LICENSED VICTUALLEES ASSOCIATION DINNER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 207, 12 September 1879, Page 2

LICENSED VICTUALLEES ASSOCIATION DINNER.

The inaugural dinner of the above Association took place at the Custom House Hotel last night, when over thirty sat down to a sumptuous repast prepared by Host Osborne, and which did him great credit. The chair was filled by his Worship the Mayor, supported on the right by Mr C. E. Bunny, the solicitor to the Association, while the ViceChair was occupied by Mr Albert Pitt M.HJR., supported on the right by Mr Acton Adams, M.H R. After full justice had been done to the good things provided, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drunk with much enthusiasm. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," said he would couple with it that of "The Fire Brigade," which had done good service ou several occasions. As for the Volunteers they were a credit to the colony. Major Pitt, in replying, said that the army of Great Britain had recently performed deeds in South Africa of which every Englishman should feel proud; As for the Volunteers, they had become so efficient as to be looked upon as a valuable auxiliary to the army. In reference to the Volunteers of this colony the Major said it was satisfactory to kuow that during the recent disturb ance at the Waikato the Volunteers there had offered their services without waiting tc be called upon. Mr Menary replied for the Navy, Captain Bunny for the Volunteers, and Captain Lightfoot on behalf of the Fire Brigade! The Chairman proposed the toast of " The members of the House of Representatives and Legislative Council." He had no doubt that our members would do their best for the good of the place. Mr Acton Adams returned thauks. The numbers polled at the recent election showed the great interest that was taken iu it. He hoped that as soon as the House met, the question of which was the strongest party would be settled, and, that having been done the business of the country would be proceeded with without any unnecessary delay. Mr J. A. Harley proposed "The Town and Trade of Nelson." For some time past trade had been in a dull state, but he hoped that a change for the better would take place soon. Mr Fletcher responded. The infusion of new blood into the House should have the effect of obtaining for Nelson a larger amount of public works than she had hitherto got, and if so it would give a stimulus to trade. The vice-Chairman then gave the toast of " His Worship the Mayor and City Council." His Worship was held in high esteem by all. He had performed his duties faithfully and well, and it would be difficult to find a better man to fill the office. The Councillors had also performed their duties very creditably. Ins Worship briefly replied. He said that he had reason to believe that his humble endeavors to fill the office of Mayor were appreciated, but he hoped to give the people of Nelson still further satisfaction. Mr T. Harley replied on behalf of the City Council. It had been said there was a deal of opposition, but there was no such thiDg • it was on the other side. Whatever he did for tbe welfare of the town it was done with a good heart, and the best intention. Mr Acton Adams then gave the toast of the evening, that of the "Licensed Vic-

tuallers Association." The publicans had at last seen the appositeness of the maxim tnat unity is strength," and banded themselves into an Association, which would be beneficial to them in more ways than one. He then mentioned the enormous fees the publicans of Nelson had to pay for their licenses compared with what they did in other places, and said that it was time this W^ 10 ° f i,rovin «ialism was swept away.* Mr Tregea, President of the Association, returned thanks on behalf of that body. borne time ago the publicans of Nelsou had attemped to form themselves into an association, but owing to want of support the proposition fell through. After two or three attempts they had been able to do so. The following toasts were then dulv honored :-«' The Press," " The Ladies," ( lhe Chairman," «< The Vice- Chairman," 'The Host and Hostess," and several others. During the evening several capital songs were sung by those present, and the company broke up on the first appearance of " the wee hours," after having thoroughly enjoyed themselves