SIR JAMES FERGUSSON'S RECEPTION.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIII, Issue 1542, 15 July 1873, Page 2

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON'S RECEPTION.

At the "bali given at Wellington in compliment ta. .the,, new, .Governor, Sir JameSj Fergus^^^ the Province, Mr Fitzherbertj proposed the one toast iof (the evening. In responding His r Excellency said:— "Mr Fitzherbert, ladies and gentlemen, I entirely < agree with the^remarks which ;have^ been made as to the' inexpediency of making speeches on. such" ?an 'Occasion as the present. There is a rule, I think, in existence:,which; lays do.wn that speeches at balls should not be raade, f aboye ftrl the breath, and only in the ear of one's partner.; I cannot certainly regret that I have the 'opportunity— ah opportunity which I shall not abuse by making a long speech— of expressing my heartfelt thanks at the most handsome reception you have given me this- evening. ! You could not have chosen a more agreeable manner of enabling me to become? acquainted with the ladies and gentlemen of Wellington. I think I should be very insensible- 'if -I f ailedto recognise the.very earnest manner in whichHhe welcome' has been giyen from all sides. ! I know perfectly well^as^' was observed by pur worthy chairman, that we are taken on trial; but you have already shown so much confidence in us that it^will, be pur earnest endeavor to deserve that confidence and to .show that — taking' 'the -"figure employed by our chairman, regarding articles ; of consump-tion^-we are neither hard nor'unpalatable. 'debarred from coming here. ,", I'am^npwever,^rather^pleased to seefthafc' the gentleman who her ,to [Seclusion has absented himself from the ;J :bali«j It would be>too,bad for him <fco attend after Jhat.^.-Still I hope, it will. not. . be .the only "opportunity we have of enjoying a ball in Wellington-rand I think I can safely assure you that you will find Lady Fer.gussonall that you may expect in making the most of such opportunities of meeting her friends. I am afraid.l hayebrpken the wholesome "rule laid down'; arid- ! f will therefore conclude by again thanking you for the kind, reseption, and .hearty welcome we have received froni you."