THE TONGARRIO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1031, 21 December 1883, Page 2

THE TONGARRIO.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To day. The Directors of the New Zealand i-hip-ping Company entertained a number of the leading citizens at dinner on board the Tongariro last night, the Deputy-Chair-man (Mr Murray-Aynslsy) being in the chair. Mr Richardson proposed “The Assembly,” which was responded to by the Hon W. H. Reynolds and Mr H. Driver. “The commercial interests of Otago ” was proposed by Mr Aler. C, Wilson, who showed that the trade of Dunedin had immensely exceeded that of any other port in New Zealand. Mr Geo. Bell, President of the Chamber of Commerce, replied. Captain Hallet proposed “ The Otago Harbor Board,” and alluded to the ease with which the Tongariro had crossed the bar. “ Tne New Zealand Shipping Comp my,” was responded to by Mr Murray-Aynsley, who pointed out that the Company relied on the co-opera-tion of Otago to make the direct service a success, and referred to the fact that the idea of such a service had been originated and kept steadily in view by Mr Macandrew, whom he termed the “ Father of direct steam.” “The health of Captain Hallet,” was proposed by Mr James Mills, who alluded to the difficulties attendant upon the first voyage in a new ship, and expressed his opinion that Captain Hallet had acted with fairness and judgment under very trying circumstances. Captain Hallet, in reply, stated he had simply to do his duty, and ho had not left a single complaint made to him unattended to. There was a scene at the close between Mr Bracken and Captain Hallet. The latter in his speech said ths article in the Herald reflecting on his management of the ship had been written by a man of a poetical turn of mind. Mr Bracken, in responding for “The Press,” regretted that Captain Hallet's feelings were wounded by the article, but he disclaimed all connection with it. Captain Hallet thereupon denied that he associated Mr Bracken with the authorship ; but the latter said he had been by implication, and retired abruptly from the room. With the exception of this incident the proceedings were highly successful.