FAREWELL DINNER TO CAPTAIN DANIELS.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 40, 28 August 1875, Page 2

FAREWELL DINNER TO CAPTAIN DANIELS.

On Thursday evening last a number of gentlemen tendered a complimentary dinner to Captain Daniels, late proprietor of the Albion Hotel, on the eve of his depar ture from Patea, and in recognition of the esteem in which he was hold during his citizenship. The table was furnished by Mr Hey wood with all tho availal le luxuries of the season, and if accepted as an index of his abilities as a caterer, the future management of the Albion has fallen into good hands. The chair was filled by Dr Walker, supported on his right by Captain Daniels (the parting guest), and on his left by Sergt. Harrell. After the company had done full justice to the solids and fluids, The Chairman proposed the health of the “ Queen and Royal Family.” Mr Ivess proposed —“ The Army, Navy, and Armed Constabulary of New Zealand.” This toast was purely a formal one, and many present may be inclined to regard the addition of the A.C. as an innovation to the toast, still he could not refrain from remarking that tho colony had just reason to feel proud of its colonial army, as it consisted of a very superior ami intelligent lot of men. The bravery displayed by them during the late unfortunate native war, required no comment from him, as their acts stand out in ho ! d relief, and will be recorded in Colonial History. He felt certain that if their services were required to-morrow in the field, every man would bo found in his place, and prepared to do his duty. (Hear, hear.) Dr Walker returned thanks on behalf of tho A.C. of New Zealand, and felt proud that the force was worthy of so conspicuous a place in the programme, and the high eulogium passed upon it by Mr Ivess. The A.C. had always discharged their obligations under most trying and peculiar circumstances, and would compare favourably- in point of efficiency and capabilities with any force, and would always be found ready when summoned for active service in defence of the people and peace of the colony. The Chairman proposed—“ The Commercial Interest of the Patea District,” coupled with the names of Messrs McGuire, Gibson, and Dale. These gentlem«i had displayed considerable enterprising spirit, and had done a great deal to promote the commercial interest of tin’s district. Mr McGuire had been engaged seven years in Patea in commercial pursuits. Mr McGuire, in responding, said; that his exertions on behalf of that interest were

c utirely for his own benefit. The on'y tiling that was required to place the commercial interest upon a fair footing was the opening of the river to larger vessels than those now trading to this port, and from the remarks made by Mr Taphm at the Town Board nomination the other day, it would l)c seen how necessary it was to .secure that end. He felt confident that it would not be difficult to find men in the colony of sufficient engineering skill to prepare a feasible scheme for the improvement of onr port. The pioneer business men of Patoa would be found as good as any liko'y to follow them, and he had no doubt, would always hold their place. (Hear, hear.) Mr Ivess said he had just been asked to propose I lie toast—'“ The Representatives of the district,” and feared that the Chairman had made an unwise selection, as he considered that he occupied too prominent a position in the programme. However, he would rapidly dispose of it, and relieve the company from the infliction of political matter, as he observed an evident uneasiness on the part of many to proceed to the real toast of the evening. In all young communities their progress mainly depend upon the exertions and activity displayed by tin ir public men, and at the risk of being accused of uttering faint praise, he ventured to say that Patea had special reasons to feel grateful for the acts of its representatives. As a rule, it was very difficult to persuade citizens to turn their attention from their ordinary pursuits, and enter on the tempestuous sea of politics ; and when men were found ready to place their services at the disposal of the public, the company piesent would no doubt agree with him that such men made great sacrifices, the public, as a rule, being slow to appreciate the exertions made on its behalf. Gentlemen occupying representative positions could only understand the cares and turmoils attached to public life, as they could scarcely steer clear of local jealousies, and it was utterly impossible for them to satisfy each and every one of their constituents, and to frame measures acceptable to call. But for honesty of purpose and .attention to their district, the representatives of Patea would always command a high place in the esteem of those they served. Indeed, when he (the speaker) paused and contrasted the fruits of their labours with those of the gentleman holding a prominent position in the higher Legislature of the colony, he could not but admit that they would bear favourable comparison. As we .are on the eve of a general election, one might expect that gentleman to put his right leg foremost in the interests of a constituency that one might well he proud of representing —(Hear, hear), —and one that had so bravely passed through the direful consequences of a native war, but, although the session of Parliament was far advanced, not one single motion had been introduced having reference to the general welfare of this district. Ilis efforts wore mainly directed to matters of a purely colonial character, but ho had no doubt the parable of the “unjust steward” would shortly bo found to be put into practice. (Applause.) Mr McGuire, in responding, said that during the time he had the honour of occupying a seat in the Provincial Council lie had worked to the host of his ability, and had left no stone unturned to advance the interests of Patea. He lelieved that Mr Ivess had given him and his colleagues undue credit, at the same time he thought that their actions would bear favourable comparison with the representative of the district in the General Assembly. Mr Peacock had been untiring in his exertions, and all would agree with him that they had found a useful and valuable supporter in Mr Sherwood. (Hoar, hoar.) It must not, however, be overlooked that whilst the the Provincial members were advancing the interests of the district they benefited themselves. The Patea District has never been thoroughly represented in the Parliament of New Zealand, and was sadly in want of a gentleman independent of placeseeking. Before Major Atkinson’s connection with this constituency, the district was represented by a gentleman who resigned to accept of a billet. He trusted that the electors at the general election would be successful in securing the services of a gentleman who would look after the interests of this long-neglected district. (Applause.) The Chairman then requested the company to charge their glasses, as lie was about to propose the toast of the evening—“ Their Parting Guest, Captain Daniels.” It afforded him infinite pleasure to preside at such a social gathering, and though small in number, he was sure that Captain Daniels would accept their token of esteem with a good spirit. It would bo impossible for one to reflect upon the many kindnesses and true hospitality received at his hands. The courteous manner in which he had been accustomed to receive his friends at his establishment would never be forgotten, and from the bottom of his heart, and he was sure that he only re-echoed the sentiments of all present who had .attended to testify to their appreciation of Captain Daniel’s many good qualities, he wished their friend and his family every prosperity wherever they may go. The toast was drink with great enthusiasm, followed with three cheers for the captain, Mrs Daniels, and family. Captain Daniels, who appeared to bo much moved, said although possessed of the stout heart of a sailor, he could not help feeling affected at the thought of the occasion of his friends entertaining him that evening, and, in attempting to return thanks, he was sure that he would signally fail, as it was peculiarly painful to him to sever his friendship from the people of Patea, and although he had been three times round the world, he never met with a better lot of men than were located here, and during his two years’ residence in Carlyle he bad never lived happier in his life. Wherever ho went he should cany with him pleasing recollections of his associations with the people of Patea. Mr A. Wood proposed—“ The Press,” coupled with the name of Mr Ivess. There

was no denying that the district had ro--d considerable beneiit already from the establishment of the Patea Mail, and a better man tl a i Mr Ivess could not possibly have attached himself to the venture. Mr Ivess responded. Mr McGuire, in a hmnourons. speed', proposed “The La<lies,” and called upon Mr Inman to champion them, but that gentleman appeared to be sulie.ing from bashfulness, and invited the chairman to call upon some gentleman more deserving of the appellation of a lady’s man tint ho was. _ The Chairman invited Mr Ra'ph, who in a neat speech, done full justice to the compliment paid to the ladies. The Chairman proposed the health of the incoming host (Mr Hey wood) in suitable terms, Mr Hkywood, in responding, said that he had for some time been connected with public business, and he was fully alive to the loss the district was about to suffer by parting with so good a host as Captam Daniels, and the difficulty that he would have to imitate his management, lie thanked the company for the compliment they had paid him. Mr Ivess said as the programme was exhausted, lie had the last toast of the evening to propose, and one which he felt certain would not be considered the least. It referred to a gentleman present, whom he felt certain all having occasion to transact business avith could not fail to appreciate him for his courteous and accommodating qualities. He refer -ed to Mr Meredith, the clerk of the Resident Magistrate’s Court of Patea. (Applause.) lie had occasion as a newspaper proprietor in several parts of the colony, to seek information from gentlemen occupying a similar office as that held by Mr Meredith, and he could not refrain from saying that he had never experienced a gentlemanmore willing to impart the information l required by the Press in the interest of the public. This gentleman’s services were of valuable assistance to the Resident magistrate Sergeant Hurrell—No !No ! We won’t admit that. The Chairman—l fear Mr Ivess has made use of words calculated to ca*t a reflection upon the gentleman holding the pi-ition of Resident Magistrate, which Mr Meradith in his reply will feel bound to repudiate unless explained or retracted by Mr Ivors. (Cries of No! No!) Mr Ivess said that he was at a loss to account for the ejaculations of the gentleman seated on the left of the chairman, who had evidently misinterpreted the meaning of his remarks. Nothing was further from his thoughts than a desire to wound the feelings of an absent gentleman, who would be deprived from resisting the insult which his remarks were perverted to convey. He regretted that the words used were capable of bearing the stupid construction put upon them by Sergeant Huirell. It was quite c mmon for Resident Magistrates’ clerks to lend their chiefs valuable assistance in the way of taking informations and otherwise assisting in the administration of justice. Sergeant Hurrell —As far as I am capable of understanding the English language Mr Ivess’s remarks inferred that the Resident Magistrate was incapable for the office, and required Mr Meredith’s assistance to enable him to discharge his duties. Voices—“ »Sit down,” “ You’re wrong,” “ Such was not the meaning.” Mr Ivess —I again disclaim the construction which (Sergeant Hurrell persist■> in putting upon my words. The CHAIRMAN—I am glad t> hear Mr Ivess say so, but I think it would be better taste on his part to withdraw them. Sergeant Hurrell—l think so. too. Mr Ivess regretted that his remarks had been so grossly perverted, and declined to withdraw the words which were used in perfect innocence of giving offence to any person, and as the chairman had failed to protect him from the insults of the gentleman who had been rather lavish in his ejaculations, he should withdraw from the room. [Several gentlemen heicfollowcd.]