BANQUET TO THE HON J. BRYCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6492, 17 December 1881, Page 5

BANQUET TO THE HON J. BRYCE.

[Pbb passe Association.]

WANGANUI, Dsc. 16.

Tbs banquet to lbs Hoo John Bryce took ptsos this evening, at the Princes# Theatre. Some 180 gueets were present, lbs chair waa occupied by Mr Robert Pharasyn, the vieo-chatr* hr Maim P. E. Jackson, Colonel Gortca and John Morgan. After lbs usual loyal toasts had been dis* posed of, the Chairman propoied the toast of tbs evening, “Use Hon John Biyee.” He regretted that he lacked the eloquence necessary to do it justice, but ho was glad to think that those protest knew Mr Bryce too welt to require him to say mooli. Their strong affection and regard for Mr Bryce were doe r o tbs fast that, though working for himself and bis family, be yet found time to serve the public also. (Applause ) Throughout his earner, whether m connection with local bodies or even when renting in the Volunteer force at an earlier period, nl* one ambition always was to serve the public rather than himself. Allusion woe then made to Mr Bryce's services as M.H.8., and subsequently in the Ministry. His retirement from the Ministry twelve months ago reflected honour upon him, and his rejoining the Ministry credit to himself and the Government. His action throughout the Parihaka business redounded to his audit. The speaker concluded amid great applause. 3he Hon J. Bryce, who was greeted with prolonged applause, said the people of Wanganui bad been to his virtues ever kind, and be considered the present reception another proof of that He bad never put himstif forward for a public position unless b duty bound. Referring to a remark of the Chairman regarding the charge of boon* eistoocy, he did not think be need defend himself, and he thought their presence right was due to what took place at Parihaka. Referring to his resignation, be mid the time came when bis former colleagues realised that bis policy was the only possible one, and asked him to rejoin and M op the vacant portfolio. Alluding to the muse of trouble on the coast, be quoted Buckle on the effect of scenery upon character, and said he believed the msmrjf of this coast was a great cause of religious frensy. He instanced Te Hub, the author of Hauhaadsm, Motu the author of another superstition, and several others, together frith Te Whiti, all living in the shadow of Mount %«umt. Te Whitt's treaty was diflcoit to describe. It was much more potent over bis followers than my previous native's. They woe for months together carrying clothes to cover the bodies of those T® Whiti would restore to life. He ridiculed the statement to the effect that Te Whiti wished to make hiegrievances known to a Court of law- The idea never entered his head, and if mentioned was treated with scorn. Te Whiti believed and taught his followers to believe that be was destined to the sovereignty of the whole island if not the whole world. Haring a freosy of this kind to deal with it would bo recognised that the danger was extreme. They were at the mercy of a madman. Although the work had been carried oat with great firmness no harshness and no insult were offered to the Natives. He believed they could have met them with less force, and it would have teen committing » great blander to invite bloodshed, therefore he whited to augment their force by volunteer*. Had one shot been fired though by accident, there was no telling where the bloodshed would have stopped. While forbearing so long as no blood was spilt, they would bare forgotten that there was such a word as " forbearance” had it occurred. Men were wise after the event, and doubtless bad said they knew there would be no war. He never know that, and was sure there hod been the utmost dancer of it. Referring to the volunteers, Mr Bryce said be thought their response to the caO of duty had a very large significance. How Zealand had the misfortune to be colonised from many centres, which might' have resulted in the non-development of national spirit. The gallant response of some 1000 or 8000 volunteers provsd that there was no lack of rally national spirit In this Colony, which would increasingly develop. While speaking on this t oinfc be would repeat what Wood nud In commendation of them at Parihaka, Hpon another subject be might he expected Ip say something. He alluded to the etoppageeof Trees reporters at Parihaka. by Press sorrespoo* I

dent* praising him for esot tiding the public while admitting Pres# Special#, and ho felt it his duty to include the latter, lest an accident might happen to bring about an overt act on the part of the Native#, and occasion war. It had been said he wished to keep hi# proceed* ingt secret He thought the charge was absurd, considering that he was surrounded by several thousand volunteers and 2000 Natives. Ho might mention on instance showing, in his opinion, that the risk of ad* •t itling Specials was not unfounded. He became aware that one of these Specials, at a boarding house frequented by them, declared it would he a good thing if Bryce was shot through the head. Had this talon Blace8 lace it meant the death of the whole of the ‘olives assembled there. Be should have been the meanest of men had the thought of criticism prevented his acting as he oonsoien* tioosly believed was right. He again thanked them for the great honours which they had heaped upon him. Mr Bryce resumed his seat amidst deafen* lug applause, which had frequently inter* rupted his speech.