THE DINNER.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 63, 13 August 1874, Page 4

THE DINNER.

The annual dinner took place in the evening at Oram's Somerset Hotel. Mr Alfred Saunders occupied the chair, supported on his right by the judges, and on his left by the Eavs J. H. Wills and Burnett. Mr D. McLaren filled the vice chair. Covers were laid for about seventy persons, but so great was the demand for seats, that some persons had to be seated at side tables. The dinner was of the most substantial kind, comprising all the delicacies of the season, and was laid out in a most tasteful manner, calling forth high encomiums from those present. After grace had been said by the Rev J. H. Wills, the company at once commenced an onslaught on the good things provided, which having accomplished, grace was ?aid by the Rev J. Burnett, and the cloth was removed. The Chairman then called upon the company to fill their glasses, and drink to the health of " The Queen and Royal Family." After a short interval, the Chairman proposed " The Governor," remarking that during the period he had been in office he had visited the greater part of his vice-regal dominion, and shown a desire to benefit by judicious rule the country at large. The toast was heartily drank with musical honors.

The Vice-Chairman then proposed the Superintendent and Provincial Council," coupled with the name of Mr W. C. Walker, M.P.C., member for the district. This toast was received with cheers. Mr Walker, on rising to reply, said—Mr chairman and gentlemen : It gives me great pleasure to have been able to meet you here to-night. Not only to thank you for the very liberal manner in which you have proposed and drunk my health, but also as your representative in the Council, and I may be allowed to remark that during the time I have had the honor to represent you I have not been over-burdened with many requests from the district. In fact, their district seems on the whole to be very modest in its requirements, if I may be allowed to add —excepting the Road Board. [Laughter.] However, I can safely say, that all matters that have been referred to me, save one, have been carried out, and that one needs a little explanation from me. This was a request from the Road Board to make application to have the road district proclaimed an agricultural district. I had so far acceded to their request as to table a motion in my place in the Council to give effect to the same; but oa weighing the matter over I came to

the conclusion that it was too large and com- I prehensive a matter to be carried out without a more decided expression of public opinion. There is one other point I should like to say a few words upon. I have received an assurance from the Government that the railway will be open for general use in two or three days. [Hear, hear.J In conclusion, I must again thank you for the handsome manner in which you have drunk my health. [Applause.] The Vice-Chairman then' gave the " Pastoral Interest," coupled with the name of Messrs D. Cameron and H. T. Winter, who suitably replied. Mr Cameron proposed "The Agricultural Interest," coupled with Mr F. Black's name, who made an appropriate reply. Mr Wilkin proposed, "The Mercantile Interest," which was responded to by Messrs Bullock and Friedlander. The Chairman then distributed the prizes to the several winners, each man as he came forward receiving a round of applause. After having distributed all the prizes, the Chairman proposed the health of the judges. Messrs Stitt and Atkinson replied, remarking that the ploughing was so good and the plots so even in merit that they had great difficulty in making the awards. The toast of "The successful " and " The unsuccessful competitors," " Clergy " "Committee " and " The Host " having been proposed and duly responded to, the company broke up at about 12 p.m. with " God save the Queen."