MR. W. T. JENNINGS, M.P.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1921, Page 5

MR. W. T. JENNINGS, M.P.

FAREWELLED AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

During the past few days Mr. W. T< Jennings, M.P. for Waitomo, who it leaving on a trip to Gallipoli and England, has been entertained by settlers In various parts of his electorate, tod also by friends in Auckland. Last night he was farewelled by New Plymouth friends in the Foresters’ Hall, where there was a good gathering, presided over by Mr. F. E. Wilson, Mayor. “The Parliament of New'Zealand” wae proposed by the diainnan and responded fro by Messrs. W. T. Jennings and 8. G. Smith, M.P.’s.

Mr. Q. Grey proposed the toast of “The Guest of the Evening”. He had known Mr. Jennings for a conaiderhble number of years, and had always noticed what any observant man must notice—his very conscientious discharge of any duties that he had to perform, whether in Parliament or in social life. In fact. Mr. Jennings had always been too generous of his time in the interests of others, and was regardless of himself. Another feature that endeared Mr. Jennings to his friends was his unfailing bon hommc and good temper. Mr. Jennings had always maintained a high standard as between right and wrong, and other men respected this. Indeed, there could be no serious quarrel so long as all were trying to do the right thing, though there might bo different methods of arriving at the ultimate end. He made no apology for mentioning that Mr. Jennings had lost two sons at the war. It was an occasion of pride, as well as an occasion for sorrow, because a father felt proud that his boys had done their duty and done it well, fie (the speaker) had lost a son at the war also. Mr. Jennings had had some gi*eat sorrows and some great troubles, but all must admire the smiling face he had kept to the world. Pluck like that appealed to all. Mr. Grey then, amidst applause, handed Mr. Jennings a purse containing £5O as a mark of appreciation from his friends to help him on his way. Messrs. R. Cock, A. R. Davis and G. Goldsworthy spoke of the services Mr. Jennings had tendered the backblocker.

Mt. S. G. Smith, M.P., in the course of a tribute to Mr. Jennings, said that there was not a member of Parliament who attended to the needs of his constituency as well as Mr. Jennings had done in the face of tremendous difficulties. '

Mr. Jennings, who was given a great reception, expressed his deep gratitude for the farewell that had been given him by his New Plymouth friends, where he had resided for the past twenty years. This, he felt, together with the farewells at Te Kuiti, Aria, Waitara and Auckland, were expressions of appreciation of the services he had tried to render. He wished to publicly thank Messrs * S. G. Smith, R. Smith, Young and Hockley, M.P.’s, who had promised to look after various parts of his electorate whilst he was away. It was difficult t’’ adequately express his feelings towards his friends. He had endeavored to do his best not only in the interests of Taranaki, but of New Zealand, but in this he considered he had only done his duty, and did not deserve any thanks for it. He was, however, deeply grateful for the presentations his friends had made, and which would make his trip much easier. He appreciated the controversy that was taking place as between the expenditure of money in Taranaki and Auckland. Years ago the Liberal Government had been accused of spending more money in Taranaki than had been expended on the West Ooast. Personally, he. considered it was immaterial where the money was expended so long as the natural advantages were being developed. The Government could not develop the resources of the country too much. It was the development of the timber land of Taranaki that had ~ made New Plymouth the flourishing town that it was, which had made its harbor, and drawn the overseas vessels to Taranaki. They must develop tha timber land, for that was what benefited Taranaki, and it would benefit the whole Dominion. His opinion, therefore, was that the Government was right in developing the resources in any part of New Zealand. He had some very pleasant recollections of the backblooks. In concluding, he said that New Zealand could not go back. It had good soil, good climate, good resources, and could be made a glorious country if all would work together for the country (Applause). Other toasts were “The Mayor and Local Bodies of New Plymouth,” proposed by Mr. T. C. List and responded to by the Mayor; “The Land We Live In”, proposed by Mr. G. Grey, and responded to by Messrs. R. Cock and J. McLeod (commerce), J. Brown (industrialism), E. Whittle, J. Gray (Hawera) and D. J. Malone (Stratford) (sport); “The Press”, proposed by Mr. J. Bennett and responded to by the representatives of the Daily News and Herald; and “The Chairman”.

During the evening an excellent musical programme was rendered, items being given by Messrs. Bellringer, T. Stick©)!, Fredric, L. Smith. C. T. Mills, Tunbridge, Fitzgerald (sons*). G. Goldsworthy (monologue). H. Lett (rerita4’ion), P. Barry (stop dances). All were encored. Mr. Fredric was t’.i? accompanist.