STARTING OF THE TE AROHA BATTERY.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3844, 25 April 1881, Page 2

STARTING OF THE TE AROHA BATTERY.

(Pee Pigeon Eipeess.)

(fbom oub special cobbespondent. )

TE AROHA.

Saturday, Noon. [The following message arrived too late for iusertion in our last issue:—]

Tho Luncheon.

Mr George O'Halloran, in order to mark the occasion, prepared a sumptuous luncheon, which was laid in his large dining room, and to which he invited the directors of the battery company, their friends and visitors. It is needless to say that ample justice was done to the good things provided, the excellent bottled beer very plentifully supplied being duly appreciated by the visitors, many of whom had come from long distances. The Chair was occupied by Mr C. Gould, Chairman of the Directors of the Battery Company, and the Vice-Chair by Major Murray. The usual loyal toasts of the' "Queen," the "Governor," were given, and enthusiastically responded to. The "Army, Navy, and Volunteers " had coupled with it the names of Major Murray and Captain Taipari. Both gentlemen responded. Major Murray remarking that the volunteers would be always found ready and willing to respond to the call of duty, and Taipari that he was very gratified at being present on such an occasion.

Mr Gould next proposed " Success to the Te Aroha Battery." He referred to the length of time which it had taken to get up the battery, but he was pleased to say that now it gave every satisfaction to the directors and shareholders. They had just passed through a season of depression, but with the opening of the battery he hoped better times were in store —not only for the goldfield, but for the agricultural interests. Prosperity to the goldfield meant a proportionate share to the farmers, and by the presence of a large body of miners and farmers, other persons would be induced to visit the district and settle down.

The toast was responded to in a most marked manner, and cheers, three times three, were given. Hone Werahiko said he felt quite sure of the future of the goldfield, and he Hoped soon to bring to light a new discovery that would cause not a battery of ten head to crush the stone, but one of forty head.

Mr George O'Halloran proposed the health of Honi Werahiko, which was duly honored. The Chairman next proposed, " The health of the contractors, Messrs Price and Patterson," and coupled with it the names of Messrs Sanderson and Turtle, directors of the company. (Cheers and they are " Jolly Good Fellows." Mr Price said he hoped the present would not be the last occasion on which a gathering would take place to mark the completion of a quartz crushing battery. He would be always happy to do his share of the work.

Mr Patterson said he would rather put up a battery than speak an hour; but although not one of the contractors, he was pleased to work under such a man as Mr Price. He would be only too happy to assist in the erection of another battery. (Cheers.) Mr EL. Adams' health was next honored, and the Chairman in proposing the toast spoke very highly of the ability, energy, and perseverance of Mr Adams. Mr Adams returned thanks. He had done all in his power to make the battery a success, and if it was not one it was not his fault.

Major Murray, before proposing the next toast " The directors of the Company," said it gave him great pleasure to be present on such an occasion. A splendid reception had been given the visitors. The energy of Messrs Parr, Gould,. Smiih, and Fitzpatriek had so impressed others that a measure of success awaited their labours which was very gratifying. Their action in taking the matter up had given confidence to other persons. (Cheers.) Messrs Gould, Fitzpatrick and Parr acknowledged the toast, Mr Parr stating that in a few months he felt sure the battery would be a free one and without a debt.

Mr Murray in highly complimentary terms proposed the health of Mr -H. Whitaker, the indefatigable manager and secretary. (Received with great applause.) Mr Whitaker said Mr Murray had laid it on rather heavy, but he had heard it was a " great general," and supposed it was a way he had. It afforded him great pleasure to meet so many friends on such an occasion as. the present one. He was very pleased when he succeeded in getting the Major to subscribe for a few shares, for he knew like all Scotchmen, that no matter ' how adverse they might prove to be to going into anything, once in it was, " Eh, mon, it's a gude spec." (Laughter.) Many persons deserved more credit than he did, but he would say that from the commencement all had worked with a will. Although a damper had been thrown on the project at first by Auckland and Thames people and others that should have.been the last to have done so; yet the directors had successfully overcome all the opposition. When they had but very little to encourage them they accepted tenders for the battery, and went on with the work. Too great credit could not be given to Mr Adams. He was, in fact, a wonderful man, and a great financier; he had financed the great " Watson," and he had heard a great deal about Watson, of Messrs Price Bros. However, the company had much to be obliged to Messrs Price Bros, for their leniency. They had not come down upon them, but when they asked for money, well Reuben Parr and himself had jast to rummage round for the calls. (Cheers.)

The Chairman proposed the host and hostess which was acknowledged by Mr O'Halloran.

The Vice-Chairman proposed the mining and agricultural interests coupled with the names ot Mr Adam Porter and Mr Ticklepenny. Mr Porter said he was very pleased to be present. He considered the prospects warranted the erection of a battery. He thought, however, the Piako Council had not met the miners in a fair spirit in the matter of roads. He hud written to the Counpil, offering on behalf of the miners a proportion of the cost of making roads, but he had not even had a reply. Tb,at was not the way the Thames" County Council met the advances"pf t]ic. miners. (Cheers.) Mr Ticklepenny responded for the agricultural interests.

The "Press " and the " Visitors " were also given and responded to, which brought the luncheon to a close.