BANQUET TO MR D. H. POTTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1795, 21 March 1888, Page 2

BANQUET TO MR D. H. POTTS

Some weeka ago, when It became known that Mr D. H. Potts, one of the oldeßt residents of the Mount Somers district, waa going to lea re us, m order to seek the warmer climate of the North Island, his nunieronß irienda proposed to p?orerit him with a substantial tokon of their regard, and to moet him for a !»3t time on a festive occasion, which they agreed should bo fixed for tho 19th of March. Accordingly thsy arranged a banquet at Mr J. Hood'a Mount Somera Hotel for Monday ulght. Thirty-four guests satdown to a sumptuous spread. The chair was occupied by the Hon W. iS. Peter, supported on the right by the gueat of the evening, Mr D H. Potta, and on the left by Mr A. B. Puache. Mr W. 0. Walker, M.fl.R,, occupied the vlcachair, and was supported by Meaara T. Harrteon and D. MoFarlane. The dinner was supplied m bloat HootTa well-known, ntyla, and the table 3 were orotfded by Mr Potts' friends, assembled to wish him all prosperity In hla new home, and to express their regret at losing him from their midat, after aaoh a long residence among them. After the vlanda had been done justice to and the usual loyal toasts honored, the Chairman proposed the toaat of " The Army, Navy, and Volanteera," coupled with the name of Mr Whaley, who responded m » few graooful remarks, Mr W» 0. Walker, In proposing the toast of the evening, spoke very feelingly of the loss of each a friend and neighbor as Mr D. H, Potts, but expressed satisfaction In that gentleman's making a change for tho better ; still, though he wbb removing to a warmer climate, he could never gather warmer frlenda. He begged on behalf of those friends who had met that evening In order to wish Mr Potts all happiness, that he would accept a token of their esteem.

(Mr Walker presented Mr Potts with a very handsome timepiece and pnrsa.) Mr Potts, m returning thanks, aald that hia preath was quite taken away by such marka of good will and friendship. If he were to stand on his feet for an hour, he could not express all he left at his frienda, good wishes. He expressed deep sorrow at leaving a district where he had dwelt since boyhood; and he concluded by giving expreaaion to a hope that its f attire prosperity would be great.

The remainder of the evening waa spen In an enjoyable manner.