The Clutha Leader.'

Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 802, 12 May 1876, Page 6

The Clutha Leader.'

Our Balclutha contemporary changed hands lately, the origiual proprietors having disposed of their interest in the paper to a company, consisting of several residents in the township of Balclutba, and settlers in the surrounding district. Oil Tuesday night the employes were entertained at a banquet given by the old and new proprietors of the ' Leader,' and about thirty gentlemen, including several guests, who had been specially invited, sat down to a splendid repast, provided by Mr John Dunne, of the Newmarket Hotel. The table fairly groaned under the load of good things provided, and the large dining-room was veiy prettily decorated. Mr W". Maitland officiated as chairman, and Mr J. Watt, of Kaihiku, as vice-chairman. After the usual loyal toustsjiad. been disposed of, Mr J. Watt, iv a brief speech, proposed — " The health of the employes of the ' Clutha Leader,' " coupled with the name of the Editor, Mr J. S. Flemiug. Mr Fleming, in the course of his response to the toast, said that in the whole course of his experience on the Press, he had never met a more reliable lot of men, 'who could work better together than the present employes of the ' Clutha Leader.' He did not know another office in the Colony where the men worked so earnestly, individually, and collectively to carry on the business of the paper. Mr Fleming concluded his speech with a reference to the past career and future prospects of the ' Leader.' Mr John M'Xeil said he rose to propose the toast of the evening — " The new proprietors of the ' Leader,' " saying that the old proprietors s. wished, the new ones every success. Mr W. Tosh responded to the toast, saying that the new company expected to be successful in their enterprise. Mr Matthew Patterson proposed — " The old proprietors," and remarked that the success of the paper was due to their energy. Mr John Dunne responded, and expressed his regret at the of Dr Smith, who hid been suddenly called away to attend a patient at Port Molyneux. Had Dr Smith been present, he would have responded to the toast in a far abler manner than he (Mr Dunne) could. After alluding to the starting of the paper, Mr Dunne said that it was now in good bauds, and he wished it every success. Mr M'Oweu proposed — ;( The commercial interests of Balclutha." There had been considerable depression for some time, but he thought there was a good time coming. Mr li. Grigor responded, saying that he had been called upon to speak to this toast so Qften, that he thought someone else should have a turn. lie, for one, would always do all in his power to forward the interests of the district. Mr 11. Hogg proposed — "The banking interests," and remarked that many persons in the place had received great assistance, from those institutions. Mr llitchie, of the Colonial Bank, responded. Mr Farrer proposed — " The agricultural interests," coupled with the name o.f Mr John M'Xcil. Mv M'Neil, iv responding, expressed a hope ) that the existing depression would soon clear away, for everything seemed to be well when the farmers were in a good position. The other toasts were — " The ladies," proposed by Mr Patterson, aud responded to by Mr Xicholls ; " The Press," proposed by Mr Stewart, aud responded to by the Editor of the B«ucJß Herald ; " The chairman an.cl

vice-chairman," and " The host and hostess." All the toasts were drunk in an enthusiastic manner, and during the evening Mr Reunert and others sang some good songs.