COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO J. T. HITCHIE, Esq., SWITZERS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 159, 23 February 1871, Page 6

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO J. T. HITCHIE, Esq., SWITZERS.

(From a Correspondent.)

On Friday evening last, a farewell complimentary supper was given by nearly all the principal men of busi" ness and others of Switzers and neighbourhood, to Mr. Ritchie, agent for the Bank of Otago, who is about to

leave this place for the Clutha, and if the continued expression of kind wishes can be any satisfaction to Mr. Ritchie upon his retirement from this place, he must have had them to his heart's content. The entertainment was held at Mr. Skene's Crown Hotel, and about thirty gentlemen sat down to a sumptuous repast. It is, I suppose, almost superfluous to dilate upon the excellent manner in which every thing was managed, and how highly the efforts of Mr. Skene were appreciated was clearly shewn by the almost marvellous celerity that ducks, geese, pigs, &c, disappeared from the festive board. The paste was so good, you could almost think the aid of Grunter or a Verrey had been summonsed for the occasion.

Mr. Builey occupied the chair, and rarely can a gentleman be found to folfil its attendant duties with such skill and dexterity. The first toast of the evening, given by the Chairman, was the " Queen, and Royal Family," and right loyally responded to by all present.

Mr. Robert Burns then, in capital style, sang — Red, White and Blue.

The Chairman then bade the company charge their glasses, as it was his intention to propose what is generally designated the toast of the evening, and he was quite sure it would be responded to by all present. They were all aware that they had met this evening for the purpose of bidding farewell and shewing their respect and esteem to one of the principal members of the society of Switzers who was about to leave this neighbourhood, he was happy to say, for a more exalted situation. For three years past Mr. Ritchie has sojourned amongst us, and although I am adverse to saying anything of a flattering character of any gentleman, especially before his face, yet I cannot refrain from giving honour to whom honour is due ; and I am sure you will all agree with me Air. Ritchie has behaved in all the relations of life in a manner to merit the esteem and good wishes of all classes of this community ; whether we view his conduct in a social, civil, or domestic light, the same meed of approbation is due to him. If we met him for business or any other purpose, we were ever treated with the same urbane and gentlemanly manner. As a citizen, he always fulfilled his duties in an honest and straightforward manner, ready at all times by his presence to encourage, and also to bear a fair share of all burdens which tended to the benefit of the community, I

feel a delicacy in inferring to his domestic relations, but we all know the lady Mr. Ritchie introduced here has been an honour to the society of Switzers, and I am sure has gained the esteem of every one. I now charge you to drink the health and prosperity of Mr. Ritchie.

The Chairman then sang an imporntu song in praise of Mr. Ritchie.

Mi\ Ritchie said it was with feelings of great gratification he thanked them for this token of esteem and recognition of the manner in which he had endeavoured to do his duty. Perhaps it may be a fault of his, expressing his opinions so decidedly on any public matter that may be brought under his notice, and by so doing causing a feeling of coolness to spring up that would not otherwise exist, but he had always found that such coolness soon died away when met in a spirit of conciliation. Many persons often condoled with :im for living in such a miserable hole as Switzers, but during the three years he had resided there, he had the pleasure of meeting many sterling characters — people not given to thrust themselves very prominently forward, but, for all that, of good sterling merit, from whom he had had the most courteous kindness. And although he was about taking a step upwards in the ladder, and going to a home which, in comparison to his present one, might be considered a mansion, yet lie should never forget old faces, and ever welcome any old friends who would kindly visit him.

Mr. Lumsden then sung, "Pulling hard against the stream."

Mr. M'lnlyre, a young gentleman of only 84 years of age, and who certainly appeared, both in head and body, about the strongest man in the room, in a very humorous and jolly speech proposed the next toast, but as it was given in Gaelic, I cannot favour you with it.

Messrs. Nicholas Bros, than sung, with great taste, "We have lived happily together."

Mr. J. Hutfcon proposed, "The health of Mr, M'lntyre, the patriarch of the district."

Mr. Burns then sung, " Babylon is fallin 1 ."

Mr. Skene toasted our local institutions in a most appropriate speech, coupling the name of Mr. Bailey, who returned thanks for the compliment paid him. but disclaimed deserving so much praise as Mr. Skene awarded him, not having clone more than some gentlement present.

The Chairman here declared the programme closed, but toast and song, song and toast succeeded each other until two or three of the small hours warned us it was quite time to separate, after one of the most pleasantly spent social evenings wo could possibly imagine, not a jar of any kind to mar its enjoyment.