THE CITIZENS’ BALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5478, 17 October 1878, Page 2

THE CITIZENS’ BALL.

Tho ball given by tho citizens at the Imperial Opera House ou Tuesday night was a great success. The arrangements in regard to tho reservation of the stage for dancing purposes wero the same as those made for tho Members’ Ball a short time previously. It is generally allowed that a pleasanter building for a dance cannot be found iu Wellington, At the supper his Worship the Mayor made a short speech in honor of the occasion. He remarked upon the active interest the Governor had shown in tho day’s proceedings, and concluded by proposing “His Excellency’s health.” The toast was drunk With great enthusiasm, and with the usual honors. His Excellency, in replying, first thanked tho company for the hearty manner- in which they had received the toast. Referring to tho occasion upon which they had met together, he compared the accident that had occurred to .hinder the official opening with the war nows during tho American war, which his E xce^enc y» while Governor of Nova Scotia, had been in the habit of receiving. News was often telegraphed up of victories on both sides which upon the following day were announced as premature. Tne opening celebration on Saturday last was somewhat of tho same character, but as two trains at least had since traversed the whole length of the line, he could now safely and heartily congratulate the people of Wellington on the successful completion of the work. This section of the

line was the only one that presented * very serious physical difficulties between Wellington" and Napier, and he : hoped in a few years his hearers would be congratulated upon the establishment of through communication by rail with Auckland. The railway to Featherston was of the utmost importance to the agricultural interest iu the district. In his estimation it was difficult to over-estimate the importance of the agricultural class, who were the very bone and sinew of the land. A short time previously, he had been called upon to assist at the celebration of a similar opening in the Middle Island. • The material progress in the colony, as illustrated by these examples, was no doubt most remarkable. The colony could not basaid to be more than 40. years old, and he could fairly say that in no other part of the world had equal progress been njtade by any other new colony in so short a time; He confidently predicted a great future for this city, and before' he sat down be said he would propose a toast which he was sure would be well received by all present. It gave him much pleasure to wish “Progress and prosperity to Wellington,” and to call upon the company present to join him in the toast. The toast was drunk with due honors, and his Worship the Mayor returned thank? on behalf of the city in a short and appropriate speech. Dancing was kept up with much spirit until 3 a.m., when the company dispersed. The arrangements made for the comfort and convenience of the guests left nothing to be desired. The music and the supper were excellent, and were both thoroughly appreciated.