BANQUET to the RIFLE CHAMPION AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 501, 20 March 1880, Page 2

BANQUET to the RIFLE CHAMPION AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

A public banquet (says the Herald) was given to Sergeant N. Okey and tiie other representatives, on Monday evening- last, which was numerously attended, a good sprinkling oi : ladies being present. In replying to the toast of the evening, Sergeant Okey said—l need not apologise this evening for not being able to make a speech, as most of you are well aware that I am not used to public speaking. In fact, this is the lirst time 1 have ever addressed a public assembly. I have to thank you very much for the splendid reception you have given to me and the other representatives. In striving to win this belt, which I wear this evening, I feel that I have done no more than my duty. I was sent by No. 1 Company in order to try to get ttie belt, and in bringing it for the first time to Now Plymouth I have done no more than my duty. I feel pleased to think that onr town has at last got the belt, for Taranaki has been to the front in a great many contests for tho honor. At this last meeting the Taranaki men have been to tho front—Parnell and Payntor were both well forward in this contest. Perhaps it would not ho out of place if I were to say a few words as to wiiat should tend to make a man a good shot. In the first place, lie must he steady. There is no use in him taking what is now in these decanters before us. (Hear, hear.) I am one who can say that I have never drank a glass of liquor in my life, and I consider that it is owing in a great measure to that fact that I am the winner of the belt. There is another thing that tends to make a man nervous, and that is smoking. If a man trios to win tho belt, he must not take anything that will make him nervous. He must ho temperate in eating, and in everything else. 1 think Dr O’Oarroll will he able to explain that to yon much bettor than 1 can. I thank yon on behalf of myself ami comrades for the hearty reception you have given ns. If my winning the belt has tho effect of doing good to the volunteer cause in this district, I shall he very thankful. We ought to have a spirit of heart}' emulation in our corps, and 1 hope that the young men in Taranaki will not be wanting in that spirit which is cherished by volunteers hi n(lin,;distiicts. In Nelson they have numerous corps—artillery, pity rifles, naval,ami other companies. It is the spirit of emulation which keeps volunteer companies alive, and I hope that this will he the ease in Tara- ; naki. I again thank yon for your most hearty reception. (Great applause.) Sir I'\ Dillon Poll, in rising to propose “ Prosperity to Taranaki," said—l asked leave to propose this toast, because I can do so more appropriately as one who is not resident here, and because I can say a few words about what is of great importance to every one in the colony as well as Taranaki. I felt inclined to do so by the very flattering remarks which two of the speakers this evening have made concernig the Royal Native Commission. Auiquiv the considerations which induced me to undertake the work was one prevailing feeling—a hope that I might be instra” mental in maintaining and preserving the peace of the Colony, it was my good fortune to be. one of the early settlers of this settlement who laid the foundation of (riiSlt progress which is now being completed. It was my fortune to ride one hundred yards in front of tho forces wiio were sent to take possession of Tataraimaki after we had been driven from it by the natives. I know very well the difficulty that Taranaki people hare been under, and I can testify to the bravo manner in which they assisted to defend their country. There was then a regular body of troops, and it was no easy warfare in which they were engaged. The natives were brave, and I have never heard anyone so shabby as to deny it. Therefore I felt it was my duty, as far as I possibly could, to prevent a recurrence of the war which has desolated this coast, and while I recognise the gallantry with which the settlers have behaved themselves, I think it is the duty of everyone of ns to exercise our forbearance, and to do everything we can to prevent the lighting of that flame which, if it is once again lit, no one can tell what it will end in. If we succeed in our duty, it will result in the prosporty of the country, and no one among you will consider himself more fortunate than I shall. I ask you to remember that if we are again plunged into war, the volunteers will have to defend their country, and at tho best issue we shall he heavy loosers. The wives and children of the volunteers will know that when they become widows and orphans. No matter how bravely our volunteers may acquit themselves we shall suffer a loss that nothing can repay. Therefore, it behoves ns by every means in our power to refrain from putling any difficulty in the way of the government of the country. I belong to no political parly, ami, if I did, I would not come here to make a partisan speech. We may not understand the aims which tho Government may have in its contemplation, but we should remember the difficulties the Government, are harassed with, and make all allowance to the Government under the circumstances. I must thank Major Brown and the other 1

officers who gave the Coramissioners great help, and I must also thank you for- the favourable manner in which you have received the Commission. I think, if anyone wishes that peace may be secured, he cannot wish it more heartily than I do. If there is a flame lit now, it will be most disastrous to the whole country. Our financial position has for years back been dependant upon England, and if the news reaches there that we have plunged into a war, our fiuancialposition will be pitiable. Everything depends upon the action of the Government'of the country, and wo should not in any way embarrass them. To-night I recognise so many old friends around me that I feel as though I belonged to the district, and I propose most heartily “The Prosperity of Taranaki.”