VALEDICTORY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 29 March 1926, Page 12

VALEDICTORY.

MR RICHARD WKDDKRSPOON. Mr Richard Wedderspoon is leaving Timarn on Tuesday to lake up an important literary ' position'' ili Christchurch. During his stay in'TimiVii lie lias taken an active Miiterest in social and public affairs. He first visited tiro town in, 1911, and was so impressed that he decided to return later and make it liis home. Me returned to Timaru in HkT>, and wrote a pictorial bistorv of South Canterbury, a well illustrated hook from tire general knowledge, historical, agricultural, and scenic points of view. This hook was largely circulated, several thousand going to the Wembley Exhibition, the intention ol the author being to interest his renders m the many potentialities of South Canterbury. Mr Wedderspoon had some idea of contesting the Mayoral chair, hut owing to heTng engaged on the production of a New 'Zealand Illustrated Tourist Guide, which lie published in RIWi, lie was unable to otter bis services to the public-. He is at present busy in compiling “Pictorial New Zealand.’' a hook which will consist of about 100 pages, illustrated with the actual works of the artist, specially drawn and etched for the hook.

Air Wedderspoon was organising secretary of the Tekapo Imague, and in this capacity he .showed organising ability and indefatigable zeal. He is strongly against, nationalisation of the Tekapo source of power, holding that as it belongs to the Sooth Canterbury public it should he developed ami owned by them. Air AYodderspoou is a prominent figure on the croquet lawn, and lias been a., regular correspondent !o the Press, jfe leaves behimThini many friends and well-wishers. Air AYedderspoon, speaking to a reporter, said that lie considers Timarn at mi distant dale, will be no mean oily, and anticipates ils population will lie'so,ooo within the next twenty-live years, provided fhat (he harbour facilities are increased to moot the growing demands of shipping.