FAREWELL DINNER.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1887, Page 5

FAREWELL DINNER.

The Imperial Hotel last night was the scene of a pleasant gathering of the sporting fraternity, who assembled at a complimentary dinner to bid good-bye to Mr W. Lyons. About fifty sat down, and after the .good things provided had been discussed the business of the evening commenced. The chair was occupied by Mr A. Bruce, on his right being the guest of the evening, while the vioe-chair was filled by Mr W. W. Robinson. Mr Bruce in a neat speech proposed the toast of health and prosperity to Mr Lyons in Australia. In the course of his remarks he referred in terms of praise to the high character that Mr Lyons held during his many years' connection with the sport-loving patrons of the community, and amid hearty cheers expressed the hope thab in bhe coming season his colb Too Soon would bear bhe "blue jackeb, whibe cap " to victory in at least one of the important races to be run on the Australian turf. Mr Lyons, in responding, said he felt deeply grateful for the kind remarks that had been made concerning himself, and the compliment paid him that evening. He had spent a great part of his life in Auckland, and he could honestly say that he was leaving it with the greatest regret, but he looked forward to returning at some future time. The other toasts were :— " Racing Interests," proposed by Mr J. Chad wick, and responded to by Mr J. Lennard; " The Local Tattersall's," by the Chairman and happily responded to by Messrs Brimblecombe, Blaikie, and May; " The Local Trainers," proposed by Mr M. Gallagher, responded to by Messrs J. Chaafe, M. Carmody, and G. Hope ; " Tho Press," by Mr W. W. Robinson, and responded to by Messrs' A. Bruce, A. Jackson, and J. Chadwick ; and "The Host," to which Mr M. Gallagher suitably replied. During the evening several songs and recitations were given, including Lindsay Gordon's "How we Beat the Favourite," and a thoroughly agreeable evening was brought to a conclusion before midnight by the company singing " Auld Lang Syne." It may be mentioned that the menu cards were most appropriate, the racing colours of Mr Lyons being stamped and printed on the title page. Mr Lyons leaves for Sydney by the s.s. Tarawera this evening, his racehorses Too Soon and Queenie being conveyed by the same boat.

Mr Lyons received the following telegram from Chrißtchurch this morning :— " The bookmakers of this city, haying lieard you are leaving Auckland, and going to Sydney to follow your business, are sorry you are leaving us, but wish you a safe passage and every success in your new home.—A. Drake."