INVERCARGILL

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 2994, 29 January 1881, Page 3

INVERCARGILL

January 29

The Hons. Major Atkinson and Mr Oliver arrived at 9.30 last night, and were met by an an excited crowd at the railway platform, who relieved their feelings by tremendous hooting, groaning, and howling, which was like a menagerie broken loose. The noise was audible for more than half-a-mile off. Ministers declined to enter a cab, and walked, followed by the crowd hooting, to the hotel. Being hard pressed once or twice, Major Atkinson turned upon his pursuers and exchanged chaff, but not being backed up by bis friends, who evidently were in a hurry to get into shelter, had to give way. He continued, however, to perform the duty of rear guard with admirable coolness, and was the last man off the street. Messrs Oliver and Bain were special marks of disapprobation, and evidently felt the humiliation keenly. A few over-ripe eggs were thrown. After the party entered the hotel the growling was kept up for some time, but no personal violence was done. The proceedings wound up with three cheers for Sir George Grey.

The banquet was attended by thirtyfive Ministerial supporter?. The Mayor presided, avowedly in a neutral capacity. Major Atkinson pleaded the urgency... of retrenchment and true patriotism before popularity. He denied the accusation that the position of the colony was depicted by hira in too dark colors, aud expressed confidence in the renewed prosperity of the colony with the exercise of thrift. Mr Oliver claimed indulgence outhe score of the difficulties he had encountered in reorganising the railway service. He denied that he had purposely disestablished the Southland workshops for the benefit of DunediD, and said he had only given effect to the recommendations of Mr Maxwell, who found four men pottering away at one man's job. The rest of the speeches were of no significance. One or two tried to introduce local grievances, but were put down by the more sensible banquetters.

{For continuation of news see fourth page.)