The Dinner.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1269, 17 August 1880, Page 2

The Dinner.

Took place in the Large dining- room at Peavce's Hotel. A very excellent spread was provided in Host Pearce's wellknown style to which about fifty, including all the members of both teams, sat down. The chair was- occupied by Mr J. W. H. Wood, Captain of the Waikato team, having on his right Mr T. Henderson, Captain of the visitors. Full justice having been done to the good things provided, The Chairman pi'opose»l the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were drunk with enthusiasm. The Chairman called for bumpers to drink the toast of the evening, " The health of the Auckland Football Team, coupled with the name of the Captain, Mr T. Henderson." The toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr Henderson, in responding, said he had very much pleasure in thanking them for the enthusiastic manner in which they had drunk the health of his team. He would not detain them by making a speech, as he understood they were to be further entertained across the river. Besides this, he was suffering from hoarseness, and all the breath he had had to spare, was spent during the game. It was two years since he had the pleasure of being in a similar position in Waikato. He did not expect to have been here again, considering the weight of years upon him, (laughter) but he supposed credit was due to the salubrity of the climate. As regards the match, it was one of the best contested he had seen. There were some differences of opinion, but of that he would say nothing. He would no doubt have felt greater pleasure had they been victorious. They had heard that the team from Wellington would visit Auckland, and they would be pleased to hear tkat Mr J. Wood was to lie one of the Auckland team (Applause) He then proposed the health of the Waikato team coupled with the name of Mr Wood. The toast was drank with musical honors. Mr Wood responded. He said he was very much gratified at the manner which the health of Waikato team had been drunk. The game throughout had been a splendid one ; the best of the play was against tha wind. [Mr Henderson : very much against the wind (Laughter)] It had always been his ambition to beat the Aucklanders and he might say that they intended to keep on until they managed it. (Laughter). He was proud to have seen so much good feeling displayed at the game. With regard to the play itself it was all forward, and the forwards were those who had moat of the hard work and least of the glory. He did not want to boast, but he thought he might say that his men, who had never played together before had done well; they had Hold their own, and he UwnkeJ them for

placing him in a position to say that ho did not lose the game (Applause). The toast of tfce " Umpires " was proposed by Mr Cotton and duly honored. Messrs T G. Sandes and H. Whitaker responded in very humorous speeches. The toasts of the Host and Hostess & the Chairman having been duly honored and responded to, some vocal selections were indulged in, and the company proceeded to the Comus Entertainment.