THE DINNER.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 2, Issue 88, 28 May 1859, Page 3

THE DINNER.

Unfortunately, Napier contains no apartment in which could be accommodated, so large a party as that which would have assembled to meet the Governor, had circumstances afforded them the opportunity. The tickets for disposal, but 30 in number, were at once taken, while application above application had to bo met with a refusal. Shortly after five p. li. on Wednesday, the parly, thirty live in ail, sat down to dinner in the large room recently attached to the Golden Fleece, and now used as a council chamber. The chair was occupied by His Honor the Superintendent, support oi on tiie right by liirf Excellency tiu Governor, and on the left by Coloucl Wyatt, commander of tlie detachment bialioned in Napier. Tne vice-chair was (iil^d by J. D. Oriuond Esq., Speaker of the Provincial Council, on whose right and left respectively were placed D. McLean Esq. the Kative Lund turchase Commistiioiiei 1 , and J. McMullen Esq., the Inspector of the Union Bank. Tlie cloth having been removed, the chairman gave in succession the toasts of "Tiie (iueen :i and "Tha Prince Consort and the Royal Fmniry" both of which were received with wonted, expressions of loyalty — tlie company, in response to the former, sinking "God save the Queen." The Chaiuman had not, he said, got quite accustomed lo ins novel position a? Superintendent, aud, on Ins nrst public appearance in that capacity, and on such an oucasiou, he craved the indulgence ot' the company. In rising to propose tiie tou»c of the evening, he would allude to the deep debt of gratitude under winch this Province lay to his iixoellency, not only for hia very prompt response to the prayer of its settlers for separation, but because he had never omitted an opportunity of fostering the interests of the people of Hawke. He would beg to say that, not only were the feelings of loyalty and respect as ardent in the bosoms of the inhabitants of Hawke's Bay towards the representative of Majesty as in any other portion of the British dominions, — but that a stul stronger feeling of gratitude and friendship animated and warmed their hearts towards the person of his Excellency. He would say no more, as his Excellency's time was limited — the steamer starting in course of two or three hours — but would at once give the "Health of Governor Browne." — The toast, we did not say, was drank with great enthusiasm. ' The Goveenor rose, and, after the subsidence of the hearty cheers Which greeted his rising, said that he had been cordially received in every settlement and Province of New Zealand, but in none with a more hearty and friendly feeling than that which had characterised Mb reception by the settlers of this infant province. He felt very greatsatisfaction and gratification in joining the pleasant company he saw around him ; and as he saw near him most of the gentlemen forming the Proyincial

Council, he would tate the opportunity of expressing his high approbation of their preliminary proceedings, evincing a desire to work together with unanimity and zeal- for the general good. There was a subject upon which the people of this district felt deeply interested — the acquisition of native, land. (Cheers.) He had that day been out on the beautiful Ahuriri plains — plains which contained many square miles of the finest agricultural soil. True, much of the available land was stiil in the hands of the natives ; still, a goodly amount of acreage was in the hands of settlers and the government, and he nothing doubted that, with the indomitable Anglo-Saxon energy common to British colonists, the infant province of Hawke's Bay would speedily expand, and grow in material wealth and prosperity. Indeed it had done so in a wonderful manner these four years past. TVith reference to the beautiful plains already alluded to, and land held by natives generally within the province, he had always felt the greatest anxiety to see the native title to it extinguished ; and he had now given express instructions to the Chief Land Purchase Commissioner (who would remain for some time in the province,) to use every effort to accomplish this object. (Immense cheering.) With these plains once in the hands of the government, he knew of no settlement in New Zealand, save perhaps' Canterbury, that could compete with this. (Much cheering.) He could only add in conclusion that, not only while he remained in New Zealand, but after the expiry of his term of office, — that wherever he might be, he should always watch with interest and pleasure the progress of Napier. Seeing many old Indian settlers amongst them he would conclude with the Asiatic sentiment so well known to them, and which expressed his own feelings so truly, — "May your garners ever be full, and your shadows never be less." His Excellency resumed his seat amidst loud and prolonged cheering.

"The Army and Navy" was the next toast from the chair. It was appropriately responded to by Colonel Wyatt and Captain Newman respectively.

De. Eng-iish proposed the health of Mr. Com" missioner Me Lean, which was received with grea* applause.

D. M c Lean Esq., in returning thanks, said tliat he had been informed that the only toasts of the evening were to be the usual loyal ones, including that of their distinguished guest, His Excellency the Governor. Being therefore quite unprepared to have his health proposed, he hoped the company would not expect a long speech from him in reply ; indeed long speeches after dinner were quite uncalled for. He would briefly observe that there was one topic which appeared to be uppermost in the minds of the settlers of this Province, and that was the acquisition of native lands. It was true that all participated in the desire to attain this object but it was necessary not to be over anxious or too sanguine about it. There were various difficulties to be encountered by Officers of the Land Purchase Department of which many present might not be aware, and which unfortunately he had not frequent opportunities of making known. It was very natural for newly arrived settlers, looking upon extensive and valuable tracts of land still lying unproductive in the hands of the natives, to cast reflections upon the Officers whose duty it was to purchase lands, and on the Government generally for apathy and neglect in the matter. Such feelings were quite pardonable on the part of strangers, who could not be expected to comprehend the intricacies in which the land question is always involved, but particularly where the natives are indisposed to sell. There were many old settlers present who could appreciate these difficulties. He also saw many new faces (who he hoped would soon be joined by many more ) to whom lie felt pleasure m making these "explanations. His Excellency's instructions to him were to use every exertion to extinguish the native title, whenever and wherever it could be done with a due regard to the interests of all parties concerned ; it wouirl not however avail much, nor would it be prudent, to be too ha^ty with, the natives in such matters. Moreover, lie thought the settlers of Ahuriri had less to complain of than they really imagined, inasmuch as they had a greater extent of good land in possession than any other province in this Island, which lands when improved would be fully adequate to the requirements of the place for some lime to come. It had been said in soms parts of New Zealand that he might have acquired such and such tracts of valuable land years ago. Very true ! but at what cost? Why at such an enormous price as would have rendered the acquisition absurd — a price at which the Government could never have hoped to realise auythmg near the cost ; and he felt sure that no one would have supported the Government in making so unpron'table a speculation. He would only repeat in conclusion — and he had no hesitation in doing so in His Excellency's presence — that it was the anxious, desire of the general Government to extinguish the native title as expeditiously as possible. Funds were provided for the purpose ; and he could not therefore admit the charge of apathy and negligence so frequently brought against the Government. For himself, hd felt as anxious as any settler present to have the lands purchased, but only when it could be done consistently with the peace of the country and on equitable terms ; and he would continue as heretofore to exert himself to attain this object as opportunity offered. Indeed, he might truly say that he felt as one of themselves on this and every other subject relating to the prosperity of the Province, in which he had as a settler cast his lot, as it had long been his intention to settle amongst them, and he hoped to end his days in tliß Province of Hawke's Bay. ( Great cheering. )

. Donald Me- Lean Esq. proposed the health ■ of the Superintendent and the Provincial Council. He stated that as one of the guests of the evening, it gave him much pleasure to propose this toast. It was gratifying on the first visit of His Excellency to find the Council of this infant Province inaugurated during his administration in full session ; carrying on its deliberations and duties in a practical, business-like, manner, with an ap parent determination on the part of members to perform their public duties with cordiality and good will, sinkiDg all private differences for the public good. He hoped that the spirit wMch

characterised their early proceedings ■would always continue. As far as they had already gone they were an example to many of the older provinces. He congratulated His Honor and the members of :the Council on the unanimity and harmony which prevailed, and which it was hoped would never be disturbed by any personalities on the part of those among them who were devoting their time to promote the public interests. It was always "well, when there was occasion for differences of opinion that measures and not men should be the subjects of fair criticism. (Much cheering) The toast was briefly acknowledged by the Chairman. Joseph Khodes Esq., after permission obtained from the Chairman, proposed the toast ' Mrs. Gore Browne and the Ladies,' which was drank with rapturous enthusiasm and musical honors. His Excellency, in a few feeling words, returned thanks for Mrs. Gore Browne. He added that as be had just been warned that the hour had come for separation, he would take the opportunity of bidding the gentlemen present good night, and as it was manifestly impossible for him to shake hands with, each individual, he would do so collectively in spirit, and Jliank them all cordially, for the very pleasant evening he had passed. His Excellency and suite then left the room* and were accompanied to the place of embarkation by his Honor the Superintendent and several other gentlemen.