THE RECEPTION OF MR BRYCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7864, 20 May 1886, Page 5

THE RECEPTION OF MR BRYCE.

[Per Press Association.] WANGANUI, Mat 19. The public reception of Mr Bryce was a great success. He was met at the Railway Station and welcomed by the Mayor, the Chairmen of the Wanganui and Waitotara Counties, members of public bodies, and the Reception Committee, on a platform specially erected for the purpose. The Mayor read an illuminated address from citizens and settlers, in the presence of a crowd estimated to be about 1500 people. Three cheers were given for Mr Bryce, who thanked the people most heartily for their expressions of genuine sympathy, and said he never entertained a doubt of success. It had been' predicted of him that he would return broken in fortune, broken in spirit, and utterly disinclined for ever re-entering public life again. In one respect the prediction might have come true. Had the case gone against him, he would assuredly have been broken in fortune, and he might have been depressed in spirit; hut neither Mr Eusden or any other living man could break his spirit, destroy his faith in his fellow-settlers, or his determination to do the best he could for the good of his country* He would rather he inclined to say, “ Bind up my wounds; give me another horse, and let me again plunge into the conflict.”

Amidst loud and continued cheering, Mr Bryce stepped down from the platform, accompanied by the Mayor, and entered a private carriage awaiting him, from which the horse was immediately unharnessed by a number of gentlemen present, who quickly attached ropes, and the two gentlemen were then drawn in triumph along the quay and up the avenue to the Rutland Hotel, accompanied by the crowd. Along the route flags and banners were hung out everywhere, and streams of bunting stretched across the avenue in the most conspicuous places, while a large motto, “ Welcome,” was erected in close proximity to the fountain.

The banquet to the Hon J. Bryqe in the Princess Theatre to-night was attended by about 150 people, and the gallery was crowded with ladies. Mr Bryce, on rising to respond to the toast of his health, proposed by the Mayor, was received with deafening cheers. Letters and telegrams expressing regret at not being able to he present were received from the Hon Mr Ballance and Messrs Samuels and J. G. Wilson, M.H.R.’s. Mr Bruce, M.H.E. for Rangitikei, was present, having come from Wellington on purpose, and conveyed to the meeting and Mr Bryce the congratulations and good wishes of his fellow members.