COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET AND PRESENTATIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9510, 4 September 1891, Page 6

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET AND PRESENTATIONS.

Last night Mr John Barrett, who is leaving for a trip to the Old Country tomorrow, was entertained at a complimentary banquet given by a number of bis friends to mark their respect for him and to wish him bon voyage. The large diningroom at Burke’s Family Hotel was well filled, over fifty gentlemen and a few ladies being present. Mr Burke’s catering was in his best style, and the floral decorations were very pretty. Mr James Shand, J.P., presided, and was supported on his right by the guest of the evening and Mr H. H. Lougbnan, and on his left by Messrs A. Buckley, J.F., and J. Bcanlan. The croupiers were Messrs W. C. Hill and W. Hoban. The excellent repast concluded, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were honoured. The health of“ Our Guest, Mr Barrett,” was proposed by the Chairman in felicitous terms. On behalf of a number of friends, he asked Mr Barrett to accept a handsome silver-mounted pipe and a walking-stick made of New Zealand honeysuckle, with an inlaid handle of several other ornamental native woods. The gifts were to enable Mr Barrett to remember his friends in his adopted land during .his stay at Home, and were not given for their intrinsic value. ,Mr Hoban also, on behalf of the young men of Mr Barrett’s acquaintance, presented him with two volumes, viz.. Hood’s Works and “Picturesque Ireland,” as a memento of their esteem for him. All joined in drinking Mr Barrett’s health, and in wishing him a pleasant journey and safe return. Mr Barrett replied in feeling terms. The other toasts were “ Our Adopted Home,” “The Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Interests,” “The Ladies,” “The Press,” “ Our Host" and “ The Chairman.” Songs were given by Misses Bryant, Barrett and Heyward, Messrs Hoban, Morris, M’Namara and others, and a very pleasant evening was closed with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.”