BANQUET TO DR. MCARTHUR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 297, 22 December 1897, Page 2

BANQUET TO DR. MCARTHUR.

Last evening Dr. McArthur, M.A LL.D., head-master of Queen's College' Ponsonby Road, wns given a banquet at; the Metropolitan Hotel by the present and past pupils of the College. The doctor is retiring from the teaching profession to resume the practice of law, he having been a barrister of the Supreme Court oi New Zealand for the past ten years. Mrs Gallagher served up a capital repast, the menu being choice and varied. Mr W. Jagger (an old pupil) presided. After the toast of "The Queen and the Royal Family " had been honoured, the Chairman presented Dr. McArthur with a handsome illuminated, address printed at tlie " Star" Office. The Chairman referred to the influence which Dr. McArthur had wielded over the pupils, and his earnest endeavours to fit them tor the battle of life.

The following is the text of the address :—

"Auckland, 21st December, 1897. Dr. McArthur, M.A., LL.D., Queen's College", Auckland. Dear sir,—We, the undersigned scholars, who have enjoyed the benefits ot your tuition, desire on the occasion of your relinquishing scholastic duties to take this opportunity of expressing our strong appreciation of your many kindnesses and the thoroughness of your atten-' tions. It is pleasing to note the high positions held by many of our schoolfellows in this city, and we consider that their advancement is almost entirely due to the careful training they received under you. We have no doubt that you will meet with every success as a legal practitioner, and that the same marked ability which ha 9 distinguished you in the teaching profession will ensure your gaining an honoured place in your new vocation. Wishing yourself and Airs McArthur good health, long life, and the compliments of the season, we are, dear sir, yours sincerely, W. Jagger, hon. sec."

Mr G. D. .Ingall proposed the toast " The Guest of the Evening." He said ha was glad he had placed his sons at the college. He wished Dr. McArthur every success in his legal career, and that with, his wife he might be prosperous and happy. The toast was heartily drunk, accompanied with musical honours.

Dr. McArthur received an ovation on rising to reply. He said that he thanked them all for the kindly words about himself, and also about his wife. He hoped in the legal profession to hold as high a position as he had done in the teaching world.

A number of other toasts were honoured, including " The Masters," responded to by Mr C. Major, M.A. .-"Past and Present Scholars,", responded to by Mr R. Spratt; "The Visitors," responded to by Messrs Gerard and S. H. Hanna.

It has been decided to form an Old Boys' Association" in connection with Queen's College.