BANQUET TO MR G. A. CORNES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2472, 15 May 1888, Page 3

BANQUET TO MR G. A. CORNES.

On Thiirstlav evening a public banquet was given at the Palace Hotel, Te Aroha, to Mr C. A. Cornea, in recognition of his successful efforts in opening up the Tni . goldfiold. The company present numbered about 125, including several visitors, Among wb'om were Messrs Parkes, J. Chambers, J. S. Buckliiml, W. T. Firth, and A. Porter, and letters of apology were received for the absence of a number of others, including Mr Northcroft, R.M., Messrs Edgecumbe, Whitnker and Mitchell. Mr F. Eavitt occupied the chair, and Mr Jas. Mills the vice-chair. After a splendid repast, served up in Host Ebert's best style, the usual loyal toasts were disposed of. The Chairman then proposed the health of the guest of the evening, and in doing so made pleasing reference to the importance of the work accomplished by Mr Conies, who, by his indomitable pluck and perseverance, had succeeded in opening up the Tui Goldfield. In replying, Mr Cornea, who rose amid great cheering, said he found some difficulty in expressing his gratitude for their hearty reception of him that evening, and for their warm appreciation of what he had done. He would, however, venture to remind them that there were others besides himself who were entitled to praise. He thought that there was not a goldfield which offered greater inducements for the investment of capital than those in this neighbourhood. The experience had taught him that the old methods of treating ores were not suitable to present requirements. With the assistance of science, combined with capital, he felt sure the Te Aroha Goldfields would prove to be the richest on the peninsula. Mr Cornes resumed his scat amid great applause. The chairman proposed the ''Tβ Aroha Town Board," which was responded to by the chairman of that body. " Tho Ohineniuri County Council," and the "Piako County Council," were next given, Mr Murphy responding for the latter body. "The Domain Board " was spoken for by Mr T. Gravin, as chairman of the board. He said the development of the Hot Springs had been, like mining, retarded by want of capital. From that cause the board had been prevented from carrying out all thn improvements that were necessary. " The Mining Industry" was the next toast, coupled with the name of Mr H. H. Adams, who, in responding, spoke of the vast importance of the industry, the Biiccees of which meant success to the whole of the North Island. He was glad to observe that this was being recognised by the leading newspapers, and felt sure that ten thousand .men would, in a few years, occupy tha ranges between Karangahake and Te Arohp. The Chairman next proposed the health of Mr Parkes. Mr Parkes in replying said he felt greatly pleased with the kind reception accorded to him and was surprised to see so large a company. For ten years he had been treating ores, and had travelled over the greater part of Europe but had never seen such abundance of mineral wealth as he had observed in this district. Mr J. Chambers , health was next drunk. In returning thanks he said that when he first came to Te Aroha it was doubtful then whether the Hot Springs, agriculture or mining would take the lead, but mining was now in the ascendency, but as it prospered so would the others prosper. Mr W. T. Firth in replying to the toast of his health referred to the mineral wealth on the Waiorongomai side of the mountain. The other toasts were the "Visitors," responded to in a neat speech by Mr A. Porter; the " Press " by representatives of the "News" and "Tc Aroha Gazette ;" the " Banquet committee," The "'ladies," and " Host and hostess." The whole proceedings passed off most suc-