A PANEGYRIC

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 16 December 1912, Page 5

A PANEGYRIC

ON THE LATE MR I), McGHEGOR. A,t the conclusion, of the meeting of the Masterton A. and P. Association on Saturday last, the president (Mr Hugh Morrison) stated that since their last meeting one of tho most respected and beloved members of the Association, in tho person of Mr Duncan McGregor, had passed away. Mr Morrison stated that he could not allow tho present occasion to pass without paying a tribute to one of the pioneers of the district, and one of the founders of Masterton and tne A. and P. Association. In referring to the deceased gentleman, one could only wish, that they possessed the eloquence of their departed friend. It was impossible to do justico in words to one who had proved such an exemplary citizen. During the whole history of the Association, Mr McGregor had taken a keen interest in its welfare, and it was largely through his efforty that th«y were in the splendid position they' found themselves to-day. Although' he had not, in recent years, been a member of the committee, be had nevertheless displayed an active interest aud enthusiasm in th? welfare of the. Association. It was largely through his eloquence and enthusiasm that'they to-day possessed one of the best showgrounds in the Dominion. They would all remember the eloquence of the late Mr McGregor when the Solway movement Wa's initiated. His speeches quickened loyalty and enthusiasm in the. most indifferent. He was lone of the ifa.st-dka.pnearing band of pioneer*' who had made MasNorton what it was io-cfay. The prosent generation owed a great deal of the prosperity they now enjoyer' trthe efforts of these pioneers. Had the late Mr McGregor chosen, he corn Id have entered nolitics, and. with his brahi -and int;-»" : " M ico Ti o cr-vld have risen to <••** of +b" hisrhef':. positions in the hmd : but he- nreferrp*? bis homo and Irs finvVfe. He c-,nld make' one of the finest fioh+mnspeeches bhnt lie /"the '^nkcr),'had heard-. Fiji fire nr ,i cn .tb7s. : .?u-.m v ,. p ,. e remarkable. He was an ■ honoavrabh>, straigbtforwrnd. gcrd Christian g"ntleman—n mm whose word was his bond. Although at timea he hit hard, those who were in opposition respected him. He wa«i brave, courageous, and_ fearless. Tn his last moments ho exhibited greater' courage than a man .entering a field of battle. "When we come to our last moment," said Mr Morrison, in conclusion, "may we be* as courageous as ho." Ho moved that the Associations appreciation oi ' thei valuable services of the late <Mr McGregor bo recorded on the minutes, and that a letter of condolence in their bereavement be sent to hi.s relatives. Mr William Perry, in seconding the resolution, referred to the honesty and sincerity of the late Mr McGregor, and said it had been a pleasure to. sit with him on tho. committee. Tho resolution was carried by those present standing in silence.