DINNER AND BALL TO I. N. WATT., ESQ, AT BLUFF HARBOR.

Southland Times, Issue 935, 17 April 1868, Page 3

DINNER AND BALL TO I. N. WATT., ESQ, AT BLUFF HARBOR.

(feom otte cobbbspokdbnt.) Bltthp, 16th April, 1868. I. N. Watt, Esq., 8.M., of Campbelltown, who is on the eve of departure from Bluff to Otago to fill the office of Sheriff of Otago, was invited to a dinner, on Tuesday evening, by the inhabitants of Campbelltown., The community wished to express the feeling of real worth in which they esteemed him, and also to thank him for the many kind services which he had rendered them during the last five years he has resided at the Bluff # The large store belonging to Mr Longuet was courteously given for the occasion, and was tastefully fitted up and decorated with flags and ferns. About forty couple sat down to the good things provided by Hostess Barron, the tables being iterally burdened with all that could be desired. After doing ample justice to the good things provided, L. Longuet, Esq., M.P.C., Chairman, proposed the following toasts : — The Queen, and the Prince of Wales and Boyal Family, which met with the company's hearty response. He then' proposed the health and prosperity of the guest of the evening, I. N. Watt, Esq., coupled with Mrs Watt and family. Mr Watt replied that since being in Southland he had not been used to much public speaking ; but sincerely thanked the company for the toast which had been given. After having been five years Besident Magistrate at Bluff, he was glad that he was not aware of having made many enemies, and hoped from the meeting : to-night that he had given them all satisfaction. He was leaving them on account of having been appointed Sheriff of Otago ; but at the same time, he had not received any intimation of his appointment as Eesideut Magistrate for Campbelltown, and Native Officer having been cancelled. It would, howeverbe quite incompatible to hold both offices ; but he expected that advices would be forwarded by next mail cancelling the Southland appointment. Professional man watch their profession with a jealous

, eye. In England he had studied five years in the medical profession before leaving for New Zealand, i and since the departure of Dr Hoskinß from the Bluff, he had given his advice to all without remuneration, on account of not being a professional doctor. He wished that they all might prosper, and that the Bluff would flourish, and hoped to have the pleasure of visiting them often. (Applause.) Mr O'Toole proposed the Ladies, which was responded to on their behalf by Mr Tucker. Dancing was carried on to a late hour in the morning. The company then dispersed, evidently well pleased with their enjoyment.