DUNEDIN ITEMS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4880, 21 December 1883, Page 3

DUNEDIN ITEMS.

DIBNBB ON BOABD THE TONGARIRO. A SLIGHT BBEKZE. DUNEDIN, Dbo. 21. The Direotora of the New Zealand Shipping Company entertained a number of leading oitizens at dinner on board the Tongariro last night, the Deputy-Chairman (Mr MurrayAynsley) being in the chair. The Hon E. Richardson proposed " The Assembly," the toast I- eing responded to by the Hon W. Reynolds and Mr Driver. " The Commeroial Interests of Otago," was proposed by Mr Alex. 0. Wilson, who showed that the trade of Dunedin immensely exceeded that of any other port in New Zealand. Mr George Bell, President of the Ohamber of Oommeroe, replied. Captain Hallett proposed " The Otago Harbour Board," alluding to the ease with whioh the Tongariro had orossed the bar. " The New Zealand Shipping Oompany " was responded to by Mr Murray-Aynsley, who pointed out that tbe Oompany relied on tho co-operation of Otago to make the direot service a suocess, and referred to the faot that the idea of auoh a eervioe had been originated and kept steadily in view by Mr Maoandrew, whom he termed "The Father of Direot Steam." " The Health of Oaptain Hallett" was proposed hv Mr James Mills, who alluded to the difficulties attendant upon a first voyage in a new ship, and expressed the opinion that Captain Hallet aoted with fairness and judgment under very trying oiroumstanoes. Captain Hallet, in reply, stated that he had simply to do his duty, and had not left a single complaint mado to him unattended to. There was a scene at the oloso between Mr Braoken and Capt. Hallet. The latter in his speech said an artiole in the ! Herald reflecting on his management of the I ship had been written by a man of a poetical ' trnm of mind. Mr Braoken, in responding

for " The Press," regretted that Capt. Hallet's feeling had been wounded by tbe article, but disclaimed all connection with it. Capt. Hallet thereupon denied that he associated Mr Bracken with the authorship j but the latter said he had been by implication, and retired abruptly from the room. With the exoeption of this inoident the proceedings were highly auccessful.