FAREWELL BANQUET TO C. G. TRIPP, ESQ., J.P.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1169, 24 April 1884, Page 2

FAREWELL BANQUET TO C. G. TRIPP, ESQ., J.P.

Mr C. G. Tripp, of Orari Gorge, who is about visiting; Englajd, was entertained at a public banquet in Geraldine last Tuesday* evening, The banquet was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, which was excellently decorated with evergreens, and , over the stage end was the motto ‘ A friend lovelh at all times.’ The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and on all sides were evidences of how truly, gel:nine was the feeling which prompted the giving of this testimony of esteem'and regard to one of our oldest settlers, 1 and certainly our most beloved 4find respected. There were people present from all parts of South Canterbury, not a few of them coming a distance of 30 miles. Mr K. Taylor catered, and the tasteful manner in which the tables were laid was as creditable to him as the abundance and excellent quality of the good things which he provided. At 7 o’clock Mr Angus Macdonald look the chair, and was supported on his right by the guest of the evening (Mr C. G. T.tij,p) and the Hoo. J. B. A. Acland, and on his left by the Bev. G. Barclay, Mr W. U. Slack, and Mr E, Wakefield, M.H.d. The vice chairs were filled by Hr Fish and Mr Flatman. There were about 70 present. After the cloth had been removed, and the loyal and patriotic toasts had been given and duly honored, The Hon. Mr Acland proposed ‘The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,’ coupled with the names of Messrs Walker and Hennistpun and Captain Young.

Mr Walker returned thanks for the Army. It was a long time since he was a member of it. He had been told that things had been greatly changed since he had left the service, and he felt quite like a fossil soldier. He deplored the army had been sent out to take part in inglorious wars, but he was sure they would do their duty. Mr Dennistoun replied for the Navy. It was not their fault that they had not done anything at the present time to relieve Colonel Gordon at Khartoum, and he felt sure they were always ready when called upon. Captain Young, for the Volunteers, said they had not had the chance of distinguishing themselves. (A voice : Parihaka.) Well, certainly a part of his contingent went to the ‘ front.’ Ho believed the Volunteers would be the future defenders of New Zealand. The Government should give them more support. A gentleman was present that evening who would see that the rights of the Volunteers were well looked after, tie meant Mr Wakefield. (Cheers.) Seng by Mr Willoughby, ‘The Midshipmits The Chairman read apologies for nonattendance from Messrs W. C. Walker, Wigley, Clulee, W. Moore, L. Harper, W. Turcoc, W. Postlethwaite andMitton.

The Chairman asked tho company to charge their glasses with champagne in order that they might all drink the toast of the evening, ‘Mr C. G. Tripp.’ (Prolonged applause.) Ha (the Chairman) had not an older friend in Canterbury ; indeed, so old was their friendship that he felt old enough to be their gujst’s father. (Applause.) Very few were aware he had met Mr Tripp some 30 years ago next January at Gaversham House, Christchurch. He did not think there was a gentleman who had more friends and fewer enemies than Mr Tripp. Those present were his friends, and ho had a great many more outside. He hardly knew that he had a fault, but if there was one it was on the right side ; ho was too well supplied with metal, but it was metal of the true ring. Ha (the Chairman) would again ask them all to drink Mr Tripp’s health, wishing him a safe and prosperous voyage, a brief sojourn in the Old Country and a safe return. He would ask Mr Barclay to secend what he himself had said relating to their guest. (Applause). The Rev. Mr Barclay confessed it was not often he had been put in a corner. He had been asked to speak when he was quite unprepared. He had listened with great pleasure to what their Chairman had said in regard to Mr Tripp. It was some 17 or 18 years ago since he became acquainted with him, and ha had always had feelings of admiration and regard for him. They had assembled that evening to do honor to one who rightly deserved it, and to show their esteem and regard for an old colonist of 30 years’ standing, and all that time be had shown himself a man of sterling worth. They had met that evening to do honor to one who had done much good for the country, one who had purchased a large tract of wild uncultivated land for a freehold and contributed largely to the revenue in the shape of rents for pastoral land ; one who took an interest in public affairs of a local character, such as Road Boards and the County Council. Fourteen years ago he became a member of the Geraldine Road Board and later on had been elected a member of the Geraldine County Council, and afterwards he had been chosen chairman of the latter, and whatever his public acts may have been they must all give him credit for his thorough uprightness and honesty. (Applause). Whatever Mr Tripp undertook to do he always accomplished. Some members in public bodies were not punctual in their attendance when their duties called them together, but Mr Tripp, though far removed from the railway, was always at his post, and never shirked his public duties. He lived a long distance from the reach of coach and rail. Another thing lie (Mr Barclay) desired to refer to, and that was Mr Tripp’s great libeiality, especially in regard to labor. He had spent a deal of money in South Canterbury, and had been a large employer of laboi, and he (Mr Barclay) had often met travellers on the road, and on asking them where they were going to, their invariable reply would be, ‘ To Mr Tripp’s, at Orari Gorge. Mr Tripp had proyed himself of liberal mind, his career rfras unblemished and unimpeached, and ho was sure those present would cordially unite with himself in wishing him a pleasant voyage home, and a speedy return. It had given him (Mr Barclay) the greatest pleasure to be present that evening and see so many of Mr Tripp’s friends around him. It was not a mere local gathering, for he observed gentlemen present from different parts of Canterbury. (Great cheering.)

The toast was: drank with musical honors and ‘ three tinges three.’ Mr Tripp, who Was -received with prolonged applause, femarked that he could not find word* to express' his thanks for the flattering: way in which he had been eulogised for’the services he had.- tried to render to: He. arrived in Canterbury and oit’coing over the PortTHlls^fewarda' Ch%jswhurch felt well nigh d hearted, f a&w nothing hntSgd^iftWa^febiSfqr&'blfli and could an- unoccupied hgSre. wCTe nq;green fields such as behind’ him in ; the Old hothing to be seen from the top otlße Port Hills but - uncultivated land a®p&he Riccarton and Papanui bushipi|life had, however, resolved to and persevere. - undertake difficult a lawyer;- he .would .ffip-tSe most’stSl&3lt cases whl«ptner lawyers had aside as and carry them to a successful issue. (Cheers). The first thing he did was to purchase a horse, and the next to turn his attention to sheep, but at that time he hardly knew the difference between a sheep and a bullock. (Laughter). Hs'then went to reside with a model sffeep farmer, Mr Burke, and set to work at different things about his station. Mr Burke afterwards asked him if he would go with him down south as he was going to establish a sheep station at Raincliff. He gladly accepted the offer. Mr Burke was disappointed in getting a bullockdriver, and asked him (Mr Tripp) to drive his bullocks for him, and he so although he knew nothing at that time about ‘bullock punching.’ Well, they travelled as far as the Relwyn, and resumed their journey to the Rangitata, which was then in flood, and they had to remain there a'week and live in a tent.

Someone had told him that the land near the hills had not been taken up and was only fit for wild pigs. He did not believe in this, however, and with the Hon. Mr Acland, returned afterwards to Christchurch and took the land up. He went with Mr Burke to Raincliff and then to Timaru, where there was only one building in those days—a hovel on the beach —and the only dwellings between Christchurch and Timaru were Mr Hayhurst’s at Ashburton and that of Mr Chapman at the Rangitata. When they took possession of our land at Mount Peel they set fire to the grass, which made a grand fire. They could see to read print by it a mile off. He was in England in 1862, the year the Prince of Wales was married, and he went to see the illuminations, and he could say conscientiously that they were very lama compared with the fires that illuminated the hills at Mount Peel. In 1862 he went to England, and on going to his father’s homo his, sister in the house but did not r;coguis-r nitn, neither did his father till twenty minutes after. It had struck him often since that it was no wonder a man like Tichborne should not have been recognised when, after an absence of eight years, even his(Mr Tripp’s) father did not know him for some time. He hoped, however, that when he went home this time he would be recognised. Ever since the year 1865 he had been settled at Orari Gorge as a sheep farmer, and he had been elected on the Geraldine Road Board and County Council. It was a pleasure and not a labor to him to serve the interests of the district. As a young man be had had a good training at home for public life. Ha went to an office in London when he was 17 years of age and had paid £IOO a year for being there. That was very different to this colony, where clerks were well paid for doing their work. In that office he was well grounded in business habits, and he could say that if at any time he made an appointment it gave him the greatest trouble if he could not keep it. (Applaustf;) He had tried all in his power to push on the district. The more it was advanced they ware the better able to employ labor. He had at one time asked the Chief Surveyor for a road from the Rangitata to Burke’s Pass and he got £6OOO placed on the estimates for the road, but he only got it as far as the Kakahu district. He had in his position as member of the Road Board always looked with favor on applications for roads from the small farmers. The farmer was the bone and sinew of the country, and it was the duty of those placed in power to assist him. If a man had got 1000 acres, and by soma means broke his dray, it was of no importance, because all he had to do was to write a cheque out and get another one; but it was not so with the poor man. All through, as he had before said, in public life it had always been his main aim and object to assist the small farmer. He was going to the Old Country as a matter of duty on account of his children’s health, but ho hoped to be back in October next. As soon as he got to London b" intended going to the shipping office and I ’- ng his passage for his return to l.'sw Zealand. (Great applause). He thank' d them for their generous hospitality that evening. It showed they had overlooked his defects and regarded hit past actions as actuated by disinterested motives, (Loud applause). In concluding his remarks, Mr Tripp said he would not have been in the position he was that evening were it not for one gentleman whom they all knew. A more forward man there could not be, and he always had a happy smile with him. Re had a brother who was as good as himself. He alluded to Messrs Andrew and William Grant. (Loud applause). The former had been with him (Mr Tripp) for the past 12 years. All the family were well known. If they come to the sheep farmer and the latter had anything to sell they always gave him higher prices than he could expect to receive. Ought not the company to diink their health with three times three 1 (Loud applause). The health of Messrs A. and W. Grant was drank with musical honors, amidst considerable applause. Songs, Mr Hope, ‘ The death of Nelson,’ and ‘ Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep.’ Mr Andrew Grant thanked Mr Tripp for his flattering speech. He would also thank him for ‘ breaking him in ’ to Colonial life, and hoped he would soon be back again amongst his old friends. Mr William Grant said that Mr Tripp had given him a start when ho first came out here, and he thanked him heartily for his kindness.

Mr Platman proposed the next toast, that of ‘The Legislative Assembly and the House of Representatives.' They had been formerly well represented in Parliament. He wouldj not say anything about the present representation, as it spoke for itself. He would couple with the toast the names of the Hon. Mr Acland and Mr Wakefield. The toast was drank with musical honors. The Hon. Mr Acland briefly replied on behalf of the Legislative Assembly. Mr Wakefield, who was received with prolonged applause, said it was so long since he had been in Parliament that it sounded strange to him to have his name coupled with the toast. He had only recently been elected as a member of the House of Representatives. He should ever connect himself with the Geraldine district, as being the first that had elected him as their representative. He had since been two years out of Parliament, and was consequently but little acquainted with the personnel of the House. He had been told that a great change had come over the House since he was last in it, but so long as they had good material and sterling good stuff in Parliament it mattered very little. If people were right, their representatives could not be a bad lot. There could not be anything wrong when they, were, as colonists, a Jaw abiding people, and enjoyed the utmost liberty. He hoped the time would not come when they ceased to fight for public places and take their licking like men, and were ready to stand up to fight another battle. That evening he had heard Mr Tripp say he arrived in 1855, but he (Mr Wakefield) was here three years befqre him, and it Mr Macdonald was old enough to be his father, surely he (Mr Wakefield) was, as a colonist, almost old enough be his grandfather. On looking back to those early days, and noting the rise of the colony from its infancy, he would say that instead of complaining of their public institutions they all be proud and astonished at their great

prosperity. All present that evening were either his friends or. his enemies, which was all the same to him. (Laughter). Ha felt sure ho was looking upon a roomful of people wha were still glad to see him respond on behalf of the General Assembly. (Cheers). On looking over some old files of papers the other day ho came across a speech of hi* delivered in that very room, and he had a rough time of it, having been pelud with rotten eggs ; when Mr Barclay and himself were glad to escape by the back door. On their wsy to the Manse they laughed heartily at their adventure, and wondered what would take place the next day. He told them they could do as they liked, but they could not keep him out of Parliament. He was deeply gratified at the cordial manner they had received him that evening, and he felt that he was indeed back again amongst old friends. (Cheers). Whoever their member was in the Assembly he could assure them they would always have two persons to fight their battles for them ; at least they would have one and a half, (Applause). In the Legislative Assembly the Hon. Mr Acland was an honor and credit to his country, and they were fortunate to have him as a settlor and resident amongst them. Three hearty cheers were given for Mr Wakefield at the conclusion of his speech, all present standing up. Song, Mr C. E. Sherratt, ‘One story is good till another is told. Mr Coltman in proposing tho next toast, that of 1 The Geraldine, Mount Peel and Temuka Road Boards,’ coupled with the names of Messrs Flatman, McKay and Talbot, remarked that ho had not been in the colony 30 years—he had not been more than three—but the first thing that struck him on his arrival was the good roads they possessed. He was glad to see that perfect unanimity existed in the Road Boards, which was a good feature and showed they worked together for the good of the district they represented. There was a good deal said just now about the doing away with the Road Boards and establishing Town Boards, but ho did not think they were required as the former ware doing their work honestly and well. In responding for the Temuka Road Board, Mr Talbot, who was received with great applause, said ho had had considerable experience in the working of Road Board 3, and no doubt the public appreciated what they had done. They had all worked harmoniously together. They had plenty of money to spend and nothing to quarrel about. Some Boards had spent all their money, but they had good roads to show for it. He was glad to see so many friends present to bid Mr Tripp good-bye. He had not known him so long as some had, but had done so long enough to find out his good qualities. Although the country was suffering great depression, yet, when they looked back at the time Mr Tripp first landed here, no one could but be struck with the vast progress Canterbury had made during the last 30 years. Mr Flatman, on behalf of the Geraldine Road Board, thanked those present for the toast. They had been a happy family, sometimes too much so, He thought that dissention sometimes did a power of good. He was glad to say they were an anti-rating Board, and would try and do without rating as much as possible. He could not say they had spent all their money yet, but he could say they had also good roads. He did not like to see the money hoarded, but to have it expended judiciously. Mr McKay, on behalf of the Mount Peel Road Board, thought tho Boards were useful institutions and were doing great good and he hoped they would last for a long time. Mr Maslin proposed ‘The farming interests,’ coupled with the names of Messrs S. D, Barker, Slack, Donkin and Deßenzy. Mr Barker,’ in reply, said that the farming interests were at a low ebb just now, but he did not think they were at so low an ebb when so many fanners were present to give honor to whom honor was due. Mr Slack had been a farmer for many years past. It was a happy life, for they had their hunting, shooting and horses and everything they could enjoy. The farmers were happy to be there that evening to say good bye to Mr Tripp. They were parting with a valuable friend. He hoped he would have a pleasant trip Home and safely return amongst them. Messrs Donkin and Deßenzy also briefly responded. Song, Mr Q. Hammond, 1 Eloise.' Dr Fish in proposing ‘ The Geraldine County Council’ coupled it with the name* of Messrs Talbot and A. Sherratt. It was a difficult task to propose such a toast. Every previous speaker had enlisted the sympathies of his audience, but he was not sure that he had their sympathy. They all knew that a petition had been going round for signatures praying that the Geraldine County Council be abolished. For his part he always considered it would do good yet. He was glad to be there that evening to honor Mr Tripp, for ho had known him a long time- He was also glad to see Mr Wakefield amongst them also. Mr Talbot, in responding, said that the County Council was a body that could do useful work outside the Road Boards, If its members had a little forbearance he was sure the time would come when they would be able to do larger work. They could, like Mr Tripp, bring water into the district, which work was outside the functions of the Road Boards, and he considered the Council should have charge of such works. Mr A. Sherratt said he was glad to be there to respond on behalf of the County Council, and also to say good bye to an old friend. He did not know that the Council had done any great work in the past, and if it were to do good at all it would be in the future. A short time ago an attempt was made to abolish the Act, for they began to sen that CDuncils were nuisances ; they had nothing to do and no money to spend. All was in office work. There was, however, one department the Council could enter largely into, viz,, the irrigation of the district. Mr Tripp was the first to go in for it. He (Mr Sherratt) was At first against the existence of the Council, hut when the subject of irrigation came up he saw that it could be useful in that respect, especially in this district where there was so much shingle land, and he would do all he could for the advantage of the district. He was sorry when Mr Tripp resigned the chairmanship of the Council and as a member of the same. He hoped they go on working for the good of the country, not

only as Road Board members hut ns Councillors. If the Council fook over the bridges on the main roads he thought they'ahould go in heartily for all such works’

Mr Wakefield proposed ‘ The Pastoral Interests.’ It was an unpopu'ar (oast, but he was not sorry it had been placed in his hands, lb was a most important interest. ETe remembered the time when there was no squatters in New Zealand, when they all livrd on salt junk, and had no fresh meat unless brought by a Teasel. The she.’p farmers wore the pioneers of New Zealand. They were the first to begin the settlement of the land, they employ«d labor and did much good. The squatters were not bad sort of fellows. A squatter who remembered his duties as well as his rights did good work, and was a credit to New Zealand, He did a power of good, and those services should not be forgotten. If all of them were like Mr Tripp and Mr Acland they would bo a credit to the country. They had seen the squatting question fairly settled in New Zealand, and now the squatting and farming interests were working together side by side. During the last 10 years they had seen the steady increase of the farming interests, and yet the pastoral interests had not suffered. Let them all lire together in a brotherly way, and not try to set up any stupid cries pitting class against class When he first came to Geraldine it was to try to get political honors, and he was told by some to get the confidence of the squatters and he would be all right; but he was told by others not. to be a squatters’ man. He went to one man who took to him, and he felt he had found an honest and a good man, and that was Mr Tripp (ap Vause), and they had worked together ever since. Mr Acland was also a jood man. He Was afraid that Mr Tripp when he returned here would be such a ‘ masher ’ that they would not be able to recognise him. He. never knew that Mr Tripp had been in an office in London. It was a pity they had not then tiught him to write a better hand. (Loud Applause). So long as the pastoral interests were represented by the right sort of men and did their duty to the country by working shoulder to shoulder with other classes of the community, they would be furthering the interests generally of the whole country. He would couple with the toast the name of their worthy Chairman, Mr Angus Macdonald. (Lmd applause.) The toast was drank with musical honors.

The hour being rather late, and Meiers Tripp and Acland residing at some distance from Geraldine, they at this stage of the proceedings left the hall, to the general regret of everyone present. As they retired the whole of the company rose, and sent forth ringing cheers. Mr A.DgHB Macdonald, in response, said that he was a equatter once, but now ho was a ‘ cockatoo.’ The squatters were th* making of the country, and long before the farmers could do anything with the plough the squatters were at work in the country. The Rev. G. Barclay, in proposing ‘ The Press,’ passed a high eulogium on the colonial papers of the day. He coupled with the toast the names of Mr Wakefield, of the Timaru Herald, and Mr Twomey, of the GBRiLDItTB QUAEDIAK.

Mr Wakefield and Mr Twomey haring replied, Mr Coltman gave ‘The health of Mr Cunningham,’ the Secretary to the Committee, under whose instrumentality they had that evening met to do honor to Mr Tripp. He would also couple with the toaot the name of Mr Pearpoint, who had ao ably assisted Mr Cunningham. Mr Cunningham and Mr Pearpoint re* sponded. Mr f Wakefield proposed the health of‘Their Host and Hostess, JMr and Mrs R. Taylor, and Miss Taylor for so ably accompanying the singer* of the evening on the piano. Mr Platman proposed the health of *Hr Pish,’ which that gentleman briefly acknowledged. The Chairman called on Mr Willoughby to sing * God Save the Queen,’ and, be having acceded thereto, the company broke up, after spending one of the moot enjoyable evenings ever passed in Geraldine.