CORPORATION SUPPER.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3268, 22 December 1881, Page 3

CORPORATION SUPPER.

At the conclusion of tbe business of the Borough Council meeting last niabt, His Worship the Mayor entertained the councillors and municipal officials at supper in the Criterion Hotel. A very tasty and substantial coid collection was provided. The Mayor occupied the chair, and Mr G. MvSwao the vice-chair. The Chairman, in appropriate terms, proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, also " The Parliament of New Zealand." His Worship said be would couple this toast with the name of Mr J. W. McDougall. Who, although an unsuccessful candidate at the recent general election, might yet attain to the proud position of beading tbe poll here. Mr McDougall thought it a very unfortunate circumstance that his name was coupled witn tbe toast ; he bad only tried to get into the House to fail in the attempt. But he hoped that, if he ever sought for parliamentary honors again, he would have a little more favor at the hands of the newspapers than he enjoyed during the late contest. He believed tbat before long they would have a party in power in which the town member, Mr Buchanan, would hold a portfolio, and if so he believed that that gentleman would be found working hard for the good of the town.

The Vice Chairman propoFed tbe toast of " His Worship the Mayor." He had known Mr Vautier intimately for probably a longer period than most of those present, having bad business connections with him, and an opportunity of watching bis career for eighteen years. He considered that Mr Vautier bad by bis ability and energy proved himself a fitting man for the honorable position which he now occupied, and had held for four successive years. Not only had Mr Vautier worked well in the Borough Council, but outside of it as a member of tbe Harbor Board, in which capacity he had done his best to further that great object we all had in view—a breakwater for Napier. He had often bad to figbt the battle against the country members and sheepfarmers. The toast was drunk with musical honors.

The Mayor, in returning thanks, said he was one of the oldest Napier settlers, having landed here in 1857, since when] he had always done what he could for the advancement of Napier. When this province obtained separation from Wellington he was several times asked to take a seat in tbe old Provincial Council, but he refused to accept the honor, feeling tbat the country interest was too strong over the town interest for him to do any good. But when the Municipal Council was established here he entered public life, and was placed at tbe head of tbe poll as a councillor, and for four years he held tbe position of Chairman of tbe Public Works Committee. At the end of this period it was strongly impressed upon him to offer himself for the office of Mayor, to which position he was returned, and had now held it for four years without any opposition. A great deal had been done for Napier by the Borough Council, and much credit wis due to tbe members for the manner in which they had worked together. He bad much pleasure, before resuming bis seat, to propose the health of tbe Chairman of the Public Works Committee, Or Swan.

Or. Swan acknowledged the compliment in suitable terms. Whatever be had done as a councillor waa done honestly aad for tbe good of the place, inde-

pendent of any party feeling or gain. He would always endeavour to act thus in the future as in the past. The Mayor proposed "Our Councillors." Everyone knew that the work of the Corporation depended on the Council. Taking it right through each member had done his duty substantially. Cr. Cotton, on behalf of the Council, returned thanks. He considered that the Mayor was entitled to the greatest share of praise, however, as " the man who drives the team " had more power in his hands than the team be drives.

Cr. McKay and the other councillors also briefly responded.

The Vice-Cbairman then proposed " The Corporation Officials," enlogising each one in order.

Captain Bower, Mr Sainsbury, Mr Lamb, and the several other officers each returned thanks.

The remaining toasts were "The Ladies " and " The Press," both of which were duly honored. During intervals several songs were rendered, and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anfhera.