ANNUAL DINNER OF THE RAGLAN RIFLE GLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1516, 23 March 1882, Page 3

ANNUAL DINNER OF THE RA GLAN RIFLE GL UB.

The eighth anniversary of the above institution was celebrated by a public dinner, given in thcUouit-house, Raglan, on the 16th in&t. About fifty persons sat down to a capital spread, piovided by Mr Wylie, ami which did credit to his taste and skill as a caterer. Mv William Bum can, county cl\a\rmaw, occupied the chair, sup])orted by Tv Taw) lino, and the Rev. Mr Slade. Mr D. Burns, president of the club, acted as vice-chairman. After the loyal toasts had been duly honoured, Mr R. Veinon proposed the health of the present Ministry, which was responded to by the Rev. Mr Slade, v ho in doing so gave ciedit to the present Government for the improvement which had taken place in the affairs of the colony since their accession to office. The Vice-chairman proposed the health of "our member." Mr W. Duncan replied. He had expected to see Mr Whitaker there that evening, but from some cause which he had no doubt would in time be explained, unable to attend. The members of the club might however rely that he would give his immediate attention to anything which would be likely to benefit their institution. Song : Mv Pretty. Mr Charles Giltnour then proposed the " Agricultural and Commercial Interest," which was replied to in a happy manner by Mr F. Savage. The Chairman, in proposing " Success to Raglan Rifle Club," gave a brief review of its history since it first came into existence. Till within the last few months no satisfactory progress had been made, and he ascribed the change, which had now taken place, to the election of new officers, which had taken place at last general meeting of the club. The choice had been a happy one, and had lent a great impetus to the prosperity of the institution. The membership now numbered thirty, and persons were still joining. Monthly practices were now held, as also quarterly practices, at which prizes were awarded to the highest scorers. The Government had appointed Mr J. Pretty, of Waitetuna, drill instructor, and no doubt when the members received some instruction in rifle drill, a manifest improvement would soon take place in their shooting, aucl the public may then expect to see a Raglan representative being sent to the Intel-provincial prizefiring. Mr Burns responded, and thanked the company for the kind manner in which the toast had been received. " Our Visitors," received attention at the hands of the Rev. Mr Slade, who in proposing their health, made special reference to the presence of King Tawlnao's two sons with them that evening. It must be a source of gratification to all the well-wishers of this colony, to see the relations between the two races continuing to be of such af riendly character. As Englishmen they gave them a friendly welcome, and trusted that it would not be long before all the differences now existing between European and Maori would be finally settled. After Mr Slade's speech had been interpreted by Mr R. Ormsby, Tv Tawhiao replied as follows— l like much the words which have just been spoken by Mr Slade. I have enjoyed myself very much here this evening. I hope the time is not far distant when tlier? will be but one law and religion for both Maori and pakeha., ,1 believe it will soon come, but of this" we will talk hereafter; for the present allow mt on the part of myself and friends to thank you for the kindness- you have shown us here tonight. Song by Mr Bums? • f - .. The Rev;, jhere requested the chairman iS allow him an opportunity, to perform a, duty ,whiQU t affprded;him great

pleasure, viz, to present to Mr Hallyburton Johnatone an honorary certificate of merit which had been forwarded by the Humane Society of England^for presentation to him as a reward for the gallant manner in which he had preserved the life of Mr Chas. Moore, when he .was in danger of being drowned owing to the capsizing of a canoe during a stormy night in the Raglan harbour. At the risk of his own life he had saved that of his fellow creature, and had shown such courage in doing so that when the matter had been represented to the Humane Society of England, they sent this certificate which he had now great pleasure in handing to him. Mr H. Johnstone in a few well-chosen remarks, thanked Mr Slade for the kind manner in which he had spoken of him, and said he would be ready to repeat the act of which the Humane Society had taken such recognition, if again called ixpon. He had only done what he considered was the duty of anyone placed in like circumstances — tried to save the life of his friend, and was luckily successful in doing so. " The Prosperity of the Colony" was proposed by Mr Slade at some length and responded to by the chairman, who in the course of his remarks said he had lately paid a visit to Kawhia and was particularly impressed with the superiority which Raglan held over that place, as a seaside resort,, and felt sure that Raglan would continue to maintain and increase its popularity as a place for inA'alids until it became the Brighton of the Auckland Province. Better accomodation was required for visitors, buthe hoped to see this matter attended to shortly. After some more toasts had been dealt with the meeting dispersed, having spent a pleasant eveuing. (Own (. orrespondent.)