CELEBRATION DINNER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 693, 20 July 1882, Page 2

CELEBRATION DINNER.

Mr John Beecher, of the Central Hotel, ast night entertained a numerous company at dinner, by way of celebrating the commencement of his reign. Between 70 and 80 guests sat down about 8 o'clock before tables fairly groaning beneath the weight of good things. The exceedingly tasteful way in which the tables were laid was commended by one and all, and the universal opinion expressed was *' Beecher knows how to do the thing as it ought to be done." The arrangements were indeed excellent, and the comfort of the diners was largely increased by the efficient waiting, four waiters being in attendance. Too often at public dinners the waiting is a weak point, and the hungry guests have devoured their meat before the vegetables are handed round, or vice versa. Last night there was nothing of this kind, and the " feeding " passed off without a hitch. Mr G. H. St. Hill occupied the chair, and Messrs Branson and Kirk filled the vice-chairs.

The dishes having been removed, the chairman rose to propose the toast of “The Queen and the Royal Family,” which was drunk wiJi the customary enthusiasm.

Mr Kirk followed with the toast of “The Parliament of New Zealand, coupled with the name of Mr G. D. Branson.” In sneaking to the toast, Mr Kirk said that he thought that our Parliament would conparo favorably with any similar Assembly on this side of the Line. He regretted, however, that Rir John Hall was not still the Premier. Mr Branson, in responding, said he was at a loss to conceive why his name should have been coupled with the toast—unless, indeed, they saw in him a “ budding legislator.” He thought it would have been far better that the local representatives should speak for themselves. “ The Commercial Interests of Ashburton, coupled with the name of Mr H. Briton,” was the next toast, and was briefly responded to by Mr Briton. Song—Mr Stephenson. The toast “ The Members of the Borough Council, coupled with the names of Messrs St Hill and Parkin,” was then proposed by Mr Geo. Martin. The members of the Council, said Mr Martin, were a good deal better hands at putting roofs over their own houses than over the houses of other people. (Loud laughter, in which Messrs St Hill and Parkin joined.) Still, the Borough Council had done good work, and were deserving of great praise. Mr St Hill humorously responded, as did Mr Parkin. Song—Mr Branson: “ Pull away, my boys, pull away. ” Mr Branson, who was in capital voice, was compelled to sing again, giving as an encore “ A-fighting we would g°-" ~ ,

Mr Kirk had very great pleasure in proposing “The Health of our Host.” He was one of Mr Beecher’s oldest friends in New Zealand, having been intimately acquainted with him for sixteen or seventeen years, and so far as he (Mr Kirk) knew, Mr Beecher had faithfully and honestly discharged his duty to the public during that period, and he was quite sure from what he knew of Mr Beecher that he would prove himself while landlord of the Central heartily deserving of their confidence and support.

Mr Beecher, in responding, said he was not very good at speech-making, but he must thank them for the very kind manner in which they had drunk his health. He was very pleased to see so many old faces around him, and was also pleased to see so many new faces, that he trusted would in time become familiar too. It was his wish to conduct the hotel in a proper manner, and in the manner in which it ought to be conducted. He had had rather up-hill work, the house not being licensed when he took it, and it was closed for three or four days. That was no fault of his, but it had done the house no good. However, he was very pleased to find his friends beginning to rally round him, and he trusted that he would render the hotel all that could be desired. Song—Mr Shearman, “ When I am far away from Home,” which was greeted with loud applause, and an encore asked for, but not responded to. “ The County Council, coupled with the name of Mr Parkin,” was the next toast proposed in eulogistic terms by Mr Levin, who said he was comparatively a stranger amongst them, but yet could not forget the deep obligations the town was under to the Council. Mr Parkin briefly responded on behalf of the Council.

Song—Mr Hill (Somerset Hotel) “ Riding in a donkey cart,” which was loudly encored.

“ The Agricultural Interests, coupled with the name of Mr Sam. Browne,” was next proposed by Mr Shearman. Mr Browne said that some years ago he would have been able to tell them something about agriculture, perhaps, but latterly he had become a better judge of whiskey than of ploughing. (Laughter.) Song—“ The Gallants of England,” Mr Walter Martin.

Song—“ The picture on the wall,” Mr Walter Dolman.

“ The Legal fraternity of Ashburton, coupled with the names of Messrs Branson and Ireland,” was then proposed by Mr W. Martin.

Mr Branson briefly responded. Mr C. Ireland said that “ after the exhaustive remarks from his learned friend opposite, he had really little left to say. They would always find that lawyers were the most honorable of men—especially as long as their clients had got any money. ” (Laughter and applause.) Mr Nelson proposed the toast of “ Local Industries,” coupled with the names of Messrs Digby and Chambers. Mr Chambers briefly responded, impressing on his hearers minds that there was “ nothing like leather.” Song—“ Union Jack of Old England.” Mr Jessop. (Loud applause.”) Songs—“ My ain countrie,” Mr S. Browne, and “ The pawnshop,” Mr Stephenson. “ The Press, coupled with the names of its representatives present,” was proposed in a felicitous speech by Mr Branson, who thought that they had nothing to be ashamed of in their local papers. Messrs C. A. Wilkins (Guardian), Reddin (Mail), and Paul (Press) responded.

Song—Mr Pope; “ The Pope he leads a happy life,” which was rendered in firstrate style. Song—Mr Branson. “ The Ladies, coupled with the name of Mr Roddin,” was proposed by Mr Brett, and duly responded to. “ Auld lang syne ’ was then sung with much spirit ‘‘by the whole strength of the company,” and the guests dispersed shortly before midnight, having spent a most enjoyable evening.