FAREWELL SUPPER TO MR. G. W. NICHOL.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1897, 4 September 1874, Page 2

FAREWELL SUPPER TO MR. G. W. NICHOL.

As we briefly noticed in yesterday's issue, Mr G. W. Nichol was entertained to supper by a number of his friends, previous to his departure frbm Greymouth, where, as a partner in the firm of Hamilton and Nichol, he has resided for the last seven years. Between 40 and 50 gentlemen sat down, and apologies were made for the absence of others. E. S. Lapham, Esq., manager of the Bank of New Zealand, occupied the chair, and H. Kenrick, Esq., acted as croupier. The Chairman gave the toast cf " The Queen and Royal Family," which, in this loyal and patriotic community, was warmly and heartily responded to by all present. The Chairman, in rising to propose the toast of the evening — "The health of Mr j G-. W. Nichol"— said that a more worthy and a better citizen could not be found. He had given his time aud attention to matters connected with the Borough while acting as a Councillor : and had taken ;i leading part in every public matter that had for its object the advancement cf Greymouth, and while never neglecting his own duties had, nevertheless, rendered invaluable services to the whole community. Amongst other matters he had taken a great interest in founding the Greymouth Jockey Club, and mainly to him was to be attributed its success. In fact, whatever Mr Nichol undertook to do was well done, and the Greymouth public would suffer much by his removal from their midst. He became acquainted with Mr Nichol six or seven years ago, and the friendship then formed and cemented during those years would last as long as he (Mr.Lapham) lasted. Warm friendship existed between those seated round the table, and Mr Nichol and they, he had no doubt, entertained the same feelings that their respect and friendship for him would be enduring. Some years since they bad to regret the ill fortune that had befallen Mr Nichol, when nearly all his property was destroyed by fire ;* but that event had proved to them that he (Mr Nichol) was a man who could bear up under misfortune, and possessed spirit and enterprise which had ensured him success. He felt deeply that Mr Nichol was leaving Greymouth, and regretted much his ldtjs. No doubt the toast would have been proposed in better and more set terms, but he could assure Mr Nichol and the company, that no one could propose it with greater sincerity or more heartfelt feeling. He would call on all present to drink a bumper to the health of Mr. and Mrs Nichol. The toast was enthusiastically drank, three times three being given for Mr Nichol, and three cheers for Mrs Nichol and family. Mr Nichol, in feeling appropriate remarks, thanked the Chairman and his numerous friends for the cordial manner in which they had drunk his health. He could almost have wished that the Chairman had not said so much in commendation as he had, because when he sa<v so many friends around him, met for the purpose of bidding him good-bye ; he was inclined to regret the circumstances that necessitated him leaving Greymouth. There were always changes taking place in these Colonies, and he had himself removed several times from place to place, but he could tell them that he never experienced a change so keenly as the present. But although he was about to be separated from a large circle of friends, the feelings he entertained towards them would always exist. There was no doubt we were a pushing go-ahead community, and worked unitedly for the general commanwealth, therefore he could not claim for himself any special merit or more honor in endeavoring to promote the advancement of Greymouth than what belonged to the gentlemen seated round the table. They all endeavored to better their fortune, and for that purpose had formed themselves into a band to promote the public interests, and to assist in large enterprises for the development of the resources of the district. He felt sure they had succeeded, and he was glad of it. He felt somewhat like Moses — they were just reaching the boundary of the promised land, aud he was not to be permitted to enjoy it. In travelling through the Colony lately he could observe the great need that existed for coal, and the extensive market open to receive it. Here we had an unlimited supply of that important article, and all that we required was the removal of the obstruction to shipping at the bar — a matter he trusted would soon be remedied. He again thanked them for the kind and cordial manner in which they had received the toast. Mr Kenrick proposed " The Banking Interest of Greymouth," coupled with the name of Mr Lapham, paying that gentleman a high compliment for the manner in which he had assisted public enterprise. He stated that it was in a great measure owing to the speculative and enterprising character of Mr Lapham that the resources of the district had been developed, and therefore he deserved the thanks of the commuuity. He wished them to drink the toast in a bumper. Drank accordingly Mr Lapham, in an unique and humorous speech, thanked them for the honor done to the banking interest. The Commercial, Shipping, Mining, and other interests, were duly proposed, toasted, and responded to. The hilarity of the evening was much enhanced by several gentlemen singing capital songs. After a parting glass with Mr Nichol, and the company singing " Auld Lang Syne," one of the most agreeable and social meetings ever held in Greymouth broke up.