THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS' DINNER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5138, 11 September 1877, Page 3

THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS' DINNER.

A dinner was given last night at the Theatre Boyal Hotel by the licensed viouallers of Wellington to the Southern delegates. The dinner was provided in the very best style, and the wines did credit to Mr. Urwin. About one hundred gentlemen sat down to table, the chair being filled by Mr. B. J. Duncan, who had on his right and left hand Messrs. Isaacs, Stanaill, Bayloe, and , Morton, the delegates. l After dinner had been disposed of, and so soon as dessert was placed upon the fable, the; Chairman read letters of apology from the Hons.; Messrs. Bowen and Reid, Sir George Grey, Mr. Macandrew, and several other members of the House of Representatives. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were 1 then honored. , ■ - ■ The Chairman proposed “ The Ministry and Parliament of New Zealand,” saying that they had been, and he hoped always would, be, a credit to the people they represented. Mr. Rowe, in replying, said that the Ministry had had quite enough to respond to lately, and had done so bravely. He would. content himself by saying of them that they were the most able, honest, and intelligent Ministry that had existed since responsible Government had been introduced into New Zealand. Their character for honesty and integrity could not be impeached. As a member of the House of Representatives he thanked those present. During , his thirty years in New Zealand as a working man, during prosperity and adversity, lie had always hoped to be a member of Parliament, and now his desire was gratified, and he intended to do his duty to his constituents and the whole colony, which it should be the pride of all colonists to see a united country. Mr. Roxburgh proposed “ The Mayor and Corporation of Wellington.” He remarked that the city of Wellington was making enormous strides in progress, and was yet the worst lighted, worst drained, worst kept city in the Southern Hemisphere. At the same time he considered Mr. Hutchison an admirable Mayor. The Chairman then proposed the toast of the evening,—“ Tho Delegates,”—and said that at considerable personal inconvenience and no little expense, they had come up to Wellington to perform a public duty, and as a resident of Wellington for thirty-six years, he felt proud. that gentlemen came to the city In connection with a question of great public interest. They would go away satisfied that they had the good wishes of everyone present. For himself, as chairman, the interest he took in the licensing question was on public grounds alone. The Local Option Bill had been brought ou by Mr. Fox without due and proper consideration, and was a mistake, the zeal of its introducer carrying him away. _ Mr. DUNCAN deprecated the fanaticism and violence which had characterised the supporters of the Bill outside the House, and counselled the licensed victuallers to unite in conservation of their interests. Mr. Isaacs briefly responded, and considered that the attendance of intelligent gentlemen that evening was a high compliment to the delegates. He pitied Mr. Fox, who was unable to enjoy such an entertainment as that they were partaking of. He vindicated the character of the licensed victuallers as citizens, as fathers, and as fulfilling all the duties of public aud private life with credit. He expressed his surprise at Wellington and its resources, which he thought destined it to become the Empress of the Southern Seas. Mr. Beauchamp, in a humorous speech, proposed “ Prosperity to New Zealand.” “ Success to the Trade” was proposed by Mr. Knocker and responded to by Mr. Maginitt. The toast of “The Press” brought the proceedings of the evening to a conclusion.