TARANAKI.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 308, 12 July 1848, Page 2

TARANAKI.

A dinner was given on the 9th June by the settlers at Taranaki to F. D. Bell, Esq., as a mark 9f their regard on his leaving that settlement, having accepted the office of Resident Agent of the New Zealand Company at Nelson. The dinner took place at the "Seven Stars," and was provided by Mr. Murch in his best style. The chair was taken by J. G. Cooke, Esq., J.P., in the absence of Capt. King, Resident Magistrate, from whom a letter was read expressive of his esteem for Mr. Bell, and his regret at being detained at home by the bad state of the weather. J. Webster, Esq., J.P., was vice-chairman. After dinner the chairman proposed the healths of the Queen, Prince Albert and the Royal Family, the Governor-in-Chief, and the Lieutenant- Governor of New Zealand, Mrs. Grey and the Ladies, and Capt. King and the Government Officers. The chairman, in proposing the health of Mr. Bell, in whose honour they had met, expressed both joy and regret that he was j about to leave Taranaki. He was the oldest friend of Mr. Bell in that settlement, and ! from the friendships he himself had formed at Nelson, he could anticipate the pleasure the settlers there would enjoy on finding Mr. Bell once more restored to them. On the other hand, he was sure every one present would share in his regret at the departure of a man possessing their esteem for his successful administration of the Company's affairs, his advancement of the settlement, and his private worth. Mr* Bell, in returning thanks, expressed his deep regret on leaving Taranaki, after having become so warmly attached both to the settlement and its inhabitants, and strongly recommended unity among the set- j tiers themselves as the best and surest means of promoting the interests of the settlement. After the health of Mr. Hursthouse had been drank, Mr. Bell in very flattering terms proposed the health of Mr. Halse, his successor in the agency, to whom he left, with the utmost confidence the carrying out of those plans he had not completed. Mr. Halse, in an appropriate speech, acknowledged the compliment that had been paid him ; he should always have the interest of New Plymouth and its settlers at -heart ; it was identical with that of the Company ; and he counted on the co- Opera- j tion Bnd aid he had hitherto received from . his fellow-settlers in all plans calculated to promote the general welfare. > . A variety of other toasts were given during the evening; among them " the plough, the'fleece, and success to Taranaki. The chairman, vice-chairman," &c, andtheparty, did not break' up -until two o'clock the following morning. 1 The 'following' is a copy of the address presented'to'Mr. Bell : — '[ To Francis Dillon Bell, Esq.,' Justice of the Peace, Resident Agent of the New Zealand Company at New Plymouth. Sir,T-We, the, undersigned inhabitants of New ?lyipouth, beg to express our regret at, your app roaching retirement from the administration of the Company's affairs in this district. We are Mly sensible of the' deep interest; you have taken in promoting the welfare of this settlement ; of your advocacy of our mutual claims upon the Local Government; of the ability and good feeling with which you have conducted all your re- ' gociations with the natives ; and of the frankness which has marked the-communication to us of the result of all your official transactions in which we have been interested. We gratefully acknowledge the active measures adopted by you for putting us in possession of land; the facility afforded us in effecting exchanges ; and your further provisidn for our wants in the acquisition'of a valuable block of land from natives hitherto untraetable, and most inimical to the settlers. -Your public services have entitled you to our confidence, approbation, and respect. ThVdetfre you have evinced during your brief m-

•idence. amongst us to promote good feeling \ foptt uniform courtesy ; and the liberal manner in Which you have contributed to objects of local interest, have secured to you our esteem ; and you will have the satisfaction of leaving in this settlement a numerous body of friends and well-wishers, and not a single enemy. In bidding you farewell, we feel confident that we shall always have in you a warm advocate ; and we conclude by desiring that health and prosperity may attend you through life. We have the honour to be, Sir, your faithful and obedient servants, [Here follow the signatures.] New Plymouth, 9th June, 1848. ANSWER TO THE ADDKESS. New Plymouth, 9th June, 1848. Gentlemen,— l have received with equal pride and gratification the address you have this day presented to me. Although you speak in far too flattering terms of my conduct during the period I have represented the New Zealand Company in this settlement, I am sure that you cannot overrate the deep interest I have long felt in the welfare of New Plymouth, or my earnest desire to promote it in any way that I could. And if my labour here has been of any service," let it not be forgotten that to your own cooperation with me, and to the spirit of union, mutual forbearance, and good will, which I have been 'fortunate enough to find amongst you, is any success of mine chiefly owing. I can very truly assure you, that my separation from this settlement is a source of the greatest regret to me. But wherever I may be, I have become too 'much identified with you all, and too much attached to New Plymouth, ever to neglect an opportunity of advocating your interests, or of making known the vast capabilities of this magnificent district. With all my heart, I wish that success and prosperity may attend you ; and I return you all my grateful thanks for the address, and the many other marks of friendship and regard you have honoured me with. (Signed) Francis Dillon Bell.