FAREWELL SUPER TO MR WILLIAM M'BEATH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 322, 17 January 1874, Page 3

FAREWELL SUPER TO MR WILLIAM M'BEATH.

On Thursday evening between forty tad fifty ladies and gentlemen, at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, "met in the Victoria Hotel to spend » ,4 ew P leasa »t hours with Mr. William M'Beath on the occasion of his leaving Tuapeka. About 9 o'clock the company sat down to an excellent supper. Mr. W, E. Farrer, an old and tried friend of the gentleman in whose honor they had met together, occupied the chair. After ample justice had been done to the repast, the Chairman asked the company to charge their glasses. His friend on the right, as all present were aware, had disposed of his business in Lawrence, fancying he could do better elsewhere. It was Mr. M'Beath's intention to visit the old country for a few months, afterVhieh he would return to New Zealand. Mr. M'Beath had been so long and favorably known in the district that anything ■he (Mr. Farrer) could say would not in any way add to their appreciation of his character. Their guest, he was certain, would be very much missed in Tuapeka. He would be specially missed by those of his friends who knew him best, and not less so by those who acknowledge him to be a " real gentleman," k, but always managed to maintain a prominent place on the wrong side of his ledger. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had called them together for the double purpose of bidding Mr. M'Beath Igood-byeand at the same time, in the name 'of a few friends, presenting him with a small souvenir of thrir appreciation of his sterling worth. He would therefore ask them to join with him in drinking " Happiness and success to Mr. M'Beath." The toast was drunk with musical honors. Three cheers were given for Mrs. M'Beath and family. Mr. Farrer then, on behalf of the company, presented their guest with a handsome ■gold chain and locket and a chaste silvertoounted inkstand. In responding to thp toast, Mr. M'Beath paid they were all aware that he was a poor hand at speech-making, but he could assure them that he would never forget the occasion 'of their meeting, and the very handsome present they had- made Tiim. This kindness was altogether unexpected by him, and so far, he thought, undeserved. He would have been glad to leave the district quietly; but, as it so happened, he could not but feel proud of 'their kindness. The Chairman then proposed the health of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, who had afforded Mr. M'Beafh's friends so very fitting an oppo: • 'tunitv of meeting him ; and who, in addition to that, had provided such a sumptuous spread, The toast wa» drank with enthusiasm. Mr. Williams, in responding, thanked the Company for the manner ip. which they had drank the health of Mrs. Williams and' him•Felf; aiid said, that while he regretted that Mr. M'Beath was leaving, he was only too happy to have an opportunity of showing his respect for him. He felt confident that Mr. M'Beath \vould gather round about him genuine friends 'wherever he went. i The room was soon cleared, and songs and dances occupied the attention of the company during the remainder of the night.