FAREWELL DINNER TO MR. JOHN DOWNIE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1296, 2 June 1880, Page 2

FAREWELL DINNER TO MR. JOHN DOWNIE.

Last evening about thirty settlers and other friends assembled at the residence of Mr, Murdoch, Centre Park, to bid adieu to Mr. John Downie (manager of Mr, M'M'iater's Toko-Rahi estate), who to-day will take his departure on a trip to hi§ native land. The chair was occupied by Mr. Murdoch; the vice-cliair by Mr. Anthony M'Master. The usual loyal toasts met with a befitting reception, and were followed by the toast of the evening*] " The health of the departing guest." In proposing this toast, the Chairman remarked upon the many good qualities possessed by Mr. Downie. He said that he is such a jolly good fellow thftt lie had endeared himself to aU who know him. He wag glad that he was not going to leave them far ever ; but that he intended to shortly return, probably in company with a companion who would enhanoe his usefulness and the happiness of himself and all around h}m- E[e had every reason tq believe that he would return a better man and a more useful member of society. Mr. Downie responded in appropriate terms. The Chairman proposed '' The health of Mr. J. M'Master." He said it behoved the company to drink his health and wish him a safe journey and quick return, This toastwas drank with greafcenthnaiasm, and responded tq by Mr. D. M'Master, " Success to the farmers of the district " was then drunk, as may be imagined, with no small amount of earnestness. TJio toast of (( The ladies " (proposed by the Chairman and responded to by Mr. t), M'Master), and the toast of « Tliq bachelors of Maerewhenua " (proposed by Mr. T. Reid and felicitously responded to by Mr. Gruar), were also drunk with much demonstration and sympathy. Tha whole proceedings, which were both varied and pleasant, several ladies being amongst the company, tended to prove that the farmers of Maerewhenua have a very warm side towards Mr. Downie, and that he has, during his first term of five years sojourn in the district,. earned the good will of all his neighbors and those with whom he has in his business capacity been brought into contact,