RETURN OF MR. J. W. ORAM.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2522, 9 May 1882, Page 3

RETURN OF MR. J. W. ORAM.

Mr John William Oram, the erstwhile genial host of the City Hotel, the name of whose friends in Christchurch is legion, returned this morning after a trip to Europe, and was met at the Christchurch Kailway Station by a number of gentlemen, who cordially welcomed his return to Christchurch. Tho party then entered the four-horse Boyal Drag, and were driven to tho Hotel, where another ovation from a number of friends who had collected together awaited Mr Oram. Some bottles of sparklinghaving been opened, the health of the wanderer was proposed, and drunk with three times three. By the invitation of Messrs Oram Bros, those present adjourned to a splendid luncheon, which bad been prepared for the occasion. The chair was occupied by Mr H. Sawtell, having on his right hand Mr J. W. Oram and hie Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, and the vice chair by Mr M. H. Oram, who was supported by the Mayor of Kaiapoi, Mr Caleb Smith, and others. Ample justice having been done to the admirable spread provided, The Chairman said they had met there that day to welcome once more in their midst their old friend Mr John Wil’iam Oram, and he felt sure ho was only expressing tho icntiments of the citizens of Christchurch when he said how glad they were to welcome him back that day. He trusted that the days of Mr Oram’s wanderings were now over, and that he would remain amongst them in Canterbury for the remainder of his days. He would not longer detain them, but ask them to drink bumpers to tho toast of 11 Welcome home to Mr John William Oram ” The toast was drunk with three times throe and musical honors. # Mr John W. Oram, who on rising was loudly cheered, said that ho thanked those present most heartily for their kindly ex preosions. England was called home by many, and he had spent many happy days there during his recent sojourn, but now that ha was once more amongst those with whom he had been associated in various ways, in work, in joviality, and good fellowship, he felt that this was indeed homo. He had come back ho trusted to remain with them, and he could assure them thot the hearty welcome had had received would never be forgotten by him. [Cheers.] After one or two other toasts the company separated.