FAREWELL TO MR BROWNLIE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 August 1901, Page 3

FAREWELL TO MR BROWNLIE.

In response to the invitation of Mr and Mrs Bavinpton, about a hundred of the pereouftTmenda of Mr D. S. Brownlie assembled at dinner last evening, to meet Unf.geiithwnan previous to his departure from Oreynaonih. Unfortunately both host an* hoataM were unavoidably absent tbtaofb attacks of influenza, but the duties of acting host was appointed to Mr Daniel, who worthily fulfilled the onenwij, Mt'pleasant task. Fahomiilyat 8 o’clock the chair' was taken W Mr Jay, the vice chairs being occupied by Messrs Kettle, Gray, and E A Wicked. After the substantial dinner had been disposed of and the usual formal toasts duly honored, the chairman proposed the health of “Our Departing Guest’’ referring in feeling terms to the loss the community was sustaining by Mr Brownlie’s departure. The toast was also tpoken to by Messrs Cray, Wickes, M’Qusen, Taylor, Young, Poohin, Daniel, 3tyon and other gentlemen, who all joined in wishing Mr Brownlie a long and prosperous career, wherever bis lot might be east, and assuring bim that the commercial and social circles of the West Coast, would ever be glad to welcome his return amongst them. Mr Brownlie responded Ip. a manly and affecting speech, and evidently meant what he said, when he asserted that the kindliness and hospitaliy extended'him during his sojourn on fiia Coast, would ever live in his memory. Among other toasts of the evening wore “ The Mining Industry ” proposed by Mr Kettle and responded to by Mr Taylor, Cray and others; “ The Coal Industry ” proposed by Mr Duncan Campbell, and responded to in a most telling manner by Mr Robert Alison ; “ The Ladies ” proposed by Major Smith, and coupled with names of Messrs Cull and Allan Smith, and “ The Press ” proposed by Mr James Petrie, and filly responded to by Mr. James Kerr. During the evening excellent musical numbers were contributed by Messrs Guthrie, Moss, Swan, Broad, McQueen, Mitchell, Henry, Cray, Rich- - mond, North and Daniel; the various accompaniments being played by Messrs Moss, Henry, Guthrie, and Richmond. Recitations of a most humorous nature were also contributed by Messrs Oromlie, Alison, J. Hambleton, and Allan Snath.

The Chairman’s toast of “Our host and hostess,” drank with musical honors and followed by “ Three times three ” proceeded “Auld Lang Syne,” upon which the company separated, after enjoying one of the most pleasant social functions ever held in Greymouth.

Yesterday afternoon a few of the personal friends of Mr Brownlie assembled at Messrs Cray and Co’s office to bid him goodbye. Mr W. R. Kettle occupied the chair, and regretted that they were about to lose a gentleman who was so highly respected. On behalf of those present it gave him great pleasure in asking Mr Brownlie to accept, as a moment© of his stay in Greymouth, a present, consisting of a handsome gold chain and sovereign case, as a small token of esteem.. Mr Brownlie warmly thanked his friends for their great kindness, and said he would always remember his stay in Greymouth, and cherish the friends he had made. After wishing Mr Brownlie success and farewell the company dispersed. The chain and sovereign case was obtained from Messrs Gilbert Bros., Tainui Street.