COMPLIMENTAY DINNER TO MR J. MUNDELL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2490, 15 April 1893, Page 3

COMPLIMENTAY DINNER TO MR J. MUNDELL.

To mark their appreciation of the services of Mr J. Mundell, the wellknown auctioneer of this district, m establishing saleyards at Temuka, the residents of the district tendered him a dinner in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, on Thursday evening. There was an attendance of between seventy and eighty people, representatives being present from Ashburton, Geraldine, Timaru, Seadown, and the immediate neighbourhood. The catering was entrusted to Mr J. McCaskill, the liquors being provided by Mr H. Lee, and both departments left little to be deoiiod. In the unavoidable absence of Mr A. M. Clark, who apologised for nonattendance on the ground of a severe cold, Mr W. G. Aspinall consented to take the chair, and upon doing so read apologies from Messrs D. MAclean, E. R. Guinness, H. A. LeCren, J. Talbot, and J. Page, all of whom expressed regret that from various causes they were unable to be present. Mr Aspinall had upon his right the guest of the evening, and was supported upon his left by Mr J. Murray, of Grari. The vice-chairs were occupied by Messrs M. Quinn and H. Lee. After due justice had been done to the repast provided, the chairman proposed the customary loyal and patriotic toasts, that of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers, being associated with the names of ColorSergeant Coira and Lieutenant E. Paul, who suitably responded. Songs were sung by Messrs Gus. Jones, B. Cochrane, and JH. Lee, after which, Mr M. Quinn rose to propose the health of “ The guest of the evening.” The toast, he said, required few words from him, for Mr Mundell was well known throughout South Canterbury, and'the gathering there that evening showed the high esteem in which he was held. He might say that he had known Mr Mundell for some 22 years, and their business relations had enabled him to become thoroughly intimate with his characteristics. He had known him as a farm laborer, a man of commerce, and latterly for some 14 years as an auctioneer. In the latter capacity he had proved himself worthy of the respect of the people of the district. Mr Mundell was one who had come out to push his way in the colonies without assistance, and he had done so by his own zeal, honesty, and perseverance. It was men of his stamp who helped to make the colony what it was. Men who with their own bone, brain, and sinew had worked their way upwards, and who were rightly called the backbone of the country. They were, in fact, the men who laid the foundation of its prosperity. They sailed as it were on their own merits, and were unaided by any particular sect or community. For many years Mr Mundell s name had been closely associated with Geraldine. He (the speaker) could recall that township as early as 1870, and, looking at it now, ho could not dissociate its later prosperity with Mr Mundell. His enterprise had certainly materially assisted to make it such a promissing place. He had established there one of the best stock markets in the district. Recalling recollections of Temuka, he could remember when Messrs Maclean Bros., F. W. Stubbs, and G. H. VVildie had at various periods attempted to establish a stock market, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Mr Mundell some three years ago had taken the matter in hand —with what success they knew. When he first thought over the matter he had spoken to him (the speaker) upon the subject, and expressed his conviction that the district was capable of maintaining a standard maraet, and he meant to do his utmost to establish it. In due course the yards were erected, and, as they would remember, Mr Mundell celebrated the opening sale by giving a dinner in the adjoining hail, at which doubtless many of those now present took part. They had now the pleasure of returning the hospitality and of congratulating him upon his success. They might also congratulate themselves, for Mr Mundeli’s action had brought business to the town, and to all classes of the community. It afforded him the greatest pleasure to have been entrusted with such an important toast, and he asked them to drink long life, health, happiness, and prosperity to Mr Mundell.

The toast was drunk with musical honors.

Mr G. Jones then recited “ The Rescue,” a harrowing story with a comical climax.

Mr Mundell, who on rising to respond was loudly applauded, said that it was usual for speakers upon such occasions to apologise for little weaknesses from Which they might suffer, or which they desired people to believe they suffered from. He was not much of a speechmaker. He had been told that a man should serve for a short time as a local praacher, or seek the suffrages of electors from the political platform a few times, before he could claim rank as an orator; but, whatever were his own defects in the matter, there was no one more ready than himself to give honor to whom it was due. When, however, it came to him to respond on his own behalf he felt considerable diffidence. Mr Quinn had made a very kindly speech in his honor, but the assembly that evening spoke volumes jtself—more than any speeches that could be delivered. He had there before him a blending of Terauka, Geraldine, and Seadown friends, fanners who were the backbone and sinew of the country. Many were there who would not be called upon to speak, but their presence alone did him honor. He felt that the assemblage there of farmers, bankers, lawyers, and commercial men was an important occasion for himself, and _ if he were to receive a notification of his appointment to one of the highest positions in the State he could not feel more honored. Hitherto he had mainly associated with Geraldine, and of his friends there he might say that residence amongst them had considerably sharpened his intellect. (Laughter.) Now ho was connected with both ° districts. With regard to the establishment of the Temnka sale, he might say that he had carefully thought the matter out, and also consulted one or two old hands. The scheme had prospered, but it had not interfered with his relations with Geraldine. His friendsthere were still staunch to him, as witm-s----how they had decided not only to be present that evening, but had also chartered a drag and four horses that they might come in force. They had even brought a piper with them. That sort of thing was characteristic of Geraldine people. They had no petty jealousies, and he thought that a cross . of the lively people of Geraldine with their more sober friends at Temuka would not be a bad one. He owed a groat debt to Geraldine. It was there he made his first start and he should never forget it. Between the two places they had a district not to be surpassed. He could only call it a garden All they wanted was a market, and let this once be found, they could produce anything that was required—wheat, wool, mutton, pig's, or anything else. They W ere iu the picked spot of New Zealand,

and New Zealand was the beat patch in , the Southern Hemisphere. There might be some grumblers, there always were, but he took no heed of them. His method was to select a suitable place and then get to work. With sufficient energy and enthusiasm success was assured. With reference to the two markets he claimed that they were the best in the colony, and capable of still further enlargement. There were croakers who would tell them that his present associations would not be of advantage to the district, that a monopoly was to be established and all sorts of things of that kind. That was all nonsense. His position was simply that he found his business had increased so much that he could hardly keep pace with it. He could have had partners in plenty, but he thought he could not do better than take in as partners the men who had made him, namely, the farmers, and they were a grand team. (Applause). Referring again to the establishment of the Temuka yards, he said he had after the first sale thrown the yards open to the other auctioneers. He said to them, “ Come along, boys, and sell away ; but 1 must have the first sale to myself.” It was a little ambition on his part. He wanted to see how much he could sell in one day. After that opening day he was satisfied. The yards opened well, they had been running since, and would run after he was gone and laid on the shelf. There were no weakening symptoms, and all they wanted was unity. The closer they worked together the more successful they would be. He admitted that he was a bit of an enthusiast, but his anticipati ms were rarely disappointed, and he looked for a still more prosperous future for their district In conclusion he thanked them for their presence, and particularly for the kindly remarks made through their spokesman, Mr Quinn. (Applause). Mr Dunlop then proposed the toast of “Agricultural and Pastoral Interests.” In the course of a humourous speech he expressed pleasure at seeing Mr Mundell hon or ed at such a representative gather mg. There were no better farmers than those in the Temuka district, and he should not mind following Mr Mundell’s example and going into partnership with them himself. The toast was associated with the names of Mr Mitchell (Seadown), B. Cochrane (Woodbury), and R. Skinner (Hilton), all of whom appropriately responded. Other toasts were “ Commercial Interests,” proposed by Mr J. Allan, of Fairfield, and associated with the names of Messrs Dunlop and Ferguson. The “ Learned Professions ” was entrusted to Mr A. Kelman, who called upon Mr Wilson Smith and Mr W. G. Aspiuall to respond Mr Mitchell proposed “Our Local Bodies,” recommending careful selection of men to fill the various positions, and thorough support of them when elected. The toast was replied to by Mr M. Quinn on behalf of the Geraldine County Council, Mr G. Mason for the Temuka Town Board, and Mr Ferguson as representing the Geraldine Town Board. Mr Hawkins proposed “ Local Industries,” regretting that past attempts to establish them had not been very successful. He was asked to couple the toast with the names of Messrs W. Tayler, Temuka, and Mr H. Oldfield. He did not know the particular industry they were engaged in, but he urged people to support them. Mr Tayler briefly replied. He hardly looked upon the brewery business as a distinctly local one, and was somewhat surprised at being asked to respond. He was glad to say he had met with a fair amount of success since he established himself in Temuka. He had put some little capital and a certain amount of skill into the business, and if well supported by the farmers and hotelkeepers might be able to materially improve the barley market. Mr H. Oldfield, as representing the bacon-curing industry, also replied. The toast of “ Our Bankers ” was humourously proposed by Mr H. Lee, and responded to by Messrs Herbert and Hawkins.

Mr J. Murray, in an apt speech, proposed “ The Ladies,” characterising it as the second in importance to that of the guest. It was suitably acknowledged by Messrs G. Jones, J. Skinner, and J. Lawson.

Messrs H. Nicholson, W. Brogden, James Austin, and T. Connelly, replied for “ Old Identities,” a toast which was received with enthusiasm.

To the toast of the “ Press,” ably proposed by Mr Wilson Smith, Messrs Tworney, Paul, and Gaze responded. The toast of » Our Host,” was replied to by Mr J. McCaskill, and that of “ The Chairman,” proposed by Mr Mundell, was honoured with three hearty cheers. In the course of the evening songs were sung by Messrs Herbert, Mills, Allan Hawkins, Mundell, McCaskill, Woodley and Aspinall, and Messrs Mundell and Lawson contributed recitations.

The speakers invariably in the course of their remarks, endorsed the kindly sentiments expressed in connection with Mr Mundell, and eulogised his seryipog to the district.

Ip the coijrse of the evening Mr R. Skinner placed a merry lilt on the pipes, and set some dozen of the Gaelic guests capering, and “ Auld Lang Syne ” having been sung, he headed a march round the hall, the guest of the evening being borne shoulder high.