon. Geo. Fowlds to-day, upon the occasion of his leaving for South Africa to represent New Zealand at the opening of the Union Parliament of South Africa. Replying to the toast of his health, Mr. Fowlds said few people realised the full importance of the great happenings in South Africa, and possibly even South Africans did not generally realise the full significance of the great event. South Africa was now one of the great keystones of the Empire, and its importance in this respect must increase with passing years. (Applause.) The li'berty-lov-ing Dutchman of South Africa, whose character had been developed by centuries of struggling with opposing nature and opposing men, both black and white, would be a valuable addition to the force of the Empire, and when .he realised what British-colonial liberty meat he would be found one of the staunchest supporters of the aims and ideals of our great Empire. (Applause.) Dr. Findlay, in proposing the toast of. "The Union Parliament of South Africa," delivered a stirring speech. Mr. Fowlds left by the Sydney boat to-night.