COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO MR. H. F. GRAY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10636, 21 April 1900, Page 4

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO MR. H. F. GRAY.

On the occasion of the departure of Mr Henry F. Gray, of Waiaora, who has been a prominent farmer and connected with several public bodies, a dinner was given in his honour at Scott's Junction Hotel, Rangiora, on Thursday evening. Mr M. Macfarlane occupied the chair, and Mr J. Stevenson the vice chair, and the twentyfour present represented the . legislature, the bench, the bar, and banking, commercial, industrial, and farming industries. The toast of "the Queen" having been honoured, Mr A. S. Clarkson explained that the attendance was affected by the function having been adjourned, and he now read excuses from Messrs J. W. Foster (President of the Northern A. and P. Association), D. Macfarlane. R. Dalziel, F. Courage, P. C. Threlkeld, E. R. Good, F. C. Tipping, J. Johnston, J. FrizzeU, E. Storer, W. O. Rutherford, H. Englebrecht, F. Horrell, G. Shorland, T. McDonald, R. Liggett, G. B. Starky, and E. Parnham.

Mr R. Moore, proposing the Army, Navy and Volunteers, referred to the success of tho latter in actual warfare, and said he hoped that the Government would now see that the volunteers were encouraged and helped to obtain practice in shooting.

Captain Helmore, who replied, said the success of irregular troops in the African war showed that the efforts of the public of New Zealand had been well directed, yet

he regretted that- at last Easter some of tlie tradesmen in Christchurch, he was told, declined to give their men who were volunteers, a day away on Saturday for the volunteer camp. The, Chairman, in proposing the toast of the guest, amid cheers, said that few knew Mr Gray better and he appreciated the very great help that gentleman had been to their Farmers' Society. He wished Mr Gray a happy voyage and a safe return. As a successful colonist Mr Gray had set them an excellent example, and by his advice and< means had helped to demonstrate what good farming was. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Mr Gray, in reply, acknowledged tlie kind words of the chairman, and went on to say that if they only continued to keep up the prestige of "the society, they would perform a real State service. * There was a direction in which some progress might be made— it was in holding the annual stock show in autumn. Perhaps an apology should be made for mentioning this, since his motion for that change was lost by a large majority; but he was fully confident that if the small farmers were to be interested, it would be by holding the exhibition when they could best send stock, without the necessity of bestowing additional work in preparing the animals for the judge's ring. For the present, it was those who had large flocks and big herds who were able to show. It did not suit small farmers to get up their stock in spring, but in autumn they were naturally in fine order. The northern part of Canterbury was well suited for such a show, and it was

his opinion it would be profitable to the Agricultural Society. This was unquestionably the finest country in the world for pastoral and agricultural productions; but without entering on politics, he would say

he hoped Mr Buddo. M.H.R., would keep a restraining hand on the party to which he belonged, in order that it might always be said that the farmer could enjoy the climate and productions without being goaded by the tax collector. He thanked them all for the manner in which the toast had been honoured. Mr W. Buss proposed, "The General Assembly,' Mr Buddo, M.H.R., replying. Mr D. Dick proposed, "Success to the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association," to which Messrs E. D'Auvergne and J. Stevenson responded. Mr J. 0, Jones proposed, "Tlie Ladies," and Mr A. Home replied. "The Press" was proposed by Mr A. S. Clarkson, Messrs J. L. Wilson and C. I. Jennings responding. Mr Buss proposed "The North Canterbury Co-opera-tive Store Company," for which Messrs E. W. Relph and Clarkson replied. Mr Buddo gave the toast of "The Host," which was acknowledged by Mr Mark Scott. Mr H. F. Gray proposed "The Chairman." Several songs were -sung during the evening, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne"* and the National Anthem concluded a plfjasant gathering. •