BANQUET VINCENT PYKE, ESQ, M.H.R., AT ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1234, 23 October 1885, Page 3

BANQUET VINCENT PYKE, ESQ, M.H.R., AT ALEXANDRA.

A banquet was given by the residents of Alexan ira and district in the Li vary Hall, Alexandra, on Tuesday evening last, the 20th insb.. to "V. Pyke. Esq., M.H R. Mr G. N, M 'Donald, Mayor, occupied the chair. Almut 30 gentlemen were present, amongst whem were the principal represeiita'ivea of ■eveiy c'ass and industry in the distiict. Tbo Chairman, in bis opening remaiks, said the occasion was not, to lie looked upon as a political one. Mr Pyke being in the district his friends hail decided as an e\i■dence of their perfect confidence in him »s a representative, and of their deep esteem and i-i spect for him as a private gentleman to entertain him, hence tie present meeting. The usual loyal toests having 1 een drunk, the Chairman in a few well rounded remarks, proposed the health of the guest. In reply. Mr Pyke expressed his deep gratification and heartfelt thunks for the pood f-eling the present gathering implied, .and said though while he could not do more from hia place in Parliament It his district and cons-itnents than he had done, yet he should feel that his obligations to them were increased. He said the occasion was not, one for a political speech. Some ■other time during the recess he hoped to be able to address them. Toast, and song now followed till midnight, when Auld Lang Syne was sung, the whole of the company standing. Amongst the speakers were Mr Wm. Eraser, of Earrisch n hj, who proposed “The Parliament of New Zealand," coupled with the name of Mr Pyke, to which Mr pyke responded ; Mr Robert Gumon, of Galloway ; Messrs W ingti-l l, Theyers, Finlay, Rivers, and Forrest, of Alexandra the loiter ably r. spending on behalf of the mining industry. Mr Fred Williams, of Sprin vale, humourously responded to the toast of the ladies ; and Mr Facbe. of the DoNSTAN Timks. acknowledging the honor ■conferred on the Press.

Mr L G f!yun, of the Ben ’igo Hotel, c.vcrerl in hid customary style of exc Hence, and very happily returned thanks on behalf -of his wife and family for the flittering encomiums b'stowed on his efforts for the •evening’s entertainment. A general break-up took place shortly after midnight, the guest, some invited friends, and the entertainers, alike expressing Ihems-lves as having spent an enjoyable and happy evening.