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THE OPPOSITION BANQUET.

A reunion of a very interesting character took place on Saturday evening last, when the members of the ■ Opposition dined together at the Empire Hotel. The repast had been ordered regardless of expense, and the result was a menu of a most satisfactory character. In the way of solids, the sardines a la tin, potatoes an nature), and driash, were to stimulate even the most jaded palate, whilst the wine carte was equally attractive. Yin de groseille, vin Irlandaise du Kinahan, vin Ecosse du Longjohn, and bier colonial were poured out like water. The Bev, Br. Wallis said grace before and Mr, Thompson after meat, the ceremony on each occasion giving ample time for the company to collect their thoughts. The chair was occupied by Mr. Larnach, who had on his right hand Mr. Macandrew, and on his left Mr. Montgomery. Letters of excuse were received from Sir George Grey and Mr. Ballance. The former was engaged in a calculation of the number posterity would have reached to in one hundred years time, and the latter was preparing the budget he expected to bring down as Colonial Treasurer in a fortnight. After the removal of the cloth, and when the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been done full justice to, Mr. Stout proposed the toast of the evening, “ Our Noble Selves.” The lion, gentleman made a most eloquent speech, of which we are unable to furnish anything like a report, our space in the present issue of the New Zealand Times being so much occupied by mail news. In the course of his remarks, however, Mr. Stout, amidst loud and prolonged cheering, drew especial attention to the fact that the toast entrusted to his care exactly embodied the sentiments that animated those present. He defied anyone to deny that the Opposition were continually thinking of themselves, and of nobody else.' As has been said, this statement was vigorously applauded, whilst Messrs. Fyke, Barff, and Sharp were noticed to be deeply affected by it, and to be quite overcome bv emotion. "Mr. Curtis responded to the toast, and said that during a long public career inNelson, and in his present political life, he could honestly say that he had never forgotten himself. The toast of the “New Ministry” was the next proposed, and created some little difficulty. Whilst it, was being drunk considerably more than half the company remained seated, and Messrs. Kolleston and Gisborne started simultaneously to respond. This elicited explanations, from which it seemed that the office of Premier had been promised to no less than three gentlemen, that of Colonial Treasurer to four, Attorney-General to two, Minister for Lands to two, Minister for Education to three, and the remaining portfolios to at least a dozen. A trifling amount of confusion was caused under this state of things, each gentleman asserting that the arrangements under which lie was to hold office had been conveyed to him by Mr. Emmy. At once a search was made for Mr. Bunny, but it was found that he had left ten minutes previously, in order to catch the train for the Hutt. The Chairman then pointed out that no doubt Mr, Bunny would take an opportunity of putting things straight in the lobbies on Monday, and on this understanding no response was made to the toast. Mr. Fyke proposed “The Native Race,” remarking that if the natives would only form a county, he would take the chairmanship, in view of the low estimate fixed upon byEuropeans as a reward for his services. Mr. Karattiana said“ Kapai teutu.”During the evening, “ See the Conquering Hero comes,” “ Maggie Lauder,” and “ In the Strand,” were sung, Mr. W. A. Murray playing the accompaniments with exquisite taste on a fiddle. The company separated about twelve o’clock, expressing themselves as highly pleased with their evening.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM18771009.2.14

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5163, 9 October 1877, Page 3

Word count
Tapeke kupu
640

THE OPPOSITION BANQUET. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5163, 9 October 1877, Page 3

THE OPPOSITION BANQUET. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5163, 9 October 1877, Page 3

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