BANQUET TO MR IVESS, M.H.R.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 667, 20 June 1882, Page 3

BANQUET TO MR IVESS, M.H.R.

Last evening between sixty and seventy gentlemen, mostly electors of the Wakanui district, met at Quill’s Hotel to wish Mr Ivess, the newly-elected member foi Wakanui, every success before his departure for the seat of Government. Mr St. Hill occupied the chair, Mr Ivess (the guest of the evening) being on his right hand, and Mr G. D. Branson supporting the chair on the left. Ample justice having been done to the spread provided, the tables were cleared, and the usual loyal &hd patriotic toasts were disposed of.—Mr Branson then proposed the health of the newly-elected member for Wakanui. He Regretted to notice the absence of many of Mr Itesa’ opponents. He thought the time had come for them to meet once mote on friendly terms. Why should hot political fights be carried on in the same manner as a battle between lawyers in a Court of law ; they were ready enough to out one another's throats in Court, but the best of friends out of it.—The toast was then drunk with musical honors.— An original song was then sung by Mr H. Gates, and Mr Ivess responded to the toast at some length. He said he would have liked to have seen some of his political opponents present—as far as he was concerned the hatchet was buried. He thanked the electors present for the honor they had done him in electing him as their representative. He should proceed to Wellington via Christchurch to-morrow. —-Mr Stevenson then gave a song.—The toasts of the “ County Council ” (responded to by Mr Taylor); the “ Borough Council” (responded to by Mr St. Hill); “Our Host” (responded to by Messrs Quill and Hill); “ The Legal Profession ” (responded to by Messrs Branson and Ireland); “ The Press ” (coupled with the names of Messrs Reddin and Wilkin, who briefly responded); and “ The Chairman,” terminated the proceedings a little after midnight.