PUBLIC BANQUET TO MR WM. SMITHAM.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 144, 13 August 1872, Page 6

PUBLIC BANQUET TO MR WM. SMITHAM.

On Thursday evening last Mr W. Smitham, late of the Kawarau Hotel, was entertained at a farewell banquet, in view of his intended departure from Cromwell, by a numerous assemblage of friends and acquaintances. The banquet took place in the large room (formerly used as a bil-liard-saloon) of the hotel with which the name of Mr Sniitham has long been associated, and the proprietorship of which is now transferred to Mr Frederick Castings. The arrangements made by the new host in connection with the banquet were in all respects as complete as could be desired, notwithstanding the obvious disadvantage of having to make the necessary preparations at extremely short notice. The chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor—M. Fraer, Esq.,—at whose right was seated the guest of the evening. The vice-chair was worthily filled by J. A. Preshaw, Esq., agent of the Bank of New South Wales; and among those present were Messrs J. Dawkins, W. Grant, and Isaac Wright, members of the Municipal Council; Mr James Cowan, of Kawarau Station ; Mr Alfred M'Minn, of the Gorge ; and Mr W. Edwards, of the Nevis Ferry. The company included nearly every prominent citizen of Cromwell—English, Scotch, Irish, and German, with a fair sprinkling of natives of the Colonies. After the more substantial portion of the programme had been got through, the cloth was removed, and then followed the "feast of reason and flow of soul." The latter part of the quotation conveys exactly what we wish to express in regard to the speeches and songs, and the interchange of kindly feelings and cordial good wishes between the worthy guest and those who had met to bid him adieu—most probably for the last time. The first toast —given from the Chair—was " The health of her Majesty the Queen," and was received by the company with the usual demonstrations of loyalty. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of the evening—" Health and prosperity to Mr Smi-tham,"—-said that whilst regretting the cause which had led to the present gathering, and therefore feeling reluctant to propose the toast under such circumstances, he was yet glad to see so many friends assembled to. do honour to their worthy guest. Mr Smitham had been a resident in the district for the last ten years ; and if not one of the oldest inhabitants of Cromwell, yet he could fairly claim to be regarded as one of the earliest, most enterprising, energetic, and indefatigable pioneers of the Northern Gold-fields, (Applause.) For two years Mr Smitham had occupied the position of Town Councillor, and was subsequently chosen to fill the honourable and responsible post of Mayor of the town, — which office he had held for twelve months, and had performed the duties in a most creditable and effective manner. He (the Chairman) felt sure that everyone present would heartily unite in wishing Mr Smitham happiness and success wheresoever his future lot might be cast. The toast was received with much enthusiasm, and was drunk with musical honours. - -The following valedictory address (which has since been printed and framed) was then read by the Chairman : "To William Smitham, Esq., Cromwell. " Dear Sir, —It is with feelings of sincere regret that we regard your approaching departure from among us ; and we therefore ask you to accept this souvenir at a token of the esteem you have earned for yourself during a lengthened residence here. " Your genuine worth as a private citizeu, and the many valuable services for which the district is indebted to you as one of its pioneers, will long be remembered by your numerous friends. " To the active interest you have always taken in public affairs, more particularly those affecting the welfare of our Municipality, we have great pleasure in bearing testimony; as also to the energy and efficiency you displayed in the performance of your duties during your term of office as Mayor of the town. " With earnest wishes for your future welfare and prosperity, we remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully , [here follow thirty-two signatures]. "Cromwell, August 8, 1872." Mr Smitham, in thanking the company for their kindness and good wishes, said he hardly knew how to express his feelings, for if ever he had felt proud in his life, he felt so at that moment. When glancing round at the old familiar faces thnt he had known for years, and observing among them so many that were comparatively new, he could not help looking back " through the telescope of time " —as his friend Mr Grant had eloquently expressed it—to the days when Cromwell was not; to the days when a solitary canvas tent was the only human habitation yet planted on the site of the prosperous gold-fields township of the present day. He felt a peculiar kind of gratification in being able, after the lapse of a few short years, to point to Cromwell and say, " There ! I knew that place when a single tent formed the nucleus of what is now the most nourishing of all the gold-fields towns in Otago." He might say that hitherto ho had lived a gipsy life, for he had remained longer in Cromwell than in any other place he had been before. He was now going he knew not whither, but wherever he went he would remember Cromwell and the many kind friends he had left behind him. If his future career should prove as prosperous as it had been in Cromwell, and if he should never be less kindly treated than he had boon by the people of Cromwell, he would be extremely fortunate. (Prolonged applause.) Before sitting down, he had;

great pleasure in proposing " Prosperity to the Cromwell District," coupled with the health of the members of the Municipal Corporation. The toast was duly honoured. Mr Grant rose with feelings of pride and satisfaction to thank Mr Smitham and the assembled company for toasting the august body of which he had the honour to constitute a limb. (Laughter and applause). The fact of such a toast being given on an occasion like the present afforded gratifying proof that the Corporation of Cromwell was recognised as a useful if not influential public body. The Corporation had contributed largely to the present prosperous condition of the community, and he thought he might safely say that the present Council would continue to press onward in the direction of social and material advancement. Their worthy friend Mr Smitham deserved great credit for the energetic part he had taken in municipal affairs, and many, he felt assured, would look back with pleasure to the period when that gentleman held the reins of the Corporation Coach. In conclusion, he heartily wished Mr Smitham God-speed, and a larger measure of prosperity than he had ever experienced in Cromwell. (Cheers.) Mr I. WftiGKT briefly proposed the toast of " The Ladies," to wh'ch Mr Talboys replied in suitaWe terms, regretting it was not the fashion to have ladies present at dinner-parties. The Chairman gave the toast of " The Press," to which Mr Matthews responded. The Vice-Chairman proposed in complimentary terms " The health of the Host and Hostess, Mr and Mrs Bastings." Mr Bastings acknowledged the compliment in a brief but effective speech. "The Chairman," proposed by Mr Grant, and "The Vice-Chairman," proposed by Mr Fraer, concluded the list of toasts on the programme.

Mauy excellent songs were sung during the evening, and harmony ftigned supreme throughout the entire proceedings. ' The company broke up shortly before one o'clock.