BANQUET TO W. ROWE, ESQ.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 64, 20 December 1871, Page 3

BANQUET TO W. ROWE, ESQ.

The public banquet given to Mr Rowe by his numerous friends on the Thames came off last night at St. George’s Hall. About 200 gentlemen were present, amongst whom we noticed Mr Robert Graham (chairman), Messrs Wm. Lloyd (vicechairman), Dewar, Brodic, J. D. Grant, W. C. Wright, Captain Higgins, E. Thomas, W. Wilkinson, J. Goodall, M. Hannaford, W. McCullough, O’Meara, Grove, Ivneebone, Oldrey, Hornsby, Smith, Jones, &c.. &c. An excellent repast was provided by Mr B. C. Hayles, every delicacy of the season being provided, and ample justice was done by all present to the good things laid before them. After the table was cleared the Chairman proposed the health of the “ Queen and Royal Family,” which was drunk with enthusiasm. “The Governor,” proposed by the Chairman was drunk with musical honours. “ The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” proposed by the Vice-Chairman, in a neat and brief speech, was most ably responded to by Captain Murray, of the Thames Scottish Volunteers, who said that whenever the Volunteers in this island had been called on to do any active duty they had nobly responded to the call, and had turned out to defend their hearths and homes in a manner that was worthy of the highest praise, and that the Volunteers of the Thames had not been behindhand, ns when called on to go away on service they had responded to the call in great numbers, and would, no doubt, do the same again if required. (Cheers). Mr Brodie responded on behalf of the army. The Chairman, on rising to propose the toast of the evening, said, “ I am proud to be present on this occasion, and to have the honour of proposing 1 The health of Mr William Rowe.’ Though I have known Mr Rowe for a long time, we have always been opponents in politics. Still, at the same time, when I was asked to take the chair at this banquet, I acquiesced in the matter, and feel that 1 have acted according to the dictates of my conscience. Mr Rowe has done much for this field. He has brought up from the very bowels of the earth nearly ten tons of gold, and I ask where is there another man who has done the same thing? Although he is about to leave us, he will only be away for six weeks, aud during that time lie will be in search of machinery and means for developing the interest of the Thames goldfield. Many people, no doubt, poohpooh the advantage that the Caledonian mine has been to the Thames, but whatever may have been said, I reiterate that the Caledonian mine has been the saving of the province. Many of you may know that Mr Rowe has not put the money he has made in the bank, but lie has spent it in a most liberal manner to develope the resources of the field. I know many in stances which probably you are not aware of, in which Mr Rowe has often lent a helping hand to those who were in need of assistance. However, I will not eulogise any further, but merely ask for a bumper to the “ Guest of the Evening.” Mr Rowe, who on rising was very much affected, said, Mr Chairman and Gentlemen—l did not come here this evening prepared to make a set speech. In fact I 1 may say I don’t believe in set speeches; but I do feel thoroughly grateful to you for the hearty manner in which you have drank my health. I have been connected with the Thames ever since its commencement, and I am connected with it still,and intend to be to the end of my life (cheers). I made my first investment on this field by purchasing, in conjunction with others, to the' extent of £2,000, which was considered in those days a very large investment, so large indeed, that many people in the province thought I was mad. Instead of this, however, it bore its fruits, and for the first year and a half I was very successful, and the results even surpassed anything I ever imagined. The Thames, however, notwithstanding its riches, has had variations and depressions from the first period of its development. Myself and those about me did not pocket the moucy and leave the district, but every shilling we made we re-invested, and after that, owing to the great depression which took place, I found myself in no better condition than when I started on the field. I have not made nearly as much money as the outside world would represent. I may say confidently 7 that I have made very little out of the Caledonian mine. I can say so without the slightest hesitation, that circumstances arose which compelled me to sell a laige portion of my interest in the Caledonian mine, and I assure you that I cried bitterly when I had to part with those shares. I was sure that we would get the leader that we did. The total amount I have made out of the Caledonian mine has been £3.000, and I have made more for others than I have made for myself. The outside world, however, do not know this. Then, again, I invested every shilling I could spare in property in this district, which I believe now is worth six hundred per cent, more than when I bought it. Can anyone blame me for this, I ask? I say no. I endeavour to do my best for the interest of the community, ami if I made anything for myself, is that any fault of mine ? (Cries of “ No, No. v ) I have always endeavoured to do my duty’ as a citizen, and also to support the institutions of the district, and so far as pocket is concerned, I shall always be willing to do so. I feel it is a duty 'on my part as a citizen to consolidate these institutions. Had it not been for me the Thames Goldmiuing Company would never have retained the interest in the Caledonian Company which they do at

present. I will take this opportunity of stating that the machinery for the mine was not adequate for the work, and for all this I got the blame. There is no doubt that the mine has not been worked on mining principles. Had I had the management of the mine, I should have pursued quite a different course. I knew it was necessary to restore confidence in the minds of the public, and I candidly admit that I felt more interest in the welfare of the community than I did in any personal interest I had in the mine. The directors had nevef made a greater mistake than in not making a reserve fund of some fifty or sixty’ thousand pounds, by which means they could have equalised the dividends and prevented disappointment to shareholders, who expected such large returns kept up I repeat that I wish the greatest sueccs. to the goldfield, and I hope to live, labour and die on the field (cheers). Mr Rowe next proposed “ The Mining interest,” and said that after his previous speech they need not expect him to say r much on the subject. Of course, it was the paramount interest in the district, and lie felt sure that all present would cordially join in drinking the toast. Air Dewar responded in a brief and appropriate manner. Mr Goodall proposed “ The Commercial Interest” of the field, and gave a sketch of the progress of business at the Thames, comparing the days when the rich crushing of the Golden Crown claim absorbed all the available quicksilver in the place with the present day, when one firm could furnish probably tons of the same metal, and he enlarged considerably 7 on the various other sources of wealth which have been opened up consequent on llic development of the goldfield, such as timber and coal, which are now ready at hand, requiring only capital and energy to make them a valuable addition to our local industries.

Mr Lloyd responded on behalf of the commercial interests, and gave as a proof of the progress of the place the following statistics; —A port of entry was opened here in 1870, and the Customs returns were as follow :—March quarter, £139 10s; June ditto, £1,562; September ditto, £2,594 ; December ditto, £2,050. For 1871—March quarter, £1,874; June ditto, £3,212 ; September ditto, £4,187 ; during which period, 3,340 vessels, of an aggregate tonnage of 170,281 lons, had entered at the port. Next came the toast of “ The Ladies,” which received ample justice at the hands of Mr Weijb, and was responded to by Mr Newberry in a short hut appropriate speech. “ The Press,” proposed by Mr Brown, coupled with the names of Messrs Wilkinson, Corlett, and Mr McCullough, was the next toast, and was drunk with great enthusiasm.

Mr Wilkinson replied in a very efficient manner on behalf of the Thames Advertiser, stating that he had known Mr Rowe for a long time, and also that the Advertiser was the first paper on the Thames. He then alluded to the generous manner in which Mr Rowe had kindly given him pecuniary assistance when, ho needed it, and might assure Mr Rowe that this would never be f orgotton. Mr McCullough deputed to Mr Perrier the task of replying on behalf of the Star. and the latter gentleman made a most telling and suitable speech, which was listened to with great attention, and received a perfect ovation at its conclusion. Mr Humphries, in the absence of Mr Corlett, replied for the Thames Guardian. He said that though the junior paper on the Thames, he believed much information was to be derived from it. He bad not bad the pleasure of knowing Mr Rowe so long as bis friend Mr Wilkinson, but still lie had no doubt that if they wanted to borrow some money from Mr Rowe when they 7 were in want of it, that Mr Rowe would be most happy to lend it, as be had done to Mr Wilkinson (cheers and laughter). Mr Rowe proposed the health of the Chairman, which was drunk with musical honours. This was suitably responded to by 7 Mr R. Graham. The health of the host. Mr Hayles, was drunk, and after singing “ Auld Lang Syne ” the company broke up. During the evening several glees were capitably sung by 7 the Cornish Gleesingers, who were present, and were much enjoyed by the company. Great credit is due to the secretary, Mr W. 11. Oldrey, for the admirable manner in which all the arrangements were carried out.