Banquet to the Hon. J. Bryce.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2940, 3 July 1888, Page 2

Banquet to the Hon. J. Bryce.

Wanoan'ui, July 1, The banquet to tho Hon. J. Bryce last night was an unprecedented success, The Committee hud prepared for_ over 100 guests, but the influx of visitors from the country in order to be present brought the number up to 150, for whom extra provision had to be arranged. The Garrison Band was present, and the gallery of the Theatre was graced by the presence of a large concourse of ladies, who evinced a great interest in tho proceedings, and many of whom remained in their places until midnight. The gathering was presided ovsr by the Mayor, and the assemblage included three Ministers of the Crown (tho Hons. Messrs Fergus, Fisher and Hislop), and over a score of members of the Legislature from all political sections, Numerous apologies expressive of thu highest esteem and appreciation of the guest of tho evening were received from the Premier and absent Members, and other Members'of Parliament, who were unable to be present.. ;"' The usual loyal toasts bavinq been

duly honored, Sir John Hall, K.O.M.G proposed the toast of.the guest ,of. the evening, the Hon, John Bryce.t In doing so, he referred at.longla to Mr Bryco'squalities as a man, a settler, and a statesman; 'to his unswerving rectitude and courage, und to the most striking characteristics and prominent events in his political oareer. Tlio present was but an event expressive of widespread approciation'of merit; at a halting place'in thut career; for he refused to believe, and the country refused to believe, that Mr Bryco's political life had ended, and'that his grent services were for evermore to be lost to the state. In conclusion, Sir John Hall presented Mr Bryce with an address, beautifully engrossed and handsomely bound, and with it a catalogue. of the library which thd subscribers desired to present. (Tho value of the Library is nearly £400). Mr Bryce replied at some length, deprecating tho' praise that' bad been bestowed upon him, and saying that whatevor he' had accomplished had been due to the magnanimity of his chief, Sir John Hall, and the other members of the able Ministry with which he had been associated, and who had always been ready to stand aside and to permit him to receive the praise for a line of policy for which they were jointly responsible,'and for the success of which all were, equally entitled to credit, Referring to his suggested return to political life, he did not feel any service he could render would be of valnoin the present condition of political affaivs, neither was ho desirous of reentering the political arena; but should the time »rrive when he could feel that his services were required, he did not know that ho would decline to be guided by the call of duty, to which he had never yet consciously refused to respond. Speeches were afterwards made by the Hon. Messrs Fergus, Fisher, and Hislop, Messrs Bruce, Scobie Mackenzie, Fulton, Dodson; Buchanan, Alien, M'Gregor, Anderson, Graham, Ln wry, T. M'Kenzie, M.H.R's, Colonel Trimble, and several local gentlemen, A most enthusiastic gathering broke up a few minutes after imdniffht,