BANQUET TO MR J. L. COSTER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1750, 1 August 1884, Page 2

BANQUET TO MR J. L. COSTER.

. Chmstchubch, 30th July, The banquet given to Mr J. L. Coster the managing director of the New Zealand Shipping Company, by the Chamber of Commerce, took place at the Oddfellows' Hall, to-night; About 200 were present, including most of the Canterbury members of Parliament. Mr J. D.. McPherson, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, occupied the chair, and was supported by his Excellency the Governor At the commencement of the proceedings, a letter was read from Mr Coster, who had been unwell for some days, stating that his medical adviser had absolutely forbidden him to attend. Several letters of apology were read from prominent men, among them Sir Julius Yogel, the Hon. the Premier, and Mr Macandrew, who expressed in warm terms their appreciation of the benefits conferred on the colony by the New Zealand Shipping Company, especially in connection with the direct steam service, and of the great services rendered by Mr Coster. The Governor, replying to the toast of his health, said that he hoped to have the pleasure, during the next two years, of being not an infrequent visitor to Ohristchurch, The establishment of direct steam communication with Great Britain was to be considered a benefit, the advantages of which could not be calculated. The service had been established in a manner doing the greatest credit to Mr Coster and all concerned. He then referred to the question of colonial defence, especially in reference to the protection of the great ocean seaways over which the colonial J rade passed. Great Britain protected those routes by her fortresses and fleets, and it devolved upon Australasians to do their part in the general defence of the Empire. Since he first visited the colonies seven years ago, many of the Australian ports had been fortified and protected with troop 3 and ships. As yet very little had been done in New Zealand, and it must be remembered that the more the harbors of Australia were .protected, the more would those of New Zealand be liable to attack if they were unprotected. So soon as Major Cautley's plan for New Zealand defence was completed, he (Sir William Jorvois) would lay it before Government. That plan would provide for the defence of the harbors of the Bluff, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland, These defences, however, would have to be supplemented by powerful torpedo boats. He had no doubt that sooner or later the country would provide the necessary funds, whether by loan or out' of the ordinary revenue he was not of course, prepared to say. New Zealanders]

had had valuable estate entrusted to them. The time wlierr.it had; to be defended against internal foes was passing away, but it was their duty ■ and privilege to hare to guard it,-, against external attack," While he-'remained in.the colony he would be only too happy to render any aid he could.. The remainder of. the speeches did not contain anything of importance.'. .During.the,eveningia. solid goldbeaketywhichhad been ;sub-; scribed for a testimonial -to Mr-Coster, was filled with champagne and handed' to his Excellency, ! who pledged W Coster's health amid great enthusiasm. After the banquet his Excellency left for Wellington.