DINNER TO MR JOHN BURN.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 156, 6 July 1877, Page 6

DINNER TO MR JOHN BURN.

On the evening of Thursday, the 28th ulr., a public dinner was given to John Burn, Esq., Port Molyneux, on the occasion of his departure from the Port to Dunedin. Mr Burn has many sincere friends in the district, and it was felt by all that ho should not be allowed to bid the place good-bye without, some public recognition ol the esteem in which he is held.

Mr Burn's long- and honourable connection with the Odd Fellows suggested that Order as the most befitting- medium to gjve expression to any movement of the kind. It, says much for the sincerity of the regard bestowed on Mr Burn, that the same scheme had simultaneously suggested itself both to the Lodge and to outsiders, and was in process of beingcarried out by both, though, of course, the latter instantly left the direction of the matter in the hands of the brethern, as soon as it was known that they hail resolved to take it up. The dinner was supplied by Mr Dreaver, Alexandra Hotel, where, a little after seven o'clock, about thirty g-entlenien assembled to do justice to it. It would be superfluous to dilate on the quality and quantity of the good things supplied, though, if the extent and rapidity with which they disappeared oil' the table were to be taken as a criterion, one might almost be excused for fancying that they were too good for the interests of tho' caterers.

Mr James Paterson occupied the chair, and Mr James Brngh the vicechair.

The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and acknowledged. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of the evening, remarked that he did so with mingled gladness and sorrow, lie was glad to see so many gentlemen, all intimately acquainted with Mr Burn, thus uniting, at so short a notice, to testify their esteem • and he was sorry that the occasion, which had given rise to the present meeting, should ever have existed. He had known Mr Burn intimately for many years, and had had a great deal to do with him, both in a social and public capacity, and his only regret now was that that pleasant feature of his own existence was so near an end. There were many present who could bear testimony ro'the high integrity, and to the unwearied assiduity with which Mr Burn had discharged his official duties in connection with the Lodge, and he was certain that every one ie the company would endorse his esiimate of the attractive personal qualities which made Mr Burn so generally beloved. — (Cheers.) Indeed, taking him in all his relations, the words of tho poet might without any modification fully apply to him : " He is a man, take him all in all, we ne'er might look upon his like again."— (Cheers). It has been remarked by another writer, that : " .Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweotuess on the desert air." It might be, that, like the flower in question, Mr Burn's good qualities had hitherto not been appreciated to the extent they deserved, and only now that he was about to be removed to a more congenial sphere, but though that were to prove the case, and though other.*, would thereby reap the advantage, yet they themselves could only be left "to suffer and deplore the loss. He would say no more regarding his own deep regret at parting with Mr Burn, a regret, which he was aware, was shared by all present, but, in proposing his health, would express the wish of all, that the change, though it might be their loss, might be ' Mr Burn's gain,— (Great cheering). The toast was drunk with full honors.

Mr Burn in reply, said that as they were doubtless all aware, it was a common custom, on occasions similar, to the present, for the party whose health had to be drunk to express his difficulty in responding to the toast;, in. consequence of being, overcome by his feelings. This waa so-much- the practice, - that it, was, generally regarded as an ere \claptrap. In this instance, however,- . while he wpudd Jassure tb;em that; ho-

found it difficult to give-- expression to his feelings, he could also assure them that lie was perfectly sincere in making this assertion. His past conduct, and the estimation in which he was at present held, had been referred to in terms, which, while they might express the extent of their esteem, went, he was afraid, a great way beyond his own desorvings.—(No, no.) He had now been a resident in Port Molyneux for many years, and during that time, had, he was happy to think, made many dear friends, the remembrance of whose sincere affection, and of whose congenial intercourse, though now past, would remain with him an as ever present and ever pleasant memento of former happy days, during the days that might yet come. Wherever his lot might'bo cast in the future, and with whomsoever he might be brought in contact, he, felt conscious that no employment and no companionship could be productive of greater happiness to him than he bad enjoyed amongst themselves. He could say no more but offer them his sinceresb thanks for the kind feeling they had displayed, and the flattering terms they had used respecting him. Mr Burn who was much affected, resumed his seat amidst great applause. Mr James Brugh, in proposing- the "Agricultural Interests of the District," said that though his personal interest was connected more with the pastoral than with the agricultural interests, yet no one could be more vividly impressed with the great importance of the latter interest than himself. He was quite aware that, as the country advanesd the pastoral must generally yield precedence to the agricultural-, and upon the latter, as a foundation, must the prosperity of the Colony eventually rest. In proposing* this toast, he would beg to couple with it the name of a respected gentleman present, Mr Andrew Melville.

Mr Melville, in acknowledging the toast, wished that the Vice-Chairman had doc done him so much honour, and had rather joined the toast with the name of one better qualified than himself to reply to it.— (No, no). As they all knew, his own interest was wholly connected with agriculture, and he knew he would be held excused, on that ground alone, for professing a strong bias of feeling in the direction mentioned. But apart from that ground, and looking at the interests of the country from the widest point of view, no one could fail to perceive that, however an ephemeral prosperity might spring up from other sources, yet the backbone of a stable and abiding progress, commercial, political, and in every form, must be sought for in the development of agriculture. — (Cheers). Mr Alfred Jowitt, in proposing the health of Mrs Burn and family, remarked that the deep respect with which they all regarded Mr Burn Avas shared in an equal degree by his helpmates in life. They were all aware how forward Mrs Burn had proved herself to hob) in every good work, and how efficient her work had been found. It was less pleasant to consider that this help must henceforth be dispensed with, and very difficult to settle how the place, once vacant, would be so well filled up. He could not better conclude his remarks than by applying the words of the wise man to Mrs Burn : " Her price is above rubies ; her children rise up aud call her blessed." — (Applause). Mr Burn replied iv a lew feeling re*marks.

Mr Burn than proposed, "Success to the Loyal Alexandra Lodge," coupling the toast with the name of the Chairman, as being the oldest officer present. The toast was acknowledged by Mr Paterson in suitable terms.

In the intervals of the toasts, songs and recitations contributed to the harmony of the evening. A few of the songs were in Gaelic, but there being no interpreter present the majority had to take the pathos or the fun' on f rustAfter a most enjoyable meeting, the company finally dispersed about 3 a.m.