FUNCTION AT THE BEALEY.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13109, 7 May 1908, Page 8

FUNCTION AT THE BEALEY.

SIMULTANEOUS SPEECH-MAKING

On Tuesday morning, when it wos, ascertained that the Waimakariri at tho Bealey was impassable, and that there was absolutely no hope that coaches would bo ablo to get through it, the Canterbury representatives made up therr minds to make the best of things, and tho members of tho Chamber of Commerce Midland Railway Committee decided to hold a function that would synchronise with that a.t Otira. Mr O'Maliey'e capacious dining Toom was placed at their disposal, and hero all and sundry congregated at the appointed time, and the sdnrultaneous speechifying was proceeded with. There wore, about forty present, including Bishop Grimes and Mrs It. J. Seddon. The Hon. C. Louisson presided. * The Chairman, in opening tho proceedings, said that ho thought, in tho circumstances, they could be very grateful that they had fallen on such favourable quarters. TELEGRAMS OF SYMPATHY. Tho toast of "Tho King" having been honoured, tho Chairman read tho following telegrams:— •'Exceedingly soTry that the weather is so bwd that it prevents you getting through. My ono regret is that tlu l ceremony cannot bo put off to enable our Christchtirch friends to be with us, but I am afraid, from present appearance, that you will bo unable to get through to-day. Please convey my regrets and kindest wislies to aid who are with you.— J. G. Ward." Sir Joseph telegraphed as foHows ta 31rs Seddon:— "Exceedingly sorry you aro unable to. be with us. My only regret is that the function cannot <be put off to enable the Christchurch party to arrive. Mrs Moriee and Tom are with us. Kindest regards,— J. G. Ward." Mr D. J. Evans, secretary of tho WesiJand " Railway League, telegraphed to Mr Quane:—"Premier just driven in pelting rain for tunnel mouth ta accompaniment of hearty cheers. Afraid very modest crowd to witness ceremony. Many thanks for your cordial telegrams; which are greatly appreciated, feeling that though not hero in person, *& your spirits are about, and giving ur tho enthusiasm to defy tho elements. Hope clouds coon roUby and that cheering prospects of future which railway will give East and West coasts will gladden our hearts so that we may appreciate only the silver lining, and that there will be but ono feeling, β-nd that of thankfulness, for the occasion of to-day's ceremony." Apologies were received from tho Hons. O. C. Bo wan and H. F. Wigram, Messrs W.Devenish iMeares, George Humipihreys, G. W. Russell, IS. Hogg, Geo. Laurenson, 31.P., T. H. Davey,. 31 P., Geo .Witty, M.P., 11. Heaton Rhodes, M.P.. A. L. Parsons. F. "Waymouith, and CM. Gray, 31.P.