COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2015, 9 August 1880, Page 4

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.

A complimentary and valedictory banquet was given to Mr Charles Bourn, late of Homebrook Farm, S iuthbridge, by the residents m tbe Ellesmere district on Fiiday evening. The chair was taken by Mr B. J. Leo, supported on his right by the guest of theevenL, and on his left by the Eev. Walter Harper, Mr W J. G. Bluett occupying the vice-chair. The catering was done by host Mitchell of the Boyal in hie usual first-rate the removal of the cloth the healths of the Queen, Governor, General Assembly, &8., were given and loyally responded to. The health of the Bishop and clergy of all denominations was fc'.on given and enthusiastically drunk, coupled with the name of Kev. W. Harper who, in responding, said ho was extremely pleased to respond to such a toast, and was glad that the chairman had taken this opportunity of following the good old custom that generally obtained in the old country. It gave the clergy and their dock an opportunity of meeting together in a social manner, and greatly tended to cement the good feeling that should always exist between the clergy and laity. [Applause.] The Chairman then rose and said that he bad arrived at the toast of the evening, that of drinking the health of their old and highly esteemed friend Mr Charles Bourn. Mr Bourn as a farmer had been an example to them all. As a local public man he had served the district well on the Boad Board, on the Board of Conservators, on the School Committee, and in many other ways. He could only say that they could spare a better man. _ The toast was drank with musical honors, and three ringing cheers for Mr B-urn and rose to reply, and said he was sorry that he had arrived at the worst part ot the evening. Ho was pleased to accept thmr kind invitation to a farewell banquet. He would always pay them an occasional visit, at least twice or thrice a year. Ho should certainly always attend their agricultural show, and he hoped he would have many a good day’s sport in the district yet, when he visited it with his gun. There was one man ho had missed greatly, the late Mr Bridge, his old landlord. The friendly relations existing between them were of the warmest nature. He was pleased that his place had been taken by « gentleman such as Mr Campbell was, and felt confident that the kindly feeling evinced towards himself would be extended to his successor. He had spent nine of the pleasantest years of his life at Bowthbridge, and he would certainly have been hard to please if he had not done so, considering that ho had had the three essentials to make life happy, viz., a good farm, a good landlord, and good neighbors, Mr Boom briefly referred to his connection with the various local bodies of the district, and could honestly state that the whole time he bad been a member ot the Boad Board he was proud to say be hod never seen an instance of any member working for his own interests to the detriment of the district. As a member and promoter of the Christchurch Corn Exchange ho would urge on all farmers to give it a more liberal support that had as yet been accorded to it as it deserved. He concluded by wishing the district every possible prosperity and success. The toasts of “ The Agricultural Interest, “The Commercial Interest,” “The Press,” “The Ladies,” &0., were duly honored and respectively responded to by the following gentlemen:—Messrs. W. D. Lawrence (president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association), Messrs. Cameron, Desborough, Joseph Ivess, and Sherlock, and Mr Wm. Graham fairly convulsed the company in responding to the toast of “ The Ladies.” The health ot “The Chairman” was proposed by Mr Bluett in an eulogistic speech, remarking that Mr Lee, Mr Bourn and himself had had several differences and tussels in public matters, but he was sure that this in no wise affected their private intercourse. Mr Lse briefly responded, entirely reciprocating Mr Bluett’s sentiments. After several songs, &0., the company broke up.