COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO MR BARNES.

Evening Star, Issue 3512, 26 May 1874, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO MR BARNES.

About twenty-live gentlemen met last evening at White’s Hotel, Albany street, to do honor to Mr John Barnes, who has recently vacated his seat in the City Council, he having accepted the newly-created office of Inspector of Works for the Corporation. Amongst those present were—Mr B. C. Haggit (in the chair), and Councillors Walter and Ramsay. The usual toasts having been proposed and duly acknowledged, The Chairman gave the toast of the evening. “The Health of Mr John Barnes.” Everyone conversant with municipal matters must admit that Mr Barnes’s gratuitous services were invaluable. He had been a member of the old Town Board; and had he remained in office a few months longer would have completed an uninterrupted terra of four years. He retired from oflicial duty with great credit to himself, and had always conscientiously advanced the interests of his constituents. Although Mr Barnes was not always so smooth in his answers as somp of bn admirers would have them believe, still it could not be questioned but that whatever pledges he made were faithfully carried out by him. No Councillor had devoted more attention to his duties than Mr Barnes, and they had assembled that evening to show that his services were appreciated by them The Chairman then said that Mr Barnes’s appointment was a very important one, and he had no doubt those present endorsed the action of the City Council in their selection. (Applause.) The toast was enthusiastically received. -dr Raenbb, iu responding, said he had always endeavored to promote the interest* of the City. His motto was to speak the truth and be honest; but when people sought honor, they were bound to tell lies sometimes.—(Laughter.) He expreissd big regret at statements that had appeared in the Fress recently regarding the contractors for the Corporation ; and although there might be one-or two of the sort mentioned, there were some contractors for the City Council - h t o A* rd y re T ul r<-'d looking after. He was asked by two or three of the. Councillors to apply for the situation he at present occupied; and it was not without considerable deliberation that he had done so. In any case he had not intended to stand for Leith Ward at the expiration of his term of office, hie thanked the ratepayers of the ward for having some time ago presented him with a testimonial, and also for having returned ! him as their representative unopposed. Ho i appreciated the invitation he had received to

attend this meeting more thanif he had been made a present of a large amount of gold. As hia otfico wae only a temporary one, and would terminate as soon as several imporfcaut works were finished,-it was quite liaoiy, if be gave satisfaction in* his now position, that he would again offsrhis services to the ward. Mr Barnes concluded by thanking tho meeting for the honor they had now conferred upon him, aud said he should never forget it— (Loud and prolonged applause!) The Vice-Chairman (Mr James Copeland) then proposed three cheers for Mr Barnes, which was lustily responded to. Mr Davie gave the toast of tho Mayor and Corporation. His Worship the Mayor reolied. He sincerely thanked the meeting for tho hearty manner in which the toast had been received. He was about to retire from office, but it was not b cause he feared meeting the citizens again, but in accordance with the principle he had laid down when he successfully contested tho last Mayoral election, in order to make room.for gentlemen who bad done as much for the City as he had. He felt great pleasure iu testifying to Mr Barnes’s zeal and useful ness as a Councillor, as his practical experience}had aavedthe City many thousands of pounds. Councillors Walter and Ramsay also responded. Several other toasts having been gone -through, the meeting broke up at an early hour. " j