DINNER TO WM. CLARKE, ESQ.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1250, 18 January 1883, Page 2

DINNER TO WM. CLARKE, ESQ.

At the Masonic Hotel last evening a number of the friends of the managing Director of the Southern Cross Petroleum Company assembled to entertain Mr Wm. Clarke, prior to his departure for Melbourne, at dinner. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. After the usual “justice to the good things” had been accorded, the Chairman proposed “The Queen.” The toast was received with the greatest enthusiasm, and many of those present fervently responded “ God bless her.” Mr Maude, who acted in the capacity of vice-chairman, proposed “ The Prince of Wales and the Royal Family. ” Piano—“ God bless the Prince of Wales.” Mr Carlaw Smith proposed “The Governor of New Zealand. ’ Song, Mr McElwayne. “A Warrior Bold.” This was well received, and merited the applause which followed its rendition. The Mayor said that the toast of the evening was “Our Guest.” In doing so, he said he had many opportunities of seeing the sort of “stuff” Mr Clarke was made of, both in private and in public life. He was a man upon whose word everyone could rely. Fortunately his absence would be short, a few months only, and he (the speaker) had no doubt that when Mr Clarke returned he would be warmly welcomed. There could be no doubt but that during the past three years the guest had devoted his time and energy in developing the Oil Spring wealth which is possessed by Poverty Bay. Through Mr Clarke attention has been attracted to the Bay from people living in New Zealand and in the Australian Colonies. Foreign (if he might use the word) capitalists had been attracted here, and Mr Clarke had proved by facts his faith in the oil prospects of the Bay. As a public man and a Borough Councillor, he had shewn himself to be shrewd and keen sighted. Mr Clarke had never thrust himself forward. It was only by request that Mr Clarke had come forward as a candidate for a seat in the Borough Council, and the result was that he was returned at the head of the poll. Later on he was asked to stand for Mayor, but he declined. Mr Clarke had certainly advocated a water scheme for Gisborne, to which some had objected, but sooner or later, if life and property are to be preserved, water must be obtained, and he (the speaker) had no doubt the work would shortly be under way. As a business man Mr Clarke was straightforward in the full meaning of the word, and he had great pleasure in proposing the health of “ Our Guest.” Chorus, with music, “ For he’s a jolly good fellow,” and several “Hip, hip, hurrahs.” Mr Ratcliffe then gang “ The Gallants of England ” in a manner which evoked the applause of all present. Mr Clarke, on rising, was loudly applauded In a few brief words he thanked those who had honored him by inviting him to a dinner and he was' pleased to see around him the faces of so many friends. The task he had undertaken was not an easy one, as difficulties had faced him every way he turned. In Sydney he had to contend against many such. Mr Clarke then proceeded to enumerate these, and also gave in detail the works he had accomplished. He contended that the oil ground in New Zealand was altogether different to that in America, but still we had the oil, and he felt confident that sooner or later it would be obtained in large quantities. About 20 or 25 years ago he had visited Taranaki, for the purpose of testing the ground, but although oil was procurable in sinking, the deeper they got the further they were from oil. It was not so in the two Poverty Bay companies as oil was carried in the tubes at any depth. He spoke of the marked improvement which had taken place in Gisborne since his arrival which he characterised as being highly creditable, and in fact he was of opinion that Gisborne was now one of the prettiest places in New Zealand. The £lO,OOO loan he thought had been judiciously handled, and that the great improvements to our streets was due to its careful manipulation. He could not help feeling proud at the honor which had been conferred upon him by the burgesses returning him at the head of the poll, and subsequently having been elected Chairman of the Public Works Committee. He bad advocated strongly a water supply for Gisborne and considered it an urgent necessity, as at present the water from the wells in Gisborne was simply foetid, and calculated to breed fever during the summer months. The speaker reviewed the position of the Harbor Board, and the benefits likely to accrue from the vesting in that body of the foreshores, and jconcluded by saying that eventually Gisborne might vie in importance with any town in New Zealand. Mr Clarke then proposed “The Oil Industries of New Zealand, coupled with the names of Mr Robert Cooper, and Major Ropata.”

Mr R. Cooper, in a eliaraeteristle upeeeh, replied. He said that there were many who would like to dabble in oil shares in the same way that they wish to dabble in land, but they lacked brain, and consequently came to grief, These were the men who made an outcry, He himself, was confident that oil would be obtained within three months’ time.

Mr F. Arthur then sang " Rolling Home.” Mr Joyce proposed, “The Borough Council, Cook County Council, and Governing Bodies.” This gentleman gave a graphic and amusing description of Gisborne as it was ten years ago. Messrs Townley, Lewis, and Whinray briefly responded. Mr Carlaw Smith, in response to numerous calls, also replied, and said that he was in favor of a water supply, and more light. Mr McLean said ne had been surprised to notice that in the Gisborne Borough Council the Mayor and Councillors indulged in smoking. At Napier the conduct of the Council was altogether different. He himself, was not a ratepayer, but— The Chairman : Then you can’t expect to rate.

Mr M. H. Smith : At Napier you know they have a Spit, (Loud laughter). Mr M, H. Smith proposed the " Banking and Mercantile Interests," coupled with the name of Mr R. Hill Fisher, in a very neat speech. Mr McElwayne sang “Nancy Lee,” the chorus to which was heartily undertaken by all.

Mr R. Hill Fisher, in replying, spoke of the litigation which had been the bane of the place. He was of opinion that Gisborne should follow the course pursued by Oamaro, and this was to pick out certain land and demand it as an endowtaent, and then borrow up to the fullest extent upon it. The people of Gisborne should have more self-confidence. The power of the banks here was too large and if they were conducted in the same way as the Scottish Banks there would be none of that “ screwing” which renders money at the Cnt time so difficult to obtain. If a were to have a manager with such broad and liberal views as Mr Clarke as manager and he (the speaker) as accountant, he was convinced that the interests of Poverty Bay would bo protected. Mr Ratcliffe sang “Shonny vas a nice young man. ” Mr Carlaw Smith proposed “The legal profession,” coupled with the name of Mr E. ff. Ward. He said that although they were generally sneered at there must ne something good in them, or they would not be so much rushed after. Mr Smith paraphrased the little poem from “ Who kissed the place to make it well? My mother,” substituting “ My lawyer ” instead. Messrs Ward and McDougall responded. Mr W. K. McLean proposed “ The sheep fanning and squatting interest,” coupled with the name of Mr F. Arthur. Mr Arthur responded, and afterwards sang “ That’s where you make the mistake.” Mr Dickson proposed “ The Press,” but in doing so took occasion to express his opinion of it, which so far as the two local papers were concerned was anything but complimentary. Messrs Morris and Henderson replied. Mr Piesse gave the toast of “The Ladies to which Mr McElwayne responded. Mr Ratcliffe sang “ The Watercress Girl.” Mr Clarke proposed “ The Building Interests,” coupled with the name of Mr McConnochie. Mr Connochie having responded, and the health of the host and the chairman having been drank, the company dispersed. The Table. Rarely has it been our pleasure to sit down at a table so attractively arranged. It was not alone that the viands would have caused the ayes of a Parisian .wurmand to water, but the floral decoration would have sent the (esthetic Oscar Wylde into eestacy. Messrs Harney and Faram, the chief and second waiters, are to be highly complimented upon the success they achieced, as the table wass simply perfection. “Always make friends with the cook” is an excellent motto, but it is not for this reason we tender our quota of praise to Mr Leon Poswillow, clifj de cuisine, and bis assistants, we simply do it because it is deserved. At table the attendance was all that could be desired, and we congratulate Mr D. Page, the proprietor, and Mr S. C. Caulton, the manager of the Masonic Hotel, on having in the establishment so well-trained and skilled servaorts.