Banquet to Sir John Hall

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 74, 25 September 1893, Page 2

Banquet to Sir John Hall

« (FBB PBES3 ASSOCIATION). Wellington, September 24. Sir John Hall having announced his intention of not again standing for the House of Representatives, was entertained last night at a banquet in Bellamy's by members of the party with which he has long been connected. The dinner was of a private character, the press not being invited. All the members of the party, except Messrs J. Mills, Fergus, Valentine, and fiuokland were present. The first named trio were absent from Wellington and the latter was ill, but all sent letters of apology. The Hons. Messrs Ormond, Oliver, and Bowen, M.L.C., were present, as well as the Hons. Messrs Bryce and Hislop, and Mr A. Menteath. Mr Kolleston presided, and moved the toast of " our guest " in a lenethy speech, regretting his retiremeat, and referred to his long and honorable political career. He also mentioned the successful passage of female franchise as crowning the victory of Sir John Hall'a career. The latter replied, thanking the gentlemen with whom be had been connected for many years for their expressions of good will, but said though not contest, ing next election be would not say farewell. Mr Bryce proposed " The Opposition in the House of Representatives," to which Messrs Rolleston and S. MeKenzie replied. Capt. Russell gave " Our Visitors," and the Hon. C. C. Bowen and Mr A. S. Menteath replied. Mr Mitchelson proposed " The Parliament of New Zealand," and theHon Mr Olliver, M.L.C., Messrs Geo Hutchison and Wright, M.H.R.'s, replied. General regret was expressed at Sir John Hall's retirement and the hope entertained that if he did not again seek the suffrages of the electors his services would not be lost to another branch of the legislature.