ASHLEY DRAY BRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1768, 20 October 1879, Page 3

ASHLEY DRAY BRIDGE.

Mess s Thomas and Hill, haring completed their contract for building this bridge gave their employes a dinner at the Ashley Hotel on Friday evening last. Invitations were given to the inhabitants of the district more or less connected with the work to join in the gathering, and upwards of fifty persons took their places at thejtable. Amongst those present were—Mr Samuel Harwell, ch airman of the Ashley Road Board ; Messrs J. Dixon and J. A. Cunningham, members of the Road Board; Messrs Dobson and Son, engineers; J.Thompson, surveyor ; J. Rome and J. Duthie, inspectors of the works. An excellent dinner was provided by Mr B. Flynn, and the tables were tastefully decorated. Mr S. Barwell took the chair, supported on his right by Mr Thomas, Mr J. A. Cunningham filling the vice-chair, supported by Mr Hill. Dinner having been dispatched, and the usual loyal toasts disnosed of, the chairman introduced the toast of the evening, “ Messrs Thomas and Hill.” Adverting to their completed work of the Ashley bridge, and the highly satisfactory report of the engineer, ho could but express his satisfaction, as a Road Board member, at the energy displayed and the thorough knowledge of the work shown by Messrs Thomas and Hill. Mr Thomas, in responding, expressed the great pleasure he felt at the hearty reception of this toast from all present. Ho trusted their employes would take this gathering as a token of the respect and good feeling he held towards them. They had overcome great difficulties, and it was highly satisfactory to hear the good opinions expressed of the work. Mr Hill also responded in suitable terms, stating that this gathering would have taken place two months earlier had it not been for the floods and the loss of the ship importing the timber. He then proposed “The Working Men,” coupled with the name of Mr Q-ibbs. Mr Gibbs expressed the gratitude of the men for the liberal treat afforded them. The men’s duty was a pleasant one, as they had practical men for their masters, and if that was more generally the case, masters and men would work very much more amicably than they often do in Canterbury. Mr D. Brock proposed “The Members of the Road Board,” Messrs Barwell and Cunningham responding. The toast, “Messrs Dobson and Son,” was received heartily. Mr Dobson responded by expressing the pleasure it wouldj bo to give the certificate in this case to Messrs Thomas and Hill. Ho spoke highly of the work throughout, and trusted that the contractors would continue to meet with the success they deserved, as there had been no misunderstanding, and no accident had occurred the whole time. Mr Dobson, jun., also replied. The toasts followed of “The Inspectors, Messrs J. Romo and .T. Duthie,” Mr J. Duthie responding ; “The Visitors,” Mr P. McGrath responding; “ The Surveyor, Mr J. Thompson,” to which Mr Thompson responded; “The Reporters,” “The Host and Hostess” was proposed, and elicited some remarks from the chairman and the vice-chairman as to the respect in which Mr Flynn was held. Mr B. Flynn responded. “The Chairman” and “The Vice-Chairman” wore duly proposed and acknowledged, and shortly afterwards the

SPORTING. DUNEDIN SPRING MEETING. DUNEDIN, October 19. Nominations for the under-mentioned events at the Dunedin Jockey Club Spring Meeting were received on Saturday night:— St. Andrew’s Handicap of 100 sovs, two miles. Mr Goodman’s Chancellor and York. Mr Kay’s Titania and Hornby Mr J. Chaafo’s Atlantic Mr G. Coombo’s Hatred Mr Waddell’s Bangitira Mr Butler’s Laertes Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Camballo, Lara, and Tera Mr A. J. Keith’s Soukar Spring Handicap of 45 sovs one mile and a distance. Mr Goodman’s Playboy and York Mr Ray’s Titania Mr W. A. John’s Dolly Varden Mr Waddell’s Bangitira Mr F. C. Hill’s Unknown^ Mr J. Stephenson’s Messingham Mr P. Butler’s Luna Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Camballo, Tera, and Vampire Hurdle Race of 50 sovs; two miles and a distance. Mr B. Hunter’s Romance Mr H. Gourlay’s Kildare Mr R. Ray’s Lone Hand Mr W. Maitland’s Shillelagh, late Loyalty Mr H. D. Bradley’s Milo Mr H. Prince’s Kversley Mr T. C. Hill’s Unknown Mr D. McMaster’s Scamp Mr P. Butler’s Te Whetu President’s Handicap of 70 sovs ; one and a half miles. Mr H. Goodman’s Chancellor Mr B. Ray’s Titania and Hornby Mr J. Chaafe’s Atlantic and Oberon Mr W. A. John’s Dolly Varden Mr Waddell’s Rangitira Mr Hill’s Unknown Mr Butler’s Laertes and Lnna Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Camballo, Lara, Tera, and Vampire Mr Keith’s Soukar Grand Stand Handicap of 50 sovs; one and a quarter miles. Mr Goodman’s Playboy and York Mr Ray’s Titania Mr Chaafe’s Oberon Mr Coomho’s Hatred Mr Waddell’s Rangitira Mr Hill’s Unknown Mr Stephenson’s Messingham Mr Butler’s Laertes and Luna Messrs Mason and Vallanoe’s Camballo, Lara, Tera, and Vampire Mr Keith’s Soukar