INVERCARGILL.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3100, 24 January 1879, Page 4

INVERCARGILL.

Thursday. After the sad accident to Mr Conyera, the committee were about to put the banquet off, but ultimately it was decided that it would not be well to postpone it. The banquet was held in the theatre, the Mayor in the chair. The place was crowded.—After the usual loyal toasts, the Mayor referred to tho happy case of Canterbury and Southland having joined hands.—Mr Eeynolds replied in the absence of the Hon. Mr Macandrew, and, ■while admitting all that was done for the , colony in the way, of railways by Messrs Moorehouse and Menzie, gave Sir Julius Vogel the credit of initiating the line < from Christchurch to Dunertin ■-The Chairman annouced that since the arrival of the train a telegram had been despatched to Sir Julius Vogel congratulating him upon the completion of the Southland railway line.—Messrs Geo. McLean and W. Walkefield responded to the toast of the Parliament.—Mr Eeynolds, in replying on behalf of the Upper House said, that no matter what its constitution, it was an absolute essential, as it often interposed to prevent what might be disastrous results. —The Hon. Mr Ballance, in responding to the toast of the Ministry stated that Mr Macandrew very much regretted his inability to take part in the demonstration. He assured them that it gave him unbounded pleasure to be present, it being his first Southland visit, where he saw on every side of him elements that must raise that part of New Zealand to greatness. The country far exceeded his expectations. He deprecated seeing such a vast extent of the finest land in the colony merely occupied with cattle and sheep, and said what they wanted was more people ; to secure the greatness they all desired to Bee. All honor was" due to Sir Julius Vogel for the brave stand which he took against the opposition to his Public Works scheme. His colleagues intended to pursue the same policy until the railway extended throughout the length and breadth of the colony.