BANQUET AT RAKAIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1047, 13 September 1883, Page 2

BANQUET AT RAKAIA.

A complimentary banquet was given to Messrs McKerrow and Mann, on their retiring from business in this district, in the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening last. The weather being everything one could desire. There was no drawback and some seventy gentlemen rolled up. Host Howell, of the South Hakaia Hotel, provided the good things laid out on a large T table; it was an excellent spread, and Mr Howell deserves great credit for the manner in whicheveryone was attended to. Mr Edward J. Coster, of Somerton, occupied the chair, and Mr John Lambie, Kyle, the vice-chair. Apologies were sent from a considerable number of gentlemen unable to be present, amongst whom were Messrs Mackie (Chairman of the Road Board), W. Moodie, Sumpter, Wason, Craig, Messrs Cook and Harley, of the N.Z.L. and M.A Co., Dixon and Mr Revans. After justice had been done to the things provided, the usual loyal toasts, etc were drunk, and Mr J. Lampard, secretary to Messrs McKerrow and Mann, sang the British Li m. Mr W. L. Allan proposed the “County Council,” giving that body great praise for the useful works completed in the County. The water supply being, he thought, the most useful for all in this district. He would couple the name of Mr Lambie with the toast.

Mr Gavin ( Loudon then sang a good song, accompanied by Mr Gates on the piano.

Mr Lambie thanked those present for the manner in which they had honored the County Council toast. He was proud to be a member of such an institution, and was of opinion that County Councils, Road Boards, and School Committees were about the only useful public bodies in the colony. Mr Coster represented the district at the time the water-races were introduced, Mr Broadbent proposed, “ The South Rakaia Road Board,” coupling the name of Mr Osborne. The Messrs Loudon and Lambie then favored the company with “Ye Banks and Braes,” and received much applause for the manner in which it was sung. Mr Osborne in returning thanks for the Road Board said although he was a new member he was certain of the value of Road Boards, and he should like to see more power put into their hands. One rating body was enough for any district. The Chairman said they were there that evening to honor two gentlemen who were residents of some years, and well-known. He was pleased to sea so many present, but he would leave the toast in the hands of the vice-chairman who would give it full justice. Mr Lambie then asked all to drink a bumper to Messrs McKerrow and Mann, the guests of the evening. Ho had known both gentlemen for a number of years ; he considered Mr Mann the most peculiar ram he had ever met, although he had many eood Equalities ; as for Mr McKerrow, “ he knew his father. ” The toast was drunk in a most enthusiastic manner, with musical honors Mr Mann, in returning thanks, said no such honor as this had ever been shovn to anyone in Rakaia before and he felt quite proud of the firm. Ha thanked all present for the very hearty manner in which they had responded to the toast. He thought Mr E. S. and J. L. Coster had done more to make Rakaia a township than anyone else. The latter gentleman was now in England on business which when completed would be greatly to the farmers interests. He hoped the N.Z.L. and M.A. Company, who had bought their business, would be of more help and do more good to the farmers than his firm had ever done. He would propose the health of their successors, coupling the name of Mr Turner. Mr McKerrow, who was loudly applauded on rising, thanked all for the very kind manner in which they were being entertained. He would regret much leaving a district whore he had so many friends. He was pleased that such a good firm was taking over their business for the benefit of the farmers. Mr Turner, in returning thanks for the N.Z.L. and M.A. Company, said he felt proud to bo the local representative of

that Company. He hoped to sea Rakaia and the whole district go ahead, and he thought in a few years Rakaia might become a small Ashburton. Already steps were being taken to form a Saleyards Company at Rakaia, and he hoped the residents would support it.

Mr Allan then followed with a song. Mr Purnell proposed the “ Pastoral interests,” coupling the names of Messrs Jackson, Holmes, and Lyttelton. Messrs Holmes, Jackson, and Lyttelton having responded at length to the toast, Mr 0. W. Turner at considerable length spoke of farming and other matters in the district, and proposed “ The farming interest,” coupling the names of Messrs Mangham, Loudon, and Dent. Mr Gates then sung “The careful man,” and for an encore “ The old arm chair,” in his usual masterly manner. Messrs Manghan, Dent, and Loudon returned thanks for the manner in which the toast of “Fanning interests” had been drunk, and hoped they would have a good and plentiful harvest. Mr Lampard proposed “ The banking interest,” coupling the name of Mr Pyke. Mr Pyke responded in an interesting speech. Mr Cameron proposed the toast of “ The commercial interest."

Mr Harvey favored the company with a couple of his stock songs. Messrs Chamberlain, Hardy, and Mutter responded at considerable length to the toast, “ Commercial interests.” Mr Wilson proposed “ The old identities,” coupling the name of Mr Dunsford. Mr McKerrow here sung a song of “The good old times, fifty years ago,” which was loudly applauded, having the effect of again bringing Mr McKerrow to the piano. Mr Dunsford responded to “ The old identities,” stating that next month he would have been 30 years on the Rakaia. Mr Rule proposed “The Press,” coupling the names of two of the representatives of the Fourth Estate present. . Mr Wilson gave a couple of songs.

The toasts of “The Civil Service,” “The Ladies,” “Our Host,” were all heartily drunk, and responded to with musical honors. Mr Mann then favored the company with a song, securing considerable applause. Mr Mann next proposed the health of “ The Chairman,” which was very heartily responded to, as was also that of the Vice-Chairman

During the evening Mr Lambie gave a recitation or two in his usual good style. “ Auld Lang Syne” was then sung and a most pleasant evening brought to a close, as far as the Town Hall was concerned ; but Mr Mann was carried to the hotel, where Highland flings, bagpipes, violins, etc. came into use.