THE BARRY FESTIVAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 518, 22 March 1872, Page 2

THE BARRY FESTIVAL.

[Covimimkc.ttd.) Monday last will long bo remembered by the people of Cromwell. About, mid-day, people of both sexes, (a large proportion being tf the weakersex) might be seen, for miks around, wending their way, some in cM-riages, and ethers en foot, to Perriam's at the Low burn. There being many willing hands, tha bnllcck was roasted in excellent style, and all the arrangements were carried out to the satisfaction of all—particularly host Pcrriaw. About 2 o'clock Mr. Barry drove on the ground in a buggy, with a neatly-appointed pair of bay*, and was accmipaiueil by several friends. The cloth was*laid upon tables, in the grass paddock in front of Mr. Perriam's Hotel ; and, by the time the : beef and champagne were rca-ly, there were two hundred people on the ground. Mr. Burres was unanimously voted to the chair; and, after justice had been dme to the good things, and the usual loyal oasts right loyally drunk, the Chairman, in an : appropriate and highly complimentary speech, proposed the health of Mr. William •Jackson Barry, adding that nothing further was needed upon his part than the mere mention of the name to cause it to be received with " Three times three and chrccmore." The Chairman had hardly finished his remarks when the company spontaneously broke forth with cheers, which lasted for several minutes. When epjiet was restored, Mr. Barry (who was visibly affected) rose to speak ; but his rising was only the scqual for another outburst. So soon as order was restored, Mr. Barry said (so far as we were able to note it during the excitement): This was the proudest moment of his life; when, after having lived so many years in Cromwell, and having had many elifferences , (public arid private) with them, he was now able to say that his star was in the ascendant, and that so many of his friends would assemble there to do honor to the occasion.

He had seen bright days and cloudy days ; but, in whatever position ho had been placed, he had always met difficulties in a manly spirit, and ho trusted, now that he was beyond the reach of the ghastly hand of want, he should still act the man, and, at the same time, show himself to be a true friend. He should ever think kindly of Cromwell while ho had life left in his quivering frame ; and, whether the future of New Zealand was that of a great monarchy, with the “Union Jack” floating over it, ora great republic, of the “Star Spangled Banner” order, his sentiments would remain unchanged. (Immense cheering, ) Ho need hardly say that he preferred the good old British order of Government, (which had been tried and proved) to all the wild notices of the unprincipled and penniless loafers who talked about a republic. If they entertained any respect for him, let them show it by attending to these last words. Mr. Barry then resumed his scat amidst vociferous cheering, and then might he heard the cry : “Chair him!" No sooner had this cry been raised than the company (more particularly those from Quartz-reef Point) rose, and carried, not only Mr Barry, but Mr. and Mrs. Perriaro, round

the paddock on their shoulders, the company all singing “For they are jolly good fellows.” The company arrived homo about midnight, highly pleased with St. Patrick’s Day, 1872, and with mankind generally.