SOUTH BRITISH IMPLEMENT WORKS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1382, 20 July 1878, Page 2

SOUTH BRITISH IMPLEMENT WORKS.

The second annual supper and ball in connection with Messrs P. and D. Duncan’s establishment took place last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall, and was a most enjoyable gathering throughout. About 150 ladies and gentlemen sat down to an excellent supper, provided by Mr Bashford in good style. The chair was occupied by Mr P. Duncan, the vice-chairs bring filled by Mr D. Duncan and Mr Scrimgeour. The tables were very nicely decorated with pot plants, &c. The committee were Messrs Scrimgeour, P. and D. Duncan, Walker, McLean, Low, Lilley, Hamilton, Edkins, Fraser, and Bailey, and to these gentlemen the greatest possible credit is due for the excellence of the whole arrangements.

No time was lost in getting to the programme of toasts. The Chairman spoke in his opening address of the good done by these gatherings in cementing the good feeling which should exist between the employer and employed. He might say that out of sixty workmen employed by the firm there had only been about nine alterations during the year, which showed that they were working for each other 's benefit. [Cheers.] He trusted that all the ladies and gentlemen present would enjoy themselves thoroughly that evening, as all work and no play made jack a dull boy. The chairman then gave the usual loyal and. patriotic toasts, together with the health of his Excellency the Governor and the members of the General Assembly, which were drunk with enthusiasm.

The chairman then gave the “ Army, Navy and Volunteers,” coupled with the names of Lieut, Anderson and Lieut. Wills.

Lieut. Anderson responded, saying that should ever the necessity arise the volunteers of New Zealand would be found not to bring discredit on the British flag. Mr Andrew Duncan then rose to propose the toast of the evening, “Success to the British Agricultural Implement Works.” The progress made by these works was well known to all, and. he felt sure they would all agree with him that they were second to none in the Canterbury Provincial district. The work that the Messrs Anderson had left had been taken up most ably by Messrs P. and D. Duncan. Ho thought that they had now arrived at this stage, that they would find that their Tuam street works were too small for their trade, and they would have to seek fresh fields and pastures new. Messrs P. and D. Duncan had by their probity of character, and by the excellence of their work made for themselves a name which, in connection with that of Messrs Anderson, had gone forth to the uttermost ends of the colony, and was well known throughout New Zealand as well as in the Provincial District of Canterbury. (Cheers.) He would couple the toast with the name of their respected friend, Mr W. Duncan.

Mr Duncan, who was received with loud and continued cheering, said that he thanked them all for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received by those present. (Cheers.) As to the success which had attended their efforts, much had been due to the friends they had had around them, notably Mr Andrew Duncan and Mr R, Sutherland, the latter of whom they regretted was absent that evening. He also regretted that Mr John Anderson was unable to be present, whose kindness after the fire on their premises they could never forget. The advice and assistance of these friends, with the workmen they had around them, had enabled them to make their works a success—a success which they trusted to perpetuate. (Cheers). Mr Fraser proposed “ The Agricultural, Pastoral, and Commercial Interests of New Zealand,” coupled with the name of Mr Hebden. Mr Hebden briefly responded.

Mr Scrimgeour proposed “ The Manufacturing Interests of New Zealand,” coupled with the name of Mr J. Anderson, jun, Mr Anderson, jun., responded, praising meetings such as the one of that evening. In connection with the toast ho spoke most eulogist ically of Messrs P. and D. Duncan, referring to the good feeling which existed between the Messrs Duncan and the Messrs Anderson.

MrD. Duncan proposed the health of “The Employes of the South British Implement Works,” speaking in high terms of the employes of the firm. The (oast was coupled with the names of Messrs Bailey and Mauchline.

Messrs Bailey and Mauchline responded. Mr Walker proposed the health of “ The Ladies,” coupled with the names of Mr John Anderson and Air P. Rentaul.

Mr P, Rentaul responded to the toast, and made a very excellent speech. The other toasts were, “The Press,” “The Visitors,” and “The Caterer.” During the evening some capital songs were sang by those present, and generally every one enjoyed themselves most thoroughly,