Banquet to the Hon. Mr Ballance.

Manawatu Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 144, 28 November 1884, Page 2

Banquet to the Hon. Mr Ballance.

A complimentary banquet was given last evening m the Princess Theatre, Wanganui, to the Hou Mr Ballance m recognition of his many services to the district. The stage was occupied by the Wanganui Rifles' Band, and the dress circle was, crowd* ed with ladies, who, by their attendance, showed that they took a lively interest m the welcome tendered to the guest of the evening-i»f^he catering was entrused r to Mr Morrow, of the Criterion Hotel, and gave every satisfaction. The doors were opened at 8 o'ttlock, and m a very short space of time, the tables, three m number, were filled, and not a seat was to spare, there being neaw 200 persons present, includinga large number from the coujatry districts between Marten The chair was occupied by R. Pharazyn, Esq., having on ; his "ghkfth&jjffon. Mr Ballance, . Major Kemp, aud Mr T. Bracken, .while, onhis left were his Worship 'tha Mayoi!i(Mr Carson) and Mr Bryoe, M.H.R. The vice-chair* were o'&apied by Messrs Spurdle (Mayor Telect) and; : j). Willis. Among yth^ - ! guests .were Me Sommerville, chairman of the -Wanganui;; County : !; Council, and many members of the local bodies The toasVof the evWiiigV ihe health kjf the H<)n{ 'Johu!BttUance was received with the. utmost enthusiasm, and m repl^Mr ißallanoeoafelivered a very interesting- speech. The whole proceedings were characterized by most perfect harmonjjr. arid tinanimitr, and the occasion will long be remem« liered m- Wangaiiui as a worthy tribute to the ability and; ptipalari'tf of its member m Parijammt, whose political merits are now recognized by friends^ and; foes alike. The gathenng^walj'the 1 tnost influential and sua^sful(!th'a^j.u^« yet taken place in.Wanganui, was thoroughly representative in r itan qhpracter, and passe J off. from beginning to end with complete ecfefc. ■