GERMAN DINNER.

The Deutseher Verein held their third annual dinner last evening at Carl's Hotel. The room was very tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and an excellent dinner, comprising all the delicacies of the season, aud many that were essentially national, provided by Mr Carl. Between thirty and forty gentlemen sat down for dinner, Mr Hansmann (the president of the German Association) occupying the chair, and Mr Ebert the vice-chair. After the cloth was cleared the Chairman said that whenever Englishmen met together, no matter for what purpose, the toast of Her Majesty the Queen was always the first toast, and it was always drank with befitting loyalty, and he was sure that every German in her Majesty's dominions would not hesitate to follow that loyal example. He begged to propose the first toast, "Health, long life, and prosperity to her Most Gracious Majesty, and the Royal Family." An enthusiastic response was made, and followed by the usual loyal toasts. Mr John Ebert then proposed the health of "Sir George Arney, and the Colonial Representatives." The toast was drank with enthusiasm. Song, by the German Liedertafel, "Die Wacht am Rhein." Mr Taylor said he had had some experience of the militia and volunteers of New Zealand, and he should have great pleasure in testifying to their efficiency, and would beg to propose the health of "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers." The toast was drank with three times three. Song, Mr Ziem, Kriegeslied, " Prince Eigeniers." Mr Schmidt proposed "The Superintendent and Provincial Council," saying that he had great pleasure in saying a better Superintendent we could not get, and he hoped we should keep him amongst us for many years. The toast was drank with acclamation. Song, "Lief under der Erde," Mr Bourgeois. Mr Tisch proposed "His Worship the Mayor and the City Council," feeling sure that all present would drink the toast with heartiness, as they were able and willing to spend the money of the citizens with the greatest alacrity, especially in the matter of drainage. [Cheers.] Song — "Beautiful Isle of the Sea," Master Fuchs. Mr Tisch proposed " Mr Hassal, the German Consul for Canterbury." The toast was duly honored, and Mr Nees responded, saying he had known Mr Hassal for some years, and he was well worthy of holding the office, and in his name he thanked them for the kind manner in which they had drank his health. Song—"Mem Liebchen ist cine Alpuerin," Mr Ebert. Mr Tisch gave a humourous narrative, which caused considerable amusement. Song—"Lutzen's Wild Chase," by the Liedertafel. Mr Schmidt proposed "Prosperity to the Deutscher Verein," which although at first had commenced very slowly had, he was glad to say, steadily increased until it had arrived at its present prominent position and numbers. Song—"Die Tromelshlug zum streite," by the whole company: Mr Hyder proposed "The Health of the President of the Deutscher Verein, Mr Hansmann," which was enthusiastically drunk. After Mr Hansmann had acknowledged the compliment,

Mr Bourgeois sang "Hundert tausendteufel." Mr Tisch stated that a cheque was given to-night to liquidate the debt of the church, and £50 was contributed by himself and Messrs Kniee, Gherkin, and Schmidt for a peal of bells, and he trusted it would not be long before they were ringing out a merry peal, which could be heard far and wide over the city, and set a good example to their fellow English citizens. [Cheers.] Song—"Schleswig Holstein," by the company. Mr Schmidt in a humorous speech endorsed what had fallen from Mr Tisch, and congratulated his German fellow colonists on the erection of their national church, which at first he confessed he had had his doubts of seeing built. However, all difficulties had been overcome, and they would shortly be able to assemble for public worship within its walls. He paid a tribute of acknowledgemont to Mr Gherken, who from the first had been sanguine, and had contributed as much as any man to its completion. Song—"Morgeuroth" by the company. Mr Tisch proposed, "The health of the Vice-Chairman Mr Ebert." The toast was drank with musical honors. Mr Sandstein next proposed the health of Mr Ruddenklau, the founder of the German Association in Christchurch. He had always taken a great interest in it, and although now far away, his heart, he was sure, was amongst them. There was not a German present who could not pay his tribute to the worth of Mr Ruddenklau, aa a good citizen, and a warm friend. The society he had established was more especially devoted to the support of the sick, and on these grounds, if there were no other, he was sure every one would join him in honoring the toast he was about to propose, the "Health of Mr Ruddenklau." . The toast was drank with enthusiasm. Mr Schmidt proposed the health of " The Host, Mr Carl," which was warmly drank and suitably acknowledged. Mr Tisch proposed "The health of Mr Jacobsen, the architect of the German Church," and spoke in complimentary terms of that gentleman's ability in carrying, out the work, and of his liberality in contributing to the fund of the association. The toast was drank with acclamation, and Mr Jacobsen suitably responded. The remaining toasts were "The Secretary, Mr Schwartz," and "The Ladies," and after some more excellent songs had been sang, the company broke up after spending a very pleasant evening.