DINNER TO MR DAVIE.

Evening Star, Issue 3566, 28 July 1874, Page 2

DINNER TO MR DAVIE.

Mr John Davie, of the firm of M'Landress, Hepburn, and Co., being about to visit Great Britain, a very large number of friends invited him to a parting dinner, which took place at the Shamrock Hotel last evening at seven o’clock. Mr George Turnbull, M.P.0., acting Provincial Secretary, was in the chair ; and Messrs B. Martin, E. &. Cargill, an i W. M Hodgkins, acted as croupiers. The company included several members of the Provincial and Coloiiial Legislatures, his Worship the Mayor, the leading members of the legal and medical professions, literary men, and the principal merchants and tradesmen of Dunedin.

1 he usual formal t asts having been drunk and responded to, the Chairman, in proposing the health of Mr Davie, observed that on many occasions entertainments had been given to all sorbs and conditions of men : to Loyalty and the representatives of Royalty ; to politicians and public men for public services rendered to their country ; to distinguished strangers of a foreign nation for their kindly aid in the cause of humanity; and in many other instances had the community shown its appreciation for, and its desire to acknowledge public and private worth. But he questioned if there was over before an occasion where so many had voluntarily assembled through pure personal respect and private friendship. It was unnecessary for him to enlarge on the very excellent qualities which adorned the character of Mr Davie. He had gained the reputation of an upright, energetic, and able man of business—one, in fact, whose word was as good as his bond. He had taken an active and mtedigent part in public affairs, and had always been ready to lend a helping hand, and to open his purse to promote the welfare of his fellow colonists. While, however, he had done all those things in a public way, it was in the social circle where he had been most appreciated. He was one of that sort which the Colony could ill afford to spare, and he was sure all were glad that he would

ere long be again in our midst. He would not dwell further on the subject, but simply ask them to drink to Mr Davie, trusting that he might have a pleasant trip to the old country, and a safe return to the land of his adoption. He had no doubt that during his visit Home be would be willing to do anything for the good of the Colony that might Ire in his power, and that on his return he would be welcomed back by all who had the pleasure of his previous acquaintance, —The toast was drunk by all, standing, with loud and prolonged cheering. Mr Davie rose to reply amid prolonged applause. He said his experience hitherto had been in lending a hand to fete others, and not to be feted himself ; therefore he felt quite in a novel position. It was nearly thirteen years since he first landed in Dunedin ; and during those years—more especially during the first portion of them his time was fully occupied by, and devoted to business. In consequence his opportunities for recreation and holiday-making were few and far between. How, however, he saw his way to a more extended holiday; and, with the consent or his partner, he proposed making an eight mouths’ holiday in Luglaud, ihe enjoyment of that trip would bo greatly heightened by the knowledge that he carried along with him the good wishes of so large a number of his friends as he

saw around him.- (Applause.) When, thirteea years since, he landed iu Dunedin from Melbourne, he was a new chum, and was told tnat without Colonial experience ho was not likely to attain any success in the Colony. He had, however, the excellent fortune to fall into good hands. To a kindly consideration on account of his want of Colonial experience, and a generous confidence reposed in him from almost the first day he landed, by the resident partner of the firm with which he became connected—to these circumstances he owed the first start in life amongst them,—

(Cheers.) The gentleman .to whom he alluded was Mr James Hat tray (loud cheers) and he was pleas d to see him present.— (Renewed Applause.) It was evidence on ms part that he continued to enjoy that kindly regard which he so highly prized, arm for which he was so deeply indebted.— (Applause.) The Chairman had alluded in nattering terms to what he had contributed towards the social and other enjoyments of the place. Anything ho had done to minis; rt» the enjoyment of his friends had b cn dene by him with the greatest pleasure, and had been amply repaid by the pleasure petsooaily derived. -he Chairman had boms favorable testimony to his social capabilities rather than to his public or political capability. He hoped the time wou'd come when h-> would be bound to re* yard his political ability in the same favorable light as his social qualities. -(Cheers.) His political career had been but short, and had not been marked by any brilliant achievement. At the same time he could conscientiously say that he had d»<ne his best to promote the true interest* of the community at large in Dunedin,— (Hear, hear.) On looking round he recognised many gentleman who had been instru* mental in lifting him into political life. A day might possibly come when ho would ask their aid to give him a lift into a higher position. As he said at one of his meetings, in the course of his candidature for the Pro* vincial Council. “ Once plaoe me on the lowest rung of the political ladder, and I sliull feel bound to rise j M and he hoped one day to carry' out that promise.—(Applause.)

Upou au occasion like the present, thoughts necessarily went back to the past; and contrasting tiie Dunedin of 18G1 with the Dunedin of 1874, whether in regard to the City and its streets, its public buildings, its gas, and its water schemes; the immense development of its commercial enterprises ; or the various aspects which tend to mark the material, social, and intellectual progress of the City, the conclusion was irresistible that Dunedin had made marvellous strides during the few years of its existeuca. (Applause.) It was something for a man to feel himself identified With the rise ami progress of such a City ; and he did not consider it an undue boast on his part to say that he had contributed somewhat to that progress. When he reached England, it would be something to tell how rapidly cities were called into existence in the Southern hemisphere ; howthey had been fostered; and how in t ime they might attain to the importance of this City, which he regarded as his adopted home—Dunedin.—(Loud applause.) Mr Hodgkins proposed “The General A ssenibly,” to which Mr Creighton, M. H. R. f responded. Mr J. Rattray proposed “The Provincial Council of Otago,” which was acknowledged by the Provincial Solicitor. Mr E. B. Cargill proposed “The Mayor and Corporation,” which was replied to by his Worship the Mayor, and Mr Ramsay, the viayor elect; “ r lhe Pastoral, Agricultural, and Miaiug Interests of the Province,” were intro faced by Mr Chapman, and responded to by air Oliver, M. r'.O. Mr Bell replied to Mr Barron’s toast of “ The Press and Mr Jack took “The Ladies” under his patronage, and found an able seconder in Mr Chas. Kettle.

During the evening several songs were sung, the effect of which was much enhanced by the exceedingly ready manner in which Mr Moss, pianist, assisted by Mr Oonuor, violinist, improvised very pretty accompaniments, adapting them skilfully to the various keys chosen by vocalists situated in various parts of the room. Those gentlemen also played several favorite airs during the evening with very excellent taste.