DINNER.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 April 1884, Page 6

DINNER.

The proceedings of the Conference were terminated by a dinner at the Coffee Palace, tendered by the Dunedin Freethought Association to the delegates in honour of the inauguration of the Freethought Federal Union. The President, Mr R. Stout, occupied the chair, Mr Charles Bright the vice-chair, and there were between fifty and sixty ladies and gentlemen present. This is, we believe, the first occasion in New Zealand in which the right of ladies to be present at a public dinner has been admitted. In accordance with Temperance principles, instead of toasts sentiments were expressed. The President wished “ Success to the Federal Union.” Mr. J. N, Watt responded. Sentiments in favour of “ The Press,” “ The Platform,” and “ The Ladies,” were proposed and responded to by Messrs Charles Bright, Dixon, Rutherford, and Messrs Willis and Fannie respectively. Mrs Charles Bright, in a pleasant speech, responded on behalf of the ladies. The proceedings were enlivened by the presence of a small orchestra under the leadership of Mr Parker, and by a few songs. The night’s amusement was brought to a close about n. p.m. by the company singing “ Auld Lang Syne.” The Council meets at Wellington next year during Easter week. The constitution and resolutions passed by the Council will, we understand, be submitted to the local Associations, and when replies have been received therefrom the President and Secretary of the Council will, where necessary, take steps to have the objects entailed carried out.