BANK'S PENINSULA PASTORAL ASSOCIATION DINER.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 48, 2 January 1877, Page 2

BANK'S PENINSULA PASTORAL ASSOCIATION DINER.

jj * The' annual Punier ib connection with %hn abo'vp association tojok Thursjday evening lastf in a spacious dinmg. room {recently -erected by % T.fW v Bark f> Host,6f the Somerset HpteJ/Hfead -of the *Bay. Tlier,e were aboiOtftat dow«tto a rejlly excellent k spread] which' was Very .*Lrfef and the tafcte displayed in the dressing of the different joints was highly-commendable. ; Mr. 1 , Barker the caterer, "appeared to igcheart aftfl soul into tli'e matter, altogether .regardless oi expense,. his only aim apparently being to please the most fastidious of his guests. The ovation "which he received when his health proposed clearly demonstrated he had not striven in vain. Every delicacy in season was provided, and taking the-spread altogether, it fairly _be classed as the best held in this district. The room was tastefully decorated with festoons, and well lighted. l Tlie President of the association, Mr. Hugh Buchanan, was in the chair, supported on his right by Mr. W. and on his left by'Mr! J. Aylmer, 8.M., and Mr. E. C. Latter. Mr. T..Dickeri, VicePresident,: acted as croupier. t ' f After the-usual loyal- toasts;! the next toast given from the chair was the '_ Army, Navy, and Volunteers, coupled|with the name of Captain Bridge." j'i • Mr.-Bridge; in responding,'said.that he trusted that the time would comeiwhen ,the Volunteers of New Zealand woul| occupy a more permanent- standing in |he minds of colonists than at present, anjl he had but very little doubt that in the course, of a few years a better method of conducting the forces would supersede that novy in existence. " r ' ' -i * Song—Australian Stockwhip, M|. Bridge. The Chairman next proposed. " The House of Representatives, coupled wit]} the name of Mr. W. Montgomery .J' '. Mr. Montgomery, who on ris|ng, said Mr. President, and gentlemen,—l beg to thank you very much for: the kind; manner in whicn you received the last toa^t.' Upon occasions like the present; of mixed assemsemblage, political matter . ovarii" shape, which- could be construed to trpnch on party ground, should.be eschewed, and therefore I shall be careful not to say anything of a party nature. The? Upper House, composed of many earnest and thoughtful men,, who- in days gone by, laboured hard in the-interests of their fel-low-colonists in assisting to legislate for the good government of the colony, ariu. while: occupying seats in a less calmer chamber, nobly "discharged their duty to thjpir constituents, but now removed froni party conflict, were freer to bestow mOrn : ; eareful and calmer attention to measures subniitfed t6 their.consideration. In many w|tyS,-tb.e' Upper House had rendered good fsel'vice to the colony, and I am proud to say that chamber contains men equal in integrity and ability to any House in the Australian ".Colonies. ( Applause)! .; In the Lower House measures were .frequently brought-forward, by menjwhose fellow-colonists held, strong opinions, in their favour, and in the advocacy oil these measures,', strong expressions were; no doubt made use of, but if all our legislators were to study .their* language, in.or Her hot to risk offence, I say that a good deal of the force and sincerity of their arguments would be lost in any political debate;. (Cheers). I may -fairly, say, ,yfitljout egotism, that the representatives pf|the General Assembly possess higherj aims than-merely, to serve less than half lion of people. Their' main desire yaS to see many millions of prosperous and thriving colonists settled in New Zealand, which colony only contained a tithe <^f_the population it was capable of maintaining. The population of this'colony was [only something like 400,000;-nearly equal to a second-rate town in England. New Zeiland has a great future before her, and I feef confident that the people will readily extend their assistance to the' Legislature in ma'kS ing laws for their good government, Avere many thousand homes made happy and prosperous hi this colony by the wise (pleasures carried in-both-Houses, ami J. am certain that the General Assembly wfll be always found capable of discharging.its duty*in the interests of_ those who haft reposed their trust in its members, {and ready to assist in developing the immense resources of the colony.. At the same |ijne I trust that the people,"without neglecjting their daily avocations, will not forget to take an interest in the doings of theijyrer presentatives, and exercise a vigilanfjeye over the body politic, as any Assembly is all the better for a healthy public opinion, to keep them from going astray. (Chefrs). Without touching upon party politick,? I counsel you for your good, without running the.risk of neglecting your private devote a little attention to political matters, as they were necessarily bound up with the welfare of -public matters. I t-ust, however, that you will remember -that ah, Opposition may go too far, but tint a' healthy and vigilant opposition is necessary for the good government of any coloiy— one that would speak out without fei r or favour.' I am glad to say that the toast of the House of Representatives is arrays well received by the people, and once hey failed to take an, interest in its deliberations, it would indeed be a bad job fot.fl c people'theinselves. (Applause) ;-|. The Vice-President next proposed 'phe Bench and Bar," coupled with the name]of Mr. Justin Aylmer. • He said that he lad the pleasure of proposing a toast of a similar nature . the other evening, a|id trusted that the toast would fait to trs lot on every possible occasion. He cojld speak of Mr. Aylmer as a gentleman !p£ high integrity, and whose administration of justice could not fail to give universal satisfaction. \ I Mr. Aylmer returned thanks for j the. cordial 'way in which the toast had teenreceived.. He was very happy to say that the Bench .of this district had but little to do, which was a good sign. He had n|.ver lived amongst a. community that required a magistrate less than Banks Peninjula, buthe was certain that those present cbed but little for their time being takenUp with talk of that nature. They had biet that evening to celebrate the holding! 0 f the most successful pastoral show held i n the district,-and, therefore, the Bench land Bar were not wanted. Those who jook an interest in the welfare of the assqci a . tion had as much as they could do to Ifeep' the association together, and he, for bm, strongly objected to see such a useful body broken,; up. Yearly 0 f the nature had a good effect. It caused settlers to meet, compare the meritsj 0 f their stock, - and otherwise promote |the welfare of the pastoral interest, of the district, As treasurer, he could askire them that they were better in funds jthis

year than ever, arid he hoped next they would be better off still. ; r S • Song—Mr." Mr. E. CL Latter-said that he had very . ( great pleasure in proposing "Success to* « the Banks Peninsula Pastoral Association," -coupled with the names of the President-! V -and Vice-Pre-«id#«iE7*' , Tlie gentlemen who \\ ■&n\i taken such paimrin making the show of that day a success-were worthy of con-/ m .gratulation. The exhibits were" an evi-j ' > dent mark of progress of the district, audi ' he regretted to remark that, there was q ;great want of support manifested towards the-association by many in the district) . 'Shows of this character teinigd to exercise,. - great good, especially"ih*'a .district where * .there was a want-of batter stock, and "«' 'Shows:of. this would allow such"-" stock to be afford an oppor- N tunity to the neighbour of improving his A«sociation v hav-' ' ing all but died a natural death, if was a * matter]}'-for increased congratulation to some of those gehtie"men who had assisted to-revive it, and he would therefore ask those present to do full justice to the toast. . There were many well known settlers whose co-operation would have lent considerable influence and support to the show, whose absence he . regretted to see, but he trusted next year would witness a largely" .increased show, and that those gentlemen more ' particularly interested " ' would be found round the table in greater, hufnbers than on that evening. (Applause). - - v Mr Buchanan, the President of .the d*Association, in responding, said that the' ' - show of that day must be gratifying to all parties who had taken a part in the man- - agement, - and mofe particularly so when. it was made known that the exhibits, had..increased from 68Iast year to over 230., c this year, and he was of opinion that committee and secretary were deserving of ~: f" the highest credit -for the success which- -, -| ; had attended their labours. As a had now evidently.been made in-the right**' -\ direction, he hoped all the settlers- in the" district would give v. helping hand hv rendering future shows 'a • success. He was delighted to see the dairy produce which had been exhibited, and it certainly • ' surpassed anything previously shown irr ; " Canterbury. The horse" show was also' „ ; good, and 'the exhibition of dairy cattle was small, but he trusted that the show of . 1877 would prove second to none in Canterbury. (Applause). ;

Mr DiCKEN, the Vice-President, after re- "* turning thanks said, that there was one, important matter which.he hoped the set- *> tiers of the Peninsula would not loose sight of, and that was, the subject of irrigation. '•,— . ,Hp had given the matter his careful study • ever since his arrival from the old country, and he felt certain that with a' Very small outlay a grest deal might be-done in utilising the streams which were to be met, with all over the Peninsula. He was quite sure, no matter how hot the sun, or scorch-, ing the winds, there Would be one spot on j the Peninsula always to be found green, and that spot was his little section at French Farm. The matter was well worthy, their consideration, and he would be happy"" to show any gentleman what irrigation done for him. ' .-.'.', Song —M.r.Utting. \ Nr. Aylmer, in proposing " The Health" -* of the Judges," said that-he was perfectly -"* sure that-all present would receive the *"■ toast most cordially. The gentlemen who"..' had kindly acted as judges must certainlyhave been pnt to great trouble and incon- ■ venience in having to travel from Christchurch and a .distance... Many of them had cordially responded to . the invitations on many previous occasions, and lie was cer- -**. tain their decisions that day had given [ entire satisfaction. Those gentlemen, pos- ; sessing no local prejudices, were more capable of expressing an unbiassed opinion *.. than persons residing in the district, and _ * he felt certain allwould submit to their judgment without -a .growl. In.proposing the'toast, he begged to couple the names. *of Messrs S. Garforth, Jones, and Nutt, whom he noticed were the only judges present. Song—Mr. L. Perbam. , . • Mr. Jones hoped that the exhibitors ' would think that the judges had done theirduty,, which he could assure them they had endeavoured to do to the best of their j ability. If any injustice had been done, it ! was purely an error of judgment, and had | not been done intentionally. If at any . ! time he could be of service to the Penin-.' sula, he trusted that the settlers would call . : upon him. (Applaus&L ■ ! Mr. S. Garforth saio\that he generally . . ; looked forward to* Chrfetonas with the I greatest possible, pleasu.re/iu order to be I present at the Banks' Peninsula Show, and i although he had attended' fom\ exhibitions recently, he. could assume them , that be had enjoyed himself •guNs as - •much as the whole four put together. XThe exhibition of horse- stock was quite W . as regards number, with the Christchuren * show, some being a* little, inferior, anrt\ ~ others superior in quality/ which spoke \ ' highly for the district. He would like to- \ see those who-managed the affairs of the S association to arrange for. the service of a steamer to run between Lyttelton and '. Akaroa on the occasion of show days. - Had there been one laid on, he was certain that a large number of pers6nsfrom Christchurch would have attended the show just held and trusted that the committee would accept the hint. He could not help remarking that many of the horses classed as blood stock would have been more in their place among the light-harness horses, but, being- placed before the judges in that class, they had to make the best of them. In the class- for roadsters, he bad to ask for -. instruction as to whether the judges were to consider the .weight-carrying and light hacks separately, as both light and heavy appeared before them together. He trusted that their decisions had given satisfaction. As Mr. Jones had remarked they had done .their best, and if they had given a wrong decision, it was certainly an error of judgment. many cases they had taken a long time to decide, so very close was-the competition. Mr. Nutt said that he had come down for a fortnight's holidays, and he- was perfectly satisfied that he and.his colleagues had faithfully given their decisions to the * best of their judgment. He would at all tinies be glad to do anything that lay in his power to support the association. There were no doubt some classes misplaced, and other details open to' a good deal of improvement, but he trusted these shortcomings would be overlooked, and all would jofn in' showing what really could be done at the show held next year. ', ' ' .; Mr. Montgomery said the toast he had < to propose required a bumper, and should be drank with enthusiasm —"The Health of the Successful and Unsuccessful Competitors, coupled with the names of Messrs B. Shadbolt and Birdling." There wer ,'

some" who would 4o see "the two detached, but for his partf : he .preferred "to • see them coupled together. - It was impossible "for there to be one without the other; All would" remember that the show of last year was helfb.on a -miserabely wet ■ day," and lie had .njjt <fl?rgotten the words uttered by the President at the dinner' which-foil, owed, "via:—"That be \A*onld have occasion, "if*spared, to congratulate the Peninsula on thelmprovement of its next show,'*": and he (the speaker) was proud to sny that these words bad been truly verified by the great success of the show There' was a neAv feature added, wlnjph ho inspected with no small '- degree of pridli, and that was v the very cellent quality of* the dairy-produce exhibited. If there product more than anolhej- that-flip' Peninsula could boast of sppcTal excellence, it was its cheese. It had not only gained forjtself a name in New Zealand',''but .its excellence was also known in the Australian .iGolonies. There would be a appreciable increase in the number of exhibits of this.class of-dairy produce were the prizes good. He was not much of a judge of stock, but was of opinion that the-nature of the country was not suitable for the. product! cm of .first-class. • sheep. The quality of its grass, was exceptionally good, as. evidenced from the number of fine milch coavs to be seen '. brow.sing> all over the district, and the produce fromthe different dairies Avas of the best quality, . The offering of good prizes would be certain to ensure a good number . of exhibits both "of dairy produce and - cattle. ;~The information gained from these class of exhibits could not failbut prove valuable. .He "was pleased to hear tliecriticism the- judges had passed on the ■» show, but be had hoped that they Avould have gone farther, as independent opinions, although not flattering, were essential to the improvement of the exhibits of any ■•■' slioav. In fact it Avas to instruct those - who sought for information, and desired to profit by comparing their stock with * their . neighbours that these shows '- were held, and he would kindly X but unsparingly, point out in what way . the interests of the association might '. be better advanced, although some might not feel well pleased, yet at the same time it was more profitable to know their faults than to have them concealed. He did not intend bis criticism to be carried on the wings of the Press all over the world,, but he would tell them there. There was a capital suggestion thrown out by Mr. Garforth in reference to the steamer, which he hoped would be remembered by the committee on the occasion of the next sIIOAV. There were some settlers avlio ; were in possession of excellent stock, some of Avhom Avere seated at the table, and others absent, avlio abstained from exhibiting, but he hoped next year that they would be found competing, and trusted that those gentlemen would not take it ill of him acting the part of the judges. There-were many people in the district i . avlio Avere no doubt disheartened, but those * gentlemen who had put their shoulders vigourously to the wheel must indeed feel «- gratified at their efforts being crowned Avith success. These gentlemen were de- ". serving of the.highest praise, for if they had alloAved the "show to drop, it would have been many years before the_' people could have're-established it. 'H© sincerely hoped that the settlers of the Peninsula would regard the annual show as a great festival, and would" look forward to it after the same manner in which the cattle show of Christchurch was recognised. The settlers . were peculiarly indebted to Mr. Shadbolt, Avhose energy had contributed largely to the success of the show. He - concluded by hoping that those gentlemen Avho bad formerly taken part in the management of the show would not be deterred from coming forward in assisting to promote the objects of so useful an. • association, and Avould afford the benefit, of their instruction and advice. plause). • '- . **" Mr. B. Shadbolt, on rising to respond, AA r as warmly received. He said that he was sorry to haA-rj to say that ;he was one of the successful competitors, but he would have liked to have seen such men as Messrs. Hay, Piper, Saxton and Williams competing.-and felt certain bad their stock been exhibited, the position he now occupied would have been reversed. It was unfortunate these gentlemen had not taken part this year, but he had every reason to hope they would be found in their ranksyts usual next year, doing all in their power to forward the interests of the (Cheers). The success which iSftended' the slioav just closed Avas . mainly-due to:, the .fact.of a number of strangers coming forward. Although"the association at one time Avas considered .Nearly dead, the sympathy enlisted in* its ./favour by the people .quickly rescued it f from what at one time threatened to be an .ignoble end. FATnds Avere subscribed by gentlemen notenly residing in Canterbury hut other parts of the colony, viz:—Dunedin, •Timaru, Tai Tapu, Blenheim, and - Christchurch. He had never made an appeal- in vain, and the people of the .Peninsula should therefore feel gratified and thankful, and endeavour from that day forward to do all that lay in their poAver to make future shows a success. They should also look to the necessity of -schooling the rising generation, because it was the imperative duty of every parent to school his son to fit'him to take his part in the world among his felloAV men, and to fit him to occupy any capacity that he might be called upon to occupy through life. He felt certain that the slioav of that day would bear favourable comparison with any country association in Canterbury, and be would go further by saying that if all would co-operate in the next show, he had but little doubt it Avould bare favourable, comparison, with any Pastoral Association in NeAV Zealand. (Applause). Mr. F. Priest, M.C.C., said in the absence of Mr. Birdling he would thank them on •his behalf. This Avas the first season that lie had taken a part, and he felt proud of what he had seen that day. Mr J. Duxbury proposed the next toast. •' The Health of the Secretary of the Association." He Avas very sorry last year that Mr Barwick had ceased for the time beirig to bold the office of Secretary of the Association, because he was a gentleman whom they had all known for years as sn honest, upright, straightforward man, and he could with confidence say that much of the success which bad attended the association was due to his untiring exertions on its behalf. He had known him to go from farm to farm soliciting subscriptions-, and pointing; out the advantages to be gained by such an institution. He had much ■ pleasure in being able that night to testify to Mr "Berwick's zeal, and Avas pleased to see him back in his old billet. (Cheers). This time of the year people were very

busy, and consequently' could only bring lfght tlffifshpw, which aceoimted,for the of certain clasls of stock. 1 * Any other tjpie of the -year would be more likely'to er»urg ;a.Jargcr number 'of "exhibits.- -The reason the exhibits'in cheese were larger-tban usual, was owing 'tiWhe prizes-b!!Mng of-"greater "tame ) In -'fact, this year tue.assoi'iatioii Avould make a.profit out of "the entries for. "Ttt was necessary Jo offer good prizes, toj &ti}< sure spirited competition. •« -i '. , Mr. BARWiCK>-^to***Sn-rising, Avas loudly., applauded, said that he had but little idea that so great a compliment Avould have been paid him that evening. All he could say so long as he continued to be.secretary of the association, he wdlild'endeavour _to do his duty. He had been connected Avitli the association from its infancy up to its adult.state. The failure.spoken of J»y the previous speakers Avas entirely owing to the want of energy evidenced by the former committee. Those who' had. spoken may try. to gloss oA'cr their faults, but it would not do.. When an association was in funds, hard workers were not required. The show of that day would not have been a success but for the efforts of Mr Buchanan and Mr Shad bolt. He year all would' be able to congratulate tlie association on its revised programme, and he promised to spare neither time nor trouble to promote the success of the association's shoAvs. If anything fell short for■ want of 1 duty on his part, he-, would like the cpm-' mittee or public to advise him by sitting down and talking to him as a father Avould do to his child. He could not conclude Avithout recognising the valuable services, rendered .by"Mr Wright this year at the gates, the receipts.from which were larger than on any previous yean He had nearly forgotten to reply toMrGarforth's remarks re the classification, of stock. He could assure that .gentleman that it was no.fault of. his or the class stewards. There Avere some people who really did not Icuoav whether they were entering a cow or. a.horse. (Laughter). A person might come to him desirous of making an entry, and request ing that it be made in Class G—best entires. Well, that same entry might come out a lady's hack in the catalogue. (Great laughter.) Mr Garforth explained that he attributed no fault to the secretary, but to the owners. Mr Barwick proposed "The Class Stewards, coupled with the name of Mr W. Wright." Mr W. Wright, in responding, said that he would at all times do anything that lay in his power for-the association. Song—Mr Garforth. Mr Gakfobtii 'proposed—"The Chairman." and paid a high compliment to him for the manner in which he conducted. the business of the eA'ening,' and the great interest he had at all times manifested in the Avelfare of the association. Mr Buchanan briefly responded. Mr James Bell proposed " The Ladies," and in the absence of any miserable bachelor, called upon Mr Latter to respond. Mr. Latter, afte v ably proposed " The Press, coupled with the name of Mr. Ivess." He said.that he trusted that the establishment of a newspaper on the Peninsula would continue to be a benefit, and a profit to its oAvner. Mr. Ivess, of the Akaroa Mail, and Mr. Uttilig of the Lyttelton . Times, responded. ■Mr. Dkjken proposed "The Host and Hostess," Avho had supplied the bountious. banquet, Avhich they had all so thoroughly enjoyed. (2&pplause). He had beeji i , u 'jjfc> t many a one in the old country, and he could conscientiously say that he had never seen a table better furnished or attended to than Mr Barkers Avas that evening. He trusted all would receive the toast most cordially, and drink to their next merry meeting. The toast Avas drunk Avith. musical honours. - Mr. Barker, on entering the room, Avas rcceiA r ed with a flattering ovation, and in returning thanks, said that he was happy to learn that his efforts had gained their unmistakeable approbation. He should at all times endeavour to gi\ r e satisfaction (Applause). After singing the National Anthem, the company broke up about 12 o'clock.