MR. J. B. HINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1920, Page 5

MR. J. B. HINE.

ENTERTAINED AT INGLEWOOD. A HANDSOME GIFT. (From Our Special Reporter.) Inglewood, Last Night. The Inglewood Town Hall was crowded with a gathering representative of Inglewood and the surrounding district at a complimentary social tendered to Mr. J. B. Hine, late M.P. for Stratford, and Mrs. Hine, The Mayor (Mr. J. Sutherland) presided, and there were also on the stage, Mrs. Sutherland, Mr. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. I'. H. Brown, Mr. 0. Hawken (M.P, for Egmont), Mr. R. H. Cameron (chairman 'of Mr. Hine's central committee), and a. number of other representative men.' Mr. and Mrs. Hine, on entering the hall, were given a splendid reception, the audience cheering them enthusiastically. A little girl, Miss Geddes, presented a handsome bouquet to Mrs. Hine. The Mayor said, they had met to show their appreciation of Mr. Hine's eleven to twelve years in Parliament. He referred to Mr. Hine's war service, expressing pride in what he had done, An evidence of Mr. Hine's ability was shown by his elevation to Cabinet rank, and this could be looked upon as an ionor to Taranaki, which, from its productiveness, was justly entitled to a Minister. Fate had willed it that Mr. Hine was not their member in Parliament at present, but he had always received splendid support from the Inglewood district. Mr. F. H. Brown (chairman of Mr. Hine's Inglewood committee) said the candidate had worked hard, but had been fairly beaten. The other party could be congratulated on their win. As soon as the election was: over they decided to entertain Mr. Hine, and it was decided on two socials—one at Stratford and one at Inglewood. He thanked all the committee, and especially the ladies, for their assistance at the election. He hoped that in a few more years Mr. Hine would be addressing them ns their member. He then apologised for the absence of tho Prime Minister, who was unable to be present. He also apologised for the absence of Messrs. W. D. Powdrell, M.P. for Patea, C. A. Wilkinson, G. H. Buekeridge, A. Corkill, and F. H. Webb. Mr. Henry Brown said Mr. Hine could always be assured of a hearty welcome in Inglewood. Mr. Hine had always done his duty, whether in Parliament or in the army, in oi manly and straight forward manner. Mr. Brown said that as one of the oldest residents of Inglewood he had been asked to present Mr. Hine with an illuminated address, which was not yet completed, but would be forwarded in a few days. He had also been asked to present Mr. Hine with a cheque for £650. (Applause). The people had come forward very handsomely to show their appreciation of Mr. Hine. Messrs. Darlow, Lloyd, and Geddes sang a song eulogising Mr. Hine's service. Mr. Hawken, M.P., and Mr. R. H. Cameron paid tributes to Mr. Hine. Mr. Hine, who was greeted with ap[plause, returned thanks for the splendid reception, and thanked them for the very generous gift He said it had been a pleasure to represent, the Inglewood district. He was quite confident that his actions stood the light of day, and if he ever got back to Parliament he would continue to act in the same way. He ivould always be at the service of the district, though he was out of Parliament. Mr. Hine said it was a good thing for the country that the Massev Government was still in power. He paid a tribute to his colleagues, especially to Mr. Massev, "the only strong man in the country to-day." Mr. Hine supported the suggestion that Taranaki was entitled to representation in the Cabinet. After the speeches, the guests were entertained at supper, and a number of musical items were given.