GENERAL HECTOR M'CDONALD.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 4 November 1901, Page 3

GENERAL HECTOR M'CDONALD.

Banquet at Bellamy’s

(per press association)

Wellington, Nov 3.

Sir Hector M Donald was entertained at luncheon by the members of the General Assembly at Bellamy’s on Saturday. About fifty members attended. The Premier occupied the chair, having on his right the guest of the day, and Captain Kus-ell in tbe vice chair. * Only two toasts were honored “The King”and “ Our Guests,” each proposed by Mr Seddon and honored with enthusiasm.

The General in his reply said ho would not fail to make known to the rank and file of the army the great honor done him in New Zealand. He had, he said, taken an enormous interest in the Colony and everything connected with it, for the reason that a great number of his own countrymen were settled here. He was astonished at the progress made, and thought the pioneers must have been very long headed men. Ho urged members jealously to guard the great possession under their care, and pointed out that in defence matters the best rifles, best guns, and engineering talent were at their disposal if they chose to make use of them.

The afternoon was devoted to a railway excursion to the Lower Hutt and a drive to Bellevue Gardens. In the morning ho inspected the cadets in the public schools and Wellington college.

Wanganui, Nov 2,

Sir Hector M'Donald has given up his intention of going to Rotorua via the Wanganui river. He leaves for New Plymouth on Tuesday, and will be taken up the river in the morning as far as possible.