PUBLIC DINNER

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume I, Issue 28, 24 October 1840, Page 2

PUBLIC DINNER

TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF BMtRETT's HOTEL. A numerous party of gentlemen set down to dinner on Thursday evening last, to celebrate the opening of the above commodious hotel. George Hunter, Esq., officiated as chairman, and Messrs John Wade and D. Riddiford as croupiers. Among those present we noticed: — Capt. Hodges, Major Hornbrook, W. Johnston, M. D., Dr. Taylor, Capt. Williams, Messrs. Guyton, Smith, J. and G. Wade, Riddiford, Lyon, Wadeson, Hair, &c. &c., and the whole of the commanders of the different vessels in port. The cloth being removed, The Chairman called upon the company to charge their glasses, and said, that upon the occasion of first meeting his brother settlers, he should have the pleasure to propose a toast which would command all their feelings of loyality and respect ; he meant that of the head of the Government of the mighty empire of Great Britain,' — Queen Victoria (loud cheers.) From the very interesting situation which she might be supposed to be in, he was sure the toast would meet with a hearty response from every manly bosom. If feelings of respect and loyalty for that illustrious personage could be measured by distance, he thought, that her Majesty could not have more loyal subjects, as she scarcely had more distant ones. After a few other observations, he gave " the Queen of Great Britain." (Toast drank with 3 times 3.) Air, — National anthem. Mr. John Wade, with the permission of the chairman, gave the health of "Prince Albert." —(3 times 3.) # Harp fantasia. Mr. Revans having been called upon by the chairman for the next toast, said, that he wished the subject he had the honor to propose had been put in hands better able to do it justice. The toast he had to submit was — " Her Majesty's Ministers, and may they all remember what they own to the people." He confessed, though sanguine generally, he entertained little hope in the government. To do so, would be bidding defiance to experience; but he had much reliance in the people, and feared not that they would obtain their rights if they pursued them steadily and with vigour. (The toast was drank with cheers.) 1 The Chairman again rose, and said he was i about to propose a very popular t'>ast in the mother country, and one which he was sure there would be no disagreement, no jealousy about here ; he. alluded to the "Navy and Army " (loud cheers.) He would give his reasons why he placed the junior branch first. That day was the 25th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar; one quarter of a century had elapsed since that memorable event which sent Nelson to Heaven covered with glory. On that day the genius of England triumphed over the combined fleets of France and Spain ; the maratime superiority of England was made manifest; and the peace of Europe established. He (the chairman) was old enough to remember that the whole defence of the empire was maintained by the bravery of her sailors. When he reflected that on that day twenty-five years, they were deprived of Horatio Nelson, who was an honour to England and to the human race, he could not help repeating the eulogium pronounced upon nim by Robert Southey: — "Thus terminated the briliant career of our peerless navdl hero, who was beyond all dispute, greemincnt in courage, in a department of the British service, where all our countrymen are proverbially courageous; who to unrivalled courage united" skill equally conspicuous and extraordinary ; who in consequence of these rare endowments, never led our fleets to battle ' that he did not conquer, and whose name wai

a tower of strength to England, and a terror to her foes " (cheers.) From having spoken thus of the navy, he (the chairman) sought not to disparage the merits of the army. On the contrary, he entertained the greatest respect for that branch of the service ; and there came a time when all their skill and energies were called into action, and they received their reward in the deserved applause of their fellow countrymen. He therefore begged to propose as a toast, " the Navy and Army" 03 times 3.) Air, — "Rule Britannia." The Chairman again presented himself, and said the toast he held in his hand would have been given by Col. Wakefield, who was prevented by indisposition from attending; it was that of "the health of the Lieut. Governor, and prosperity to the land we live in." They had all heard that Capt. Hobson was well disposed towards this settlement, and was desirous that his government should be marked with justice and liberality. With regard to the land we live in, he could only say, "here we are in New Zealand," and although they weie occasionly "blown up," he doubted not that by unity and perseverance they would all attain the objects they had in view. (The toast was drank with 3 times 3.) Song, " Home, sweet home," Mr. John Wade had a toast to propose which they would all do justice to. Th~y saw before them many who had risked their lives and fortunes in the prosecution of the laudable undertaking of colonizing New Zealand, and to carry civilization and all its concomitants into the remotest corner of the globe. In the person of " their worthy chairman, they had a convincing proof of this : he had not only risked his own life but that of his family in -the undertaking. They now saw before them the effect of colonization. They saw that which but a few months ago had been a wild and almost impenetrable forest, gradually giving way to the work of man, and in its place, their peaceful habitations were raising their heads. He regretted the absence of Col. Wakefield, the representative of the New Zealand Company, to whom the merit of carrying out this great work was due. He was sure the gallant Colonel was proud of having led the van in such an enterprize, and would have felt highly gratified at the results, of which they had a pleasing proof in their meeting in that room. All, therefore, who had at heart the prosperity of the Colony, would join him in drinking " the health of Colonel Wakefield, and success to the New Zealand Company." (Drank with 3 times 3, and "one cheer more.") Song. " Merry month of May." Mr. Guyton, in a neat speech/gave " the land of our f ithers " (loud cheers) " Auld lang syne, " harp accompaniment. Dr. Taylor pioposed " the health of George Hunter, Esq., their worthy chairman." As he was a gentleman highly respected and esteemed in the Colony for his many good qualities, hewas sure they would do honor to the toast. (Drank with musical honors, followed by loud applause.) The Chairman returned thanks. It would be affectation in him to deny lhat he did not feel and duly appreciate their kindness. His happiness would be greatly promoted in encouraging feelings of amity and good will amongst them, and he submitted that if tho-se feelings were followed out by the community at large, the interests of the Colony would be greatly promoted. He hoped to have many such occasions of meeting them, as it wculd always be a source of pleasure to him. Again thanking them for their kindness, he begged to drink all their healths. Song, " the fine old English gentleman. Mr. Revans, upon being called upon to propose " Sir George Gipps and Australia," said that his acquaintance with his Excellency's career before arriving in this part of the world, had led him not to entertain a very high opinion of his capacities, and he was greatly astonished to find him made a Governor, as he supposed upon the wisdom of his Canadian policy and merits of his Canadian report. There was something truly mean in Sir George Gipps' attacks in his Council, upon Mr. Papineau. He believed it arose from the feelings of spleen wh eh were created upon finding himself unable to trick Mr. Papinean, whose superior talents far surpassed those (good as they are) possessed by Sir George. The .outbreak in Canada was to be regretted, but the conduct of the British Government justified it, and had the efforts been successful, the world would have been of the same opinion. Though Mr. Papineau is much attacked, no charge has been made good against him. He is a highly gifted and honest man ; an excellent husband and father ;. and in every way an admirable member "of society. He would decline making inanyvobservations upon Sir George Gipps' Australian Government, as he was not sufficiently acquainted with Australian politics to do the subject j\istice. His Excellency appeared to be active, determined, and infinitely superior to the opinion he formerly entertained of his abilities. Upon Australia he would remark;- that though labouring under difficulties just now, he was convinced that the American vigour of her peopled character, combined with the extraordinary capabilities of the country, would quickly overcome them. That nothing but prosperity should attend the career of the sister Colony was, he was sure the most hearty wish of all New Zealand Colonists. (The toast was received with cheers.) Mr. John Wave, as an Australian by birth, returned thanks. If they went as far back as fifty years, they would remember that Australia was found, as it were, " slumbering in the main." How different a scene now presented itself to their view. The former desert was clothed witli good p.isturage and flocks and herds, which carried on their backs the source of wealth to colonies — wool. He trusted they looked forward to the same prospects; and he hoped the time was not far 'distant when the towering mansions of Britanna would rival those of their neighbours (cheers.) Capt. Hodges had. a toast to propose which he scarcely felt able to do justice to. However, what he was wanting in ability, he would com pensate by sincerity. The toast was that of Michael Murphy, Esq., and civil and religious liberity all over the world" (cheers.) They all knew and respected Mr. Murphy, for Ins conduct hitherto had been marked by a demeanour which deserved respect, "With regard to

the latter part of the toast, he would not at that hour of the evening, enlarge upon it, however much he might feel upon the subject. He trusted however, they would all join him in doing honour to the toast (cheers.) Song, " Safely follow him." Mr. Guyton called upon them to charge their glasses, as he had a toast to propose which was so intimately connected with themselves, that it needed but to be mentioned, to meet with their approbation. It was that of the " Commercial and Agricutural Interests of New Zealand." (3 times 3, and loud cheers.) The Chairman, in giving " the health of Mr. Barrett," said that they were all aware of the great services rendered by him to the New Zealand Company ; and he (the chairman) could not neglect this opportunity of making a public acknowledgement for such services. He spoke of Jn'm as a good and honest man, one whose character and whose demeanour they were no strangers to, and of whom they ought to be proud of. If it pleased God that Mr. Barrett should remain amongst them, he hoped they would all lend a helpittg hand to cheer and encourage him in the undertaking he had embark ed in. "The health of Mr. Richard Barrett, and family, and prosperity to them," was than drank with loud cheers. Dr. Taylor, at the request of Mr. Barrett, returned th inks. Song, " Rory O More," Capt. Le Grand. The Chairman would not allow the next toast to pass without bumpers from the company. He was quite sure that it would accord with the feelings of every man of gallantry. Need he mention that it was " the health of the pretty maids, merry wives, and buxom widows of Port Nicholson." (Loud cheers.) " Glee, — "here's a health to all good lasses." Capt. Hay gave " the whaling and marine interests of New Zealand." Song, "Lightof other days," Capt. Le Grand. Mr. Riddii-ord, gave "the Press." If that powerful engine was wielded in a proper way the greatest good would result from it ; and he thought that the press of Port Nicholson bid fair to rival that of the neighbouring Colonies. After a few other remarks, Mr. Riddiford gave "the Press of Port Nicholson" (cheers.) Mr. Revans returned thanks, and in a complimentary speech gave the " Compositors of New Ze.tland. " Mr. Yates acknowledged the kind manner in which Mr. Revans had been pleased to notice his endeavours, and it would be an additional inducement to make, if possible, still greater exertions. A compliment given so public, and and in such an unexpected manner, could not but be highly flattering to him. Mr. Bethune gave " the croupiers, Messrs. John Wade and Riddiford," and these gentlemen briefly returned thanks. Then followed the healths of "Dr. Evans and E. G. Wakefield, Esq." (Received with loud cheers.) The Chairman gave "the health of chief E. Pouni, and the Natives of Naw Zealand." Mr. Hair gave " ihe Captains of the vessels in port" (cheers.) Several other tu.ists followed, and the party broke up highly delighted with the unanimity of feeling which had been manifested. The dinner was laid out with great taste by Barrett's deputy (Thos. Elvidge,) and the whole arrangements were such as to reflect credit on the establishment.