THE MAYORAL BANQUET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6496, 22 December 1881, Page 5

THE MAYORAL BANQUET.

At 2.80 yesterday afternoon some 180 gentlemen assembled in the Oddfellows' Hal), at the invitation of His Worship the Mayor, and at a quarter to three, Bis Excellency the Governor and suite having arrived, the company sat down to n banquet, purveyed for by Mr J. W. Morton. The tables were arranged so os to make the most of the room, the sides and top of the hall being occupied with a horse-shoe shaped table, through the centre of which ran one table. Hi* Worship the Mayor presided, having on hi* right Hi* Excellency, Sir Arthur (Jordon, hi* Lordship the Primate of New Zealand, Mr Btudholme, Mr 0. 0. Bowen, Mr L. Harper, end Mr J. Holmes j and on his left His Honor Mr Justice Johnston, the Chancellor of the Now Zealand University Mr Tanored, Mr H. Thomson, Mr ex-Justice Giessen, and Mr OhrystaU, President of the Chamber of Commerce. The vice-choir was occupied by Mr John Ollivier. In the gallery were several ladies who wore'supplied with refreshments during the banquet, and on the stage was a band, consisting of Messrs Juncker, JBiinx, and Tankard, who from time to time played some appropriate music. After due justice had been done to the tmm, the Chairman proposed “ Her Majesty the Queen," saying that in this case silence would bo golden. The toast was enthusiastically drunk. The Chairman proposed "The Health of His loyal Highness the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family." The Pnnoe of Wales was a worthy son of a worthy father. The toast was drunk with enthusiasmThe Chairman : Gentlemen, the next toast I ask you to drink is that of Bis Excellency the Governor. (Loud applause.) 1 hop you will pardon my shortcomings should 1 fail to do justice to this important toast. (Cheers.) Nos having had the honour of knowing His Excellency personally, I can only repeat what I learnt from history. I am proud to know that His Excellency is a worthy descendant of an ancient, noble house, whoso ancestors have rendered great and brilliant services to their Sovereign and countryj a family which has been one of those who have been the mainstay of England's glorious constitution, of which every Englishman is so proud, i myself have lived under it for over 31 years, and, though only a naturalised Englishman, 1 feel equally proud of it as if 1 was born an Englishman. (Applause.) lam also proud to know that His Excellency has performed distinguished services to his Queen and country in various parts of the globe, and although His Excellency has been amongst us for only a short time, lam happy to believe that he bas established himself in the confidence and ?oodwill of the people of New Zealand. Cheers.) lam sure that His Excellency is anxious for the welfare and prosperity of this fine country, and I do heartily wish him a happy, prosperous and peaceful reign whilst he is our Governor. (Applause.) With there few remarks, I have the honour to ask you to drink "Xho Health of His Excellency tie Governor." (Long continued applause.) The toast woo drank with the utmost enthusiasm.

His Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon, who on rising was greeted with renewed cheers, spoke as follows:—Mr Mayor and Gentlemen, —1 have to thank you, Mr Major, for the kind manner in which you have proposed, and you, gentlemen, for the kind manner in which you have received the toast which has just been drunk. I have lived too short a time in this Colony—and I say it with some self-reproach—too little in other parts of the Colony than the capital, to hare become as well acquainted as 1 could wish with the people of New Zealand. But 1 know that, in all places, the representative of the Sovereign among you u received with the resport to which hxs office, however unworthy the individual who holds it, entitles him to receive, and with the welcome which your own kindly feelings have prompted you to give me. (Cheers.) I am very glad that my presence in Christchurch should have coincided with this festivity, for it affords mo pleasure to be present at this dinner, and to see the citizens of Christchurch gathered together to do honour to their first Magistrate. (Cheers.) 1 hope I may say, without offence to any other part of the Colony, that the associations connected with the foundation of this Province, and the innumerable reminders which one receives in'it ot scenes, of things, and of men one has been acquainted with before, give to it an interest, in my eyes, which is not equalled in the case of other parte of New Zealand, the natural beauties of which possibly may exceed, and the prosperity and progress of which perhaps may rival those of Canterbury. (Cheers.) It is not many months since that, in this very ball, and, probably, in the hearing of a large proportion of those who are guests here to-day, J had the honour of returning thanks to a similar toast. On that occasion 1 expressed at some length my views with regard to the position which 1 hold as Governor of this Colony. I feel that it would bo bod taste and out of place were I now to repeat at any length, or in detail, the remarks 1 then made. I said on that occasion—to resume in one short sentence what I then enunciated in very many—that notwithstanding the fact that for many years past X hod exercised in various parts of the world, power which bad no narrow limits,! moat fully understood, and most thoroughly recognised, the obligations of a constitutional Governor—(cheers)— that I was bound in the administration of the affairs of this Colony to act upon the advice of Ministers possessing the confidence of the Parliament end the people of New Zealand. (Cheers.) To that one sentence I have nothing to add. That is as much my belief now os it ever has been. Of course the Governor of such a Colony as this has a responsibility—and it is sometimes a grave one -the responsibility of ascertaining whether bis Ministers for the time being do represent the feelings of Parliament, and whether that Parliament rellects the feelings of the country. But when oace that is ascertained bis course is dear-be has no alternative but to accept the advice which is tendered to him. whether it be advice with which he concurs or from which in hie own individual opinion be dissents. (Cheers.) Of ream that responsibility in the day# of long Parliaments might be considerable, but in these days, when Parliaments ora of such short duration as they •«. it is almost impossible lor a Governor to be in doubt whether that Parliament has or has not the confidence of the country, because it i* so frequently going back to the country to be returned > end it is •HU more impossible for him long to doubt whether bis Minister, have or ,mu. not the confidence of Parliament, '.therefore the Governor’s responsibilities, which, as I wid before, are simply those of ascertaining these facts are very much diminished j and | hold that once he has ascertained what I have pointed out, bis duty, so long as ho holds the office of Governor of the Colony, is to act upon the advice tendered to him. In most oases, of course, be will really agree with bis advisers: n others, where he is In doubt, bo will probably conclude that os better acquainted with the country they have reason i but oven if he is clearly if opinion they are wrong it is hi# doty to accept their advice, no matter what bis optoion of that advice may be, and oven if it be In opposition to his own views of what is just, equitable ud moral. (Cheers.) Of course I say nothing as to what the man to touch Sis own consultncr, or how f ir ho may

choose to go along with suoh courses—that is hb affair, and ho has his own remedy. But I ray that the duty of a Governor, so long aa ho retains his office, is to comply with the adviee tendered to him by those who enjoy the con fid once of the Parliament and the people. (Cheer*.) And that responsibility, that duty, so long 0* I bold the office—be the lime longer or shorter—it {« my intention scrupulously to fulfil. (Hl* Excellency resumed his seat amidst loud and long continned cheering.) Mr H. J Tanored. Chancellor of the University of Now Zealand, had to propose a toast which ho was euro all present would drink with the utmost enthusiasm, Ho hod to propose the toast of "The Legislative Council and tlio General Assembly." Ho wo# sure that from what His Excellency had just raid they would fool that those wore two very important bodies. Ho had the honour of having belonged to both the Legislative Council and the Houso of Representatives, and ho could testify, so far as his experience went, that their ideal of duty, and the wish to perform their duly, was unexampled at least in the Australian Colonies. Tho care and attention those bodies paid to the interests of tho country wore beyond all praise, and ho woe sure that they were appreciated bore and throughout New Zealand generally (Applause.) They had lately seen that a change had come over one branch of tho Legislature—tho House of Representatives. They had now triennial Parliaments, residential suffrages, and a variety of other alterations which had been made in tho constitution of that House. They were also told that changes were impending over tho other branch of tho Legislature. Ho thought that these changes, whether they wore in the right or in too wrong direction, wore always a sign of progress. He would couple with the toast the names of the Hon J. T. Peacock and Mr John Holmes. (Applause.) The Hon J. T. Peacock, on behalf of the members of tho Legislative Council, begged leave to return toose present hie best thanks. In bis humble opinion the Legislative Council as at present constituted, both during tho pit and in the present time, had done and was doing good service (applause), and he thought tho enthusiastic reception of the toast by so highly represents tive an assembly as that; endorsed his opinion. (Applause.) He thought that no doubt from the ultra-Liberal announcements that bad been made during tho election time by gentlemen who formerly held extremely Conservative vie #*, some change in the way of election of the Legislative Council was looming. Ho was not going to discuss that question then, even if it were the proper time, for they wore better engaged, but he would like to ask this question: If we are going to have two Houses, should they both be popular? He thought that after this question had had careful consideration, the Upper House would oomo out with credit, ana would for the future bo more appreciated than ever. As he saw his friend, Mr Holmes, ready for his speech, he would now sit down and make room for that gentleman. (Applause.)

Mr John Holmes had been honoured with the duty and responsibility of responding to the toast of tbo General Assembly. He had not been thus honoured because he possessed any peculiar qualification for the duty, but because bis mislrfss, Christchurch South, had done him the honour of making him her representative in Parliament. (Applause.) He saw around him members and ex-members, who would more fittingly respond to the toast, because they could tell of the doings of the House in the past, while he could only speak of what was to be done in the future. Thera was one thing of which New Zealand could boast, and that was that she had sent to tho House men who were possessed of selfrestraint and self-control, and who never descended to fisticuffs (laughter), as men in the Legislatures of other Colonies sometimes did. After the way the battle had been fought in South Christchurch, members could promise to goto the House for the purpose of working with one single object—the advancement of the welfare of New Zealand. (Applause.) He spoke for himself and for his fellow representatives when he said that every one of them was prepared to be a Lord Bobert, and to ory“duice it decorum e>t pro putrid mori," He was sure that the men whom the country had sent to the House would go there anxious, desirous, and able to do what was best for New Zealand. (Applause.) And with respect to the members •for Canterbury and Christchurch, however they might differ in their opinions about general politics—bis friend who bad just sat down was a high To-y, and he himself was an out-and-out Radical—in one thing they would work cheerfully and heartily together, and that was in the endeavour to keep Canterbury in the forefront of Now Zealand—-(applause)-and to make Christchurch the Manchester or the Birmingham of New Zealand. (Cheers.) He thanked them for the manner in which they had drunk the toast. (Applause.) • Mr A. 0. Wilson had been called upon to propose the next toast, that of “The Army, tho Navy, and the Volunteers.” That army had carried the flag of England over every shore, that navy had borne it on every breeze, and those volunteers had dona needs of valopr which wore written in recent history—applause—although not written in blood, unless perchance it was their own. (Applause.) Time would fail him to do justice to the theme. Tho self-saorifloing conduct of our citizen soldiers in at once leaving their occupations and homes at the call of duty, had been viewed with admiration. The deeds of Britain’s Army and Navy had often stirred their youthful ardour, and be hoped time might fail ore the dwellers in New Zealand, the Britain of the South, should uease to teach them to tho descendants of the present generation, and to narrate them with everincreasing pride, (Applause.) The spirit of patriotism prevalent within the Colonies had seoo with sadness one loved flag withdrawn ia tho hour o! victory from Oabul and Canduller, and practically withdrawn in the hour of disaster from tho Transvaal. (No, no.) Treasure had there been spent, and noble blood had been spilled without return. The spirit of the officer ond of the private soldier still remained unbroken as of old, although Governments might err and fortune for a while prove unkind. (Applause.) He had much pleasure ia proposing tbo toast, and did not doubt that it would bo received with enthusiasm. (Applause.) Major Lean, who was greeted with longcontinued cheers, was quite sure that tho Army and Navy fully appreciated such compliments as had been paid to them on that occasion, ond he knew the Volunteers were oven better esteemed, especially in this country. (Applause.) Tho Volunteers had proved that the institution was something more than a manly recreation. They had proved that the institution was of use to the State. At a cost of a few thousands they had saved tho expenditure of millions. (Applause.) He submitted that they had deserved well of their country. (Applause.) Those men who had gone to tho front from South Canterbury were but tho advance guard of those who would have followed, had there been the necessity. Ho had to thank them on behalf of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers. (Applause.) Mr 0.0. Bowen said the toast which he had to propose was one that should bo acceptable to all, in the broadest sense of the term. It would be vain, on an occasion like that, to exuaiUte upon all that society owed to the Church. In tide country, the foot that Christians had been unable to agree upon questions of Church government bad never •own discord among the denominations into which society was divided. (Applause.) In coupling with the toast the name of the Bishop of Christchurch, be was sure that he was only expressing the feelings of salt when ho said that his Lordship’s presence bad done more than anything else to set aside religious animosities, and to promote peace and good will among men. (Applause.) He bogged leave to propose the toast of “The Church," coupled with the name of the Bishop of Christchurch. (Applause.) His Lordship the Primate begged leave to express his most einoore thanks for the kind manner in which his health had been pronoted in connection with the toast, and for the kind manner in which it bod been received—which was far beyond his deserts.

(No. no.) To make a speech was in most cases a burden upon the audience, and in many cases spoiled their pleasure, still on an occasion such a* that he could not but express hi* gratification at finding that the Importance of religion was recognised by a gathering of so many oitixens of Christchurch. He had no doubt that it was as fully recognised by tho whole of the a ‘e of Christchurch, however much they t differ on points of detail. Without claiming for himself, or the religious body to which he belonged, any priority or preeminence Aver other religion* bodies, there were peculiar circumstances which bound him —ana be hoped his successor*—to endeavour to forward the welfare of the city. He remembered when he came in iB6O Christchurch was not even divided into streets, yet ho held a document from the highest authority—that of tho Queen—which, among other things, constituted the township a city and tho see of a bishop. That was a peculiarity connecting Christchurch with himself and the church to which he belonged, though, is he hod said, it gave him no claim which any other religious body had not. All religious bodies were on the same level, and all were driving os far as they could to promote the good of the whole community. Ho spoke for himself, and for those who should succeed him, when he said that the same document which declared the town of Christchurch to bo a city and tho see of a bishop, called upon tho members of that body to whioh he belonged to exert themselves to the utmost, ns ho himself ’ bad always done, for the prosperity of the community of Christohuroh. Ho trusted to be able to maintain the harmony which had hitherto enbsistod. (Applause.) The Hon E. Richardson, in a eulogistic speech, proposed " The Bench and the Bar," coupled with the names of Mr Justice Johnston and Mr Joynt. (Applause.) His Honor Mr Justice Johnston, who was Seted with long continued cheers, aoknowged the toast in a brief speech, in the course of which he referred in kindly terms to His Honor Mr Justice Gresson.

Mr Joynt, on behalf of the bar, alio re* ■ponded to the toast. Hie Excellency the Governor next rose and ■poke as followslt was only after I had •at down at this table and had seen this pretty little pink card with which we have all been furnished, that I discovered to my ear* prise, and, 1 may add, rather to my alarm, that what 1 consider the toast of the evening hod been entrusted to my hands. (Applause.) I most say that it was to my alarm, oecanie it struck me that the health of his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch would some more properly from a citizen of Christchurch, who baa more knowledge than I possess of the merits of the individual who has been raised to the dignity of Mayor of your city. But, on a little farther thought, I perceived that the arrangement was perfectly right and proper, and that it was fitting, in either of the senses in which we may regard the Mayor, that I should propose this toast. (Cheers.) It is right that the chief executive officer of the Colony present on an occasion such as this should propose the health of the chief executive officer of the city; and there is another reason—ho appears before us to-day, not only as the chief magistrate of the city, but also as our magnificent host. (Applause.) Z have already said, in returning thanks for my health, that Christchurch has for me peculiar interest, end you will therefore be* Ueve me when 1 assure him on your behalf of our wishes for bis success during his year of office. (Applause.) There is one thing, my allusion to which will, I hope, not give him offence, and that is what he said with regard to his nationality. He has told us that though he has lived SI years here he is only a naturalised Englishman; but he is, 1 have no doubt, as true a citixen of New Zealand as any man who has come from the Old. Country, and I think that it is greatly to the credit, not only of this city, but of this country, that we should snow that those who coma among us and obtain the rights of citizen* ship are just as likely to be raised to situations of honour and trust as those who have been boro amongst us. (Applause.) I trust, Mr Mayor, that your year of office will be distinguished by peace, and that you will distinguish yourself therein. On behalf of this company, I ask you, gentlemen, now to drink “The Health of hu Worship the Mayor, with all the honours.” (Applause.) The toast was enthusiastically drunk. His Worship the Mayor: I thank your Excellency for the honour you have done me is proposing my health. I also thank you gentlemen, for the hearty manner, in which you have responded to the toast. It is very gratifying to me that through His Excellency’s opportune visit to Christchurch we are honoured by his presence in this assembly of citizens, all of whom are leaders, and have taken a leading interest in the advancement and welfare of our city, either socially, com* morcially, or politically. I very much regret that for want of space I could not extend my invitations further, and 1 feel that a great' many worthy citizens had to bo overlooked. I have, however, as far as possible, included all the chief representatives and heads of our city institutions. (Applause.) It is my desire, and I hope I shall succeed during my term of office in doing so, to further good feeling and confidence between the citizens and the civic body, with a view to making our city an attractive home for all classes. (Ap* Sun.) I thank the citizens of Christchurch the great honour and confidence they have conferred upon me in electing me to this honourable office. It shall be my earnest endeavour to make them feel that their confidence is ,not misplaced. (Applause.) Gentlemen, believe me, I was quite content to remain in the cooler shades of retirement, bat my friends would not hear of it } they would persuade me that I, who bad always been used to an active life, would rust away and die soon. (Laughter.) This made my blood circulate rather freely, for I do not care to die just yet. I am only 58, and should like to enjoy life a little longer, and this decided mo at once to enter into the contest. I won the battle, and hero 1 am for better or for worse. (Cheers.) Permit me, gentlemen, to draw your attention for a minute to City matters. You no doubt are aware that the present Municipal ordinance will not prrmit the Council to enter into any extensive public works which require to be carried out with borrowed capital, except by the special sanction of the ratepayers, which has to be given by ballot, sou are also aware that several schemes for important city improvements have been submitted to the ratepayers for their sanction, but all of them nave been rejected. I do not wish to find fault with this exactly; but it appears to me that too little interest it shown by our leading citizens in these matters. It is, consequently, open to anyone who chooses to obstruct the progress of the city improvements 'to do so. I would, therefore, wish to impress upon you the necessity for investigating more closely any scheme the Council may bring before you, and, should it meet your approval, then give your influential support to the Council in carrying it out. (Applause.) You must admit it to be very disheartening to the Council, _ when, again and again, after spending their time and abilities in propounding schemes for city improvements, their proposals are always rejected. This would stifle the energies or any public body; in a higher assembly it would mean a vote of Want of Confidence, and perhaps |ths Council may some day tale it as such. (Applause.) I also thank you on behalf of the City Council. Of course I have not yet had any experience in working with them, but as they all are personally known to mo, I can confidently say that they are men of business habits and energy, and I am sure the city interests will not suffer while under their charge. (Applause.) As Christmas is so near, allow me to wish you all a merry one and a prosperous now year. (Applause.) Mr E. 0. J. Utevens proposed *‘The Agricultural, Pastoral, Commercial and Industrial Interests," coupling with the toast the names of Messrs J. T. Matson, W. Ohrystall and J. P. Jameson. The toast was heartily drunk. The gentlemen above-named each in turn responded. . ... xbo OoToroor nod suit* at into atago r©* The Bev C. Fraser proposed "The ex-

Mayor* and ox-Counoillors of Christchurch, coupled with the name of Mr Gapes. Mr ex-Mayor Gape* returned thank*. Hi* Honor Mr Justice John«ton propo«ed “The Freemasons and Benefit Societies” Mr Thomson responded. Mr J. P. Jstneicm proposed "The City Fire Brigade and the Fire Police." Superintendent Harris responded for the Fire Brigade! in the course of hi* speech taking the opportunity to acknowledge (he liberality of the citizens in *ub*cribing £OOO in a few day*. Mr Alport, intboabience of Capt. Mitchell, retponded for the Fire Police. Mr John OlUvior proposed "The Press,” coupled with the name of Mr B, A. Longhnao. Mr B. A. Loughnan responded. Mr Oilirier proposed " The Officers of the City Council." Mr Watkden, the City Surrey or, responded. Mr Charles Clark proposed "The lady Mayors** and the Ladies of Canterbury.” Mr A. Lougbroy responded. The company, after giving three cheers for the Mayor, broke up, and the proceedings closed.