BANQUET TO THE HON. J. BRYCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3546, 17 December 1881, Page 2

BANQUET TO THE HON. J. BRYCE.

(BY TELEGBAPJJ.--PKBSS ASSOCIATION.)

WANG AN UI, Friday. A BANQUET to the Hon. J. Bryce took place last evening at tbc Princess Theatre. fcome one bundled and fifty guests were present. The chair was occupied by Mr Kobert Pharazyn, and the vice chairs by Mr F. B. Jackson, Colonel Gorton, and Mr John Morgro.

After tbe tsaal loyal toasts had been disposed of, the Chairman proposed the toast of the evening, "The Hon. John Bryce." He regretted that he lacked the eloquence necessary to do it justice, but was glad to think those present knew Mr Bryce too well to require him to say much. Their strong affection and regard for Mr Bryce was due to the fact that though working for himself and family he yet found time to serve the public also, (Applause.) Throughout bis career, when in

connection with local bodies, and when

scrying in the volunteer force at an earlier period, hia one ambition always was to serve the public rather than himself. Allusion was made to Mr Bryce's services as an M.H.R., and subsequently in the Ministry. Mr Bryce, who was greeted with prolonged applause, said tbat the peaple of Wanganui had been to his virtues over kind, and he considered the prescut reception another proof. He bad never put himself forward for public position unless in duty bound. Referring to the resignation of his Ecat in the Ministry he said the time came when his former colleagues realised bis policy as the only possible one, and asked him to rejoin and fill up tbe vacant portfolio. Alluding to the cause of trouble on the coast, he quoted Buckle, re the effect of scenery r.pou the character, and said he believed the scenery of this coast wes a great cause of religious frenzy. He instanced To Ua, the author of Haubauisra ; Motu, the author of another superstition, and several others, together with Te \V hiti, all living under the shadow of Mount Egmont. To'Whiti's frenzy was difficult to describe. It was much more potent ever his followers than any previous case. The natives for months together were carrying clothes to cover the bodies of those whom Te Whiti would restore to life. Ho ridiculed the statement to the effect tbat Te Whiti wished to take his grievances to a court of law. The idea never entered hi? head, and if mentioned he treated it with scorn. Tc

Whiti believed and taught his followers to believe that he was destined to the sovereignty of the whole island, if not of tbe whole world. Having frenzy of this kind to deal witb, he recognised that tbe danger was extreme. They were at the mercy of a madman. All through the work had been carried oat with great firmness, and with no harshness, and no insult offered to the natives. He believed he could have met the natives with less force, but the result would be committing a great blunder, and would have been inviting bloodshed. Therefore he wished to augment the force by the volunteers. Had one shot been fired, though by accident, there was no telling where the bloodshed would have stopped, Men were wise after the event, and doubtleas said they knew there would be no war. Ho never knew that, and was sure there had been the utmost danger of it. Referring to the volunteers, Mr Bryce said ho thought their response to tho call of duty had a very large significance. It was New Zealand's misfortune to be colonised from many countries, which might hare resulted in the non-development of a national spirit. The gallant response of 4,000 or 5,000 volunteers proved that there was no lack of really national spirit in this colony, which would increasingly develop. While speaking on this point he would repeat what he had said iv commendation of tbem at Parihaka. Upon another subject he might be expected to say something. He alluded to the stoppage of Press reporters at Parihaka. He felt it his duty to exclude them lest an accident might happen to occasion overt acts on the part of the natives and cause war. It had been said he wished to keep his proceedings secret. He thought tho charge absurd, while surrounded by several thousands of volunteers and 2,000 natives. He might mention an instance, showing his opinion that the risk of admitting special correspondents was not unfounded. He became aware that one of these specials at tbe boarding-house frequented by tbem declared it would be a good thing if Mr Bryce was shot through the head. Had this taken place, it meant the death of tho whole of the natives assembled there. He should have been the meanest of men had the thought of criticism prevented his acting as he conscientiously believed was light. He again thankedthom for the great honour which they had heaped upon him. Mr Bryce resumed his seat amidst deafening applause, which had frequently inters mpted his speech,