CLYDE IMPROVING AT LAST.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 176, 22 June 1871, Page 6

CLYDE IMPROVING AT LAST.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — Between twenty and thirty gentlemen were present at a complimentary dinner which was given to P. C. iMiley, Esq., lat3 J.P. of" Victoria, at Mr. M. O'Bryan's Harp of Erin Hotel, Clyde, on the evening of the 10th ult. Mr. Jock Stewart w.is unanimously called to preside. On his right sat Mr. Dailey, the guest of the evening ; Mr. Lash, the newly-elected speaker of our building society, and an ex-mayor, on his left, in the absence of a mayor. Mr. Johnny Fox, of the Western Port I lotel, occupied the vice chair — the members of council supporting Ms right, Messrs. Bayler and M'Koneky being upon his left. In addtion to the usual loyal toasts, the health of our members of Council was proposed by Mr. Donald M'Tnveruess, late Member for Manuherikia district, and responded to by Mr. Tatterson. Proposed by Liverpool Bill, "'Jhe future prosperity of Clyde," responded to in an able speech by Mr. Sparks, of the Sparkling Hotel, who said for tne last two yeara lie had speculated large sums of money for what he considered for the present and future good of the district. He held a large interest in the Aurora Quartz Crushing Claim, Bendigo Griilly, the returns from which, were entirely to his satisfaction, and he hoped every gentleman present would follow his example. — (Loud cheers.) He also held a fourth share in one of the best dredges ever built npon the river Molyneux, and he was glad to inform gentlemen, since they commenced dredging, shares had, so he was.tould, rose in value at least fifty per cent, discount. — (Hear, hear.) The speaker continued to inform gentlemen present that Scragg and Tremhls's run had just been opened for free selection, especially set apart for land jobbers, who did not intend to remain in the Dimstan district— (loud cheers) ; and upou those grounds, gentlemen, let us build a flour mill at once, somewhere about the Monte Christo Farm. Frenchmen would take up half the shares. — (Hear, hear). He (the speaker) would aiso go in strongly for an opposition punt; but he thought it was the duty of the Mayor and Council to pay the piper for it, upon the ground that the present owner of the Clyde punt has had a nic-j picking out of his one ; but he deserved all he got, for he has been run off his feet night and day through his kind and prompt attention to his customers — so much so, gentlemen, judging from external appearances, our worthy towniiian is in the last stage of consumption, — (A Voice : Poor fellow ! what a pity !)

"The guest of the evening" was proposed by Mr. Gilchrist, who said he had known him for the last twenty-six years, and either in private or public life, he

always found, him a straightforward, honest, clever, plodding man For the last six years he had been practising a 9 & solicitor, or what some of our goldfields roars term bush lar/yers. Their guest was upon the eve of parting from them, being about to proceed to Mount Ida, and he hoped his abilities would be as much valued in his new sphere of labour as they had been in the Dunatan ; and in conclusion, he (th 9 speaker) was quite satisfied that the longer their guest remained from Clyde, the more he would be respected. In a few brief remarks, the compliment was feelingly acknowledged by the guest. The chairman proposed "The health of Host O'Bryan and Mr. T. Webster," who briefly responded, at intervals. A solo on the flute was ably performed by Mr. Patterson, which enlivened the feeling of the meeting. — I am, etc., Stranger.