THE GROCERS' DINNER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 318, 17 January 1908, Page 3

THE GROCERS' DINNER.

The first dinner promoted by tlie New Plymouth Grocers' Association was held last night in the Dominion Dining Kooms. There was a large gathering ot the wholesale and retail people in <!liA trade and their stair--, Jir C. Carter presiding. Amongst the guests were Air H. Okey, M.P., and Mr E. Dockrill, Mayor of New Plymouth. An excellent repast was served, and then, alter a

' short interval for smoking on the bal- ' cony—there were ladies present—a toast list, interspersed with songs and musical itenw, was disposed of. ' "His Majesty, the King," was propos- ' ed by the chairman, and duly honored. ' The toast of "The Borough of New Plymouth" was proposed by Mr J. 11. Hoblis. His Worship the Mayor, in responding, assured the gathering that there never had been a better Borough Council than the present one, or one with interests of the town at heart to a greater degree. The pnsent Councillors were all imbued with the desire to assist the progress of the town. In recent years the town had been brougni iis near as possible to the most modern Standpoint, compatible with the extent of its population. The New Plymouth abattoir Was the first public abattoir in the colony to erect a chilling chamber. He also reviewed at some length the installation of an up-todate sewage system and the electric Tight, advising ratepayers to support the present electric light proposals. There was need now for a progressive policy of street improvement, which had been retarded for lack of funds. The chairman proposed "Our Guests." The success of the Grocers' Association had made this function possible. On 7th January, 1900, the grocers formed an association to work together in promoting one another's interests, particularly in fixing holidays. This dinner had been arranged, so that despite legislation which protected the employee" and penalised the employers the grocers and their stafTs could meet in harmony. Tlie present legislation did not make employers' and empolvees' interests

d,ovctail at all. But the position was not accentuated locally, where muster and man worked well together. lie hoped the present mutual understanding between master and man would long continue.

Response was made on behalf of the employees by Messrs E. Chatterton and R. Cock, junr. Mr J. Tisch proposed "The Parliament of Xew Zealand." Mr Okey, M.P., replied. He reminded them that the people had i* theijr' own hands the making of Parliament. Any member who gave liis interest to his work had very little waste time on his hands in Wellington. He had come to the conclusion that this country was trying to make too many laws. I

thought the Ministers should circulate the Government measures before the session to save waste of time. Mr Okey considered tlie administration of the was far too expensive, and was not on the right lines, particularly with regard to the land question. Mr M. Fraser proposed "The Grocers' Association." In a few words he jiistiJ fled its existence. The Association had died, or nearly died, anil out of its failure came this association. Referring to the tariff, he said the Minister of Customs, a sailor, was crassly ignorant of the ordinary business channels, and had never been in such deep water as when considering the tariff. He wished the Association every success.

Mr McNeill, secretary to the Assoei! ation, briefly acknowledged the compli] ment.

Mr .T. Whitaker proposed "The Conn mercial Interests.". He referred to tirt hopeful possibilities of the ironsand and oil industries, and urged all business) men to assist to the utmost the dairying industry, and a great factor in its development would be a deep-sea harbor. He thought, too, that the local scenic attractions should be made more widely known, and that all townspeople should assist. He believed the Government should fixe a universal half-holiday for the Dominion.

Mr S. Shaw ,In responding, recalled the days -when the town was dependent upon surf boats for its supplies, and when butter was sold at fourpenco per pound. The condition of the town today made a pleasing contrast. He did not think any town of its size was a« financially sound as New Plymouth. The district was dependent upon a staple Industry, and he thought they might look forward to a continuance of its prosperity. Referring to the harbor, he said Taranaki's growth dated from the opening of the harbor. He thought every Btep should be taken to arouse greater public interest in town a 9 well as in tho country. He was not one of those who believed the Main Trunk railway would affect New Plymouth, for even now only a small percentage of th e passenger*, stayed in the town. The new service might disorganise present means of communication, but he did not think so. for the advancement of the district fully warranted a maintenance of the existing services.

Mr T. C. Schnackenberg, whose name was also coupled with the toast, thought New Plymouth and Taranaki would benefit greatly from the opening up of the big areas of Crown lands, and any great Increase in our staple products must coine from the extension of settlement. He particularly referred to the fine country between Stratford and Ongarue. Referring to the harbor, lie said Mr Connett expected the breakwater would be completed in about three years, and on it depended a great deal of Taranaki's future prosperity. Other toasts proposed were:—"The Ladies," proposed by Mr J. A. Roberta, response by Mr G. Fraser; "The Press," proposed by Mr F. Aroa, response by Messrs Penn and Staples; "'The Employers," proposed by Mr N. Allen, response by Mr F. .1. Hill; "The Hostess," proposed by Mr A. Veale.

During the evening the following contributed enjoyable items Pianoforte solo, Mrs A. Veale; songs, Messrs F. S. Johns, T. C. Schnaekcnbcrg, A. Veale, and T. Mitchell; recitations, Messrs If. Steeds, E. Chatterton, and J. A. Ro-

Bert; whistling solo, Mr J. A. Roberts; Mrs A. Veale played the accompaniments.

"Auld tang Syne" concluded the proceedings.

later, in response to a call, I went over to the station. Accused and Detective Boddam were in the detectives' office. Accused was sitting on the lloor handcuffed. Detective lioddam, showing me his right hand, said, 'See what this man ban done.' The detective said his thuinh, which was bleeding a little, luul been injured, and lie could do nothing with it. There were spots of blood on the lloor, showing signs of a recent struggle. 1 took tiie _ accused from the detective's oflice into my front office. Accused said, 'What are you going to do with me';' I replied, 'Put you in the lockup.' He said, 'What for?' 1 replied, 'For assaulting the detective at present at any rate.' Accused said, 'For assaulting the detective? It was lie who assaulted me!' I then removed the handcuffs and took the accused out to the cell. Detective Boddam followed us out, and the ac-

cused turned to the detective and said, 'That's where you have been wanting to get me since I came out.' Accused was very excited, and waft the worse for liquor. 1 then accompanied Detective Boddam to Dr. Walker's to have his hand attended to." The hearing was adjourned till this morning for the production of medical evidence.