MOCK BANQUET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1028, 10 August 1911, Page 3

MOCK BANQUET.

The local literary and debating society held a mock banquet last night. The President, Mr G. H. Stiles, presided and there was a very lair attendance of members and the public. The imaginary banquet was tendered to the Mayor and Councillors, and some important toasts were proposed, duly honoured and responded to. In proposing the toast of the “Borough Council,”Dr. Mandl dealt with the necessity for a water and drainage service. He did not think the Shannon scheme would cost ,£30,000 to ,£35,000 k as been stated. The country over which the water would be carried was practically level, and if wood were substituted for iron pipes, he saw no reason why the estimate should exceed ,£20,000. He drew his conclusions from a similar scheme carried out in the South Island. He said he had been informed that Oregon pine lluming would last upwards of one hundred years. He referred to the municipal gasworks, and said the ratepayers had made a mistake in not establishing the works in the first instance. They were now faced with a loss on the works, which he hoped would be minimised by the more extensive use of gas cookers, etc., by the people. Although he had opposed the erection of a municipal hall on the grounds that more important work should take precedence, the borough was to be congratulated upon possessing such au up- to-date building, which brought it into line with other important centres, and now that it was there he was pleased and hoped it would be beneficial to the people. The Mayor, in responding, appreciated the last speaker’s remarks. He touched on the revaluation of the borough which should result in au increased revenue of about ,£2OO. The old valuation had been very unsatisfactory and many properties had been under-valued. He would be pleased to think that a water supply from Shannon could be obtained for ,£20,000 but the estimate would be more in the vicinity of ,£30,000 odd. He referred to the artesian scheme, which had been rejected, as one that would have served the purpose at a reasonable cost. The Council were going thoroughly into the Shannon scheme and would shortly confer with the Shannon residents on the question. Referring to the municipal gas works, he said he had not lost heart because there was a present deficit. It was expected that there would be a deficit on these undertakings for the first few years. He was pleased to say that something over 50 new consumers had been obtained and cookers would be installed in a number of houses. The works belonged to the people and it was their duty to make them pay by installing the gas in their homes. He compared the price charged in Palmerston for gas with what was paid here. Foxton only paid id per 100 ft more —and the Palmerston works had been established for years. He had been an ardent supporter of the Town Hall and it was going to pay handsomely. The Council had not yet decided whether it would run a municipal picture show, but applications for this purpose had been received from outside firms.

Mr Kellow proposed the toast of the “Chamber of Commerce” in a humorous speech, and hoped it would be resusitated. Dr. Mandl said the local Chamber ol Commerce was simply taking a legislative rest but phoenix-like it would again arise from its ashes to carry out many useful reforms. He then traced the origin and history of Chambers of Commerce in different parts of the world and referred to reforms and benefits such institutions had conferred upon commerce and trade. He touched on their connection with the repeal of the Corn Laws and the opening of the Suez Canal. The Foxton Chamber had justified its existence and in support of this he instanced telephone connection with Shannon, improvements to the railway si ilion and wharf, the formation of the Foxton Harbour .Board, etc. With a little more agitation the Chamber would have accomplished its object in making F'oxcon a port of entry for dutiable goods. There was much uselul work ahead tor the Chamber to accomplish, particularly in regard to linking up the railway between Levin and Marton.

Mr Hornblow proposed the toast of the " Harbour Board ” and traced its history. Mr R. bpeirs, in responding, said they looked forward to the time when the Board would have absolute control of the port. Mr K. Furrie proposed the toast of the “ Debating Society,” and stated that he was surprised that the public did not turn out iu greater numbers to listen to the flow of oratory. Mr McCall in responding, said the society promised to grow in importance, and was of great educational value to members. The membership now stood at 30, and it was hoped that it would reach 50 next year. Mr Davey also endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. Mr Claude Speirs handled the toast of “The Ladies” in a very able manner, and Mrs Hornblow responded with equal success. Messrs Hornblow, Kellow and McCall dealt with the public service. The Chairman’s remarks, as au ex-miller, iu proposing the toast of the “ Hemp Industry,” were particularly interesting. He traced the improvements which had been

effected in the machinery and the up and downs in prices. He contrasted the old system of grading with that now adopted by the Government, which is doing so much to put the industry on a good looting. The millers and employees were now more expert in their work than of old and the introduction of labour-saving appliances had improved the condition ot the workers and provided them with continuous employment. He also paid a tribute to the better class of mill hands now employed. Improved machinery had enabled millers to keep going on low prices which meant constant employment for the men. Mr John Speirs responded. The toast of “The Press” was proposed by Dr. Mandl and responded to by Mr Huntley. The toast of “The Chairman” was honoured which brought a very pleasant programme to a close.