FAREWELL DINNER TO G. H. SAXTON, ESQ.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 177, 29 March 1878, Page 2

FAREWELL DINNER TO G. H. SAXTON, ESQ.

On Wednesday evening, a gathering of an interesting nature took place at Mr A. Rodrigues' Madeira Hotel. It had been determined by a few of the old friends of Mr Saxton, Robinson's Bay, to entertain him at a dinner, in order to wish him God speed on his projected voyage to the old country, and a safe return among us. The time and place "above-mentioned were fixed upon for this purpose. Shortly before eight o'clock, about thirty gentlemen sat down to the well-spread board of Host Rodrigues. It is a stereotyped form of expression to say that the dinner " reflected the greatest credit, &c," but in this case the way in which those present played havoc with the good things set before them was the best, possible testimony to the excellence of the spread. It reminded us of the Gargantuan feasts in the Nodes Ambrosiana: of dear old Christopher North. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, having on his right tho #vest of the evening, and on his left .Mr. Saxton's partner.Mr Williams. H. H. Piper, Esq. filled the vice-chair; We were sorry to learn that Mr Scarbrough was prevented ■by illness from attending. After the , usual loyal toasts had been duly honored, the Chairman rose and .said' that it' gave him the greatest pleasure to propose the health of their esteemed guest, Mr G. H. Saxton. They had all known him for a considerable time, Rome, more, some less. He himself had known him for over twenty years. He was quite sure they would all cordially unite in wishing him God speed, a pleasant trip; and a speedy return. (Loud cheers.) For himself, he felt much pleasure in seeing so many old friends around him, and he hoped the young men he saw would never' have cause to regret making New Zealand their home. (Cheers.). He was glad to meet them, and hoped it would not be for the last time. (Cheers.) The toast was drunk with musical . honors. - Mr Saxton said,'he could only heartily thank them for their kind adieu and good wishes. He was proud to see so many < around him on such an occasion, and

though leaving them now, he hoped to live to see them all again. Words failed him to express his feelings, and he would conclude by once more thanking them for their kindness. (Cheers.) Mr Piper proposed "The County Council." He did not see ' any members of that body present, so it was no use to couple the toast with any name.

Mr J. Daly proposed "The Borough Council," coupled with the name of the Mayor, Mr H. G. Watkins. He felt he' could not do justice to the toast. They had done great good, with very limited means. Their meetings served to enliven the place, and formed a school for younpoliticians. He heard they were going to borrow some mopey, whether to reclaim land, or reform the Councillors, he did not know. He hoped they would get it, and when it was spent, get some more. (Cheers and laughter.^ The Chairman, in responding, said that, although the Council were in very poor circumstances, yet, if there were any consolation in it, some of their neighbors were in worse. (Laughter.) He deprecated borrowing money.

Mr Waeckerle endorsed what the Chairman had said. They were in a " financial fix." As to borrowing, no one would lend them the money.

The toast of the "Road Board," proposed by Mr Waeckerle, brought Messrs Piper, Shadbolt, Williams, and Duxbury on their' feet in response. Allusion was made to the difficulties they had had to encounter in former times, their present satisfactoryfinancial position, and their proposed policy for the future, which would be to endeavour to connect the different parts of the district by dray roads, in place of the old impracticable tracks. Mr Williams proposed " The trade and prosperity of Akaroa," coupled with the names of Messrs Garwood and Daly. Looking back, he proud of the advance made by Akaroa, and thought all honor was due to those who had helped it forward. Mr J. D. Garwood referred to the day of small things. There was no doubt they had advanced. If their advance had not been very rapid, it had been steady and sound. Twenty shillings in the pound soundness was what he believed in. (Cheers.) His friend, Mr Daly, would give them an eloquent speech. Mr J. Daly said he conld not carry out the promise made on his behalf. He was proud to have his_ name coupled with that of Mr Garwood. It had not been all sunshine for business men. As to the place increasing in population, let them look at them look at the children. H& never saw such a place for children in his life. (Laughter.) They should be thankful they were out of the reach of the rumours of wars they heard in other parts of the world, though he hoped the day was far distant when they would sever their connection with the old country, which they still called home. (Cheers.) He hoped to see their guest return to them " like a giant refreshed." Ihe Chairman proposed " The Press," coupled with the names of Messrs Wiggins and McGregor. Mr Wiggins, in returning thanks, hoped they would carry the kindly feelings they had expressed towards the Press outside the present assembly, and would; therefore be indnlg-ent-io-their local organ,4md remember tbe man}' difficulties incident to journalism in a small community. Mr McGregor, in responding, paid a graceful tribute to the guest of the evening. He was reminded by him of a linein " Evangeline," where a river is describeas " Darkened with shadows of earth, yet reflecting an image of heaven." (Cheers.) Several excellent songß bad been interspersedNamong the toasts. "The Ladies," "Our Host and Hostess," "Our noble selves," were drunk, and then an hour qr two was devoted to harmony, and the party broke up shortly after midnight, having spent a most delightful evening.