THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ ANNUAL DINNER.

Evening Star, Issue 3847, 23 June 1875, Page 2

THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ ANNUAL DINNER.

The sixth anniversary of the Otago Licensed Victuallers’ Association was celebrated last evening by a dinner at Watson’s Commercial Dining-rooms. A large number of the trade and several visitors were present, Mr Carroll, president of the Association, occupying the chair; Mr Hutchison the vice-chair. On the chairman’s right and left were the Mayor, and Mr Reeves, M.P.C. On the conclusion of the dinner, which did great credit to the caterers, The Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts, which were received heartily and with musical honors.

The Vice-Chairman proposed "The Governor of New Zealand,” saying that the noble Marquis appeared to be well-adapted to the circumstances of the Colony, and to have the gift of making himself at home with everyone. Mr Walter proposed "The Superintendent and the Provincial Council” His Honor was one of the most able men in the Colony, as was unmistakeably shown by his opening address to the last Provincial Council—a document that would not disgrace royalty itself. With the toast the speaker associated the name of Mr Reeves.

Mr Reeves felt honored in being called on to respond to the toast, for the Superintendent was a gentleman who stood high in everybody’s estimation, and deservedly, for he took the deepest interest in everything connected with welfare of the Province. Nothing, he (Mr Reeves) believed would so soon send the {superintendent to the grave as the possibility of Otago ranking as a second rate Province As to the Provincial Council, that was scarcely the place_ to discuss politics, but it might be mentioned that it would be well to see what would take the place of Provincial institutions before the impending great Constitutional change is supported. Tne Vice-Chairman proposed “The Mayor and Corporation,” saying that though a good •leal had been said against that body, they deserved well of the citizens.—(Applause.) The Mayor, in responding, said the Corporation was a hard-working body, though they received little encouragement from the public 6 •* >rcßS - During the speaker’s term of office as Mayor very important business had

fUftcfco - d ' J an '? ** he had erred in any way it was unintentionally, for he always had the interest of the citizens at heart. Messrs Walter and Reeves, as City Councillors, also responded. 3 proposed ’’The Army, Navy. ssa:3Sfts sidered the Dunedin merchants and citizens m v ght , feel P«md of its licensed victuallers, whom he considered an intelligent and resow*, able body of men. They had been much wronged, and blamed for selling bad drinkbut it was Mr Wilson’s opinion that it could be proved that some liquor was already adulterated before being landed in Dunedin. The toast was received with loud applause. The Chairman responded, going at soma length into the details of the Association’s progress since its organisation, and referring to the many difficulties with which publicans had to contend. The Association was in a good financial position, having a balance of L2OO in hand. Numerous other toasts were proposed and dffiy honored, a very pleasant evening being spent. Great assistance to the enjoyment was rendered by an efficient band, consisting of Messra Moss (piano), Connor (violin), Mogg (flute), Oliver (cornet), and Wright (piccolo).