THE BANQUET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 639, 29 November 1865, Page 6

THE BANQUET.

The ceremony of hying the ilrst stone having b'en completed, the eompmy adjourned t» a large iii'iwhich liad boon erectcd about thirty yards west ot' tho silc of tho now building; where tin elegant collation was s"rv>'(l by Air. Canning, of Shortlund Crescent. 1 lie mnrijiiee was about eighty feet in length by thirty feet in breadth, and cumulated to dine from 230 to 250 persons. Covers were laid for 212. The tables wero elegantly furnished, and adorned with vaees of flowers, and stands of elaborately ornamented confectionary. From the roof hung pennant-', with various national emblems; over the Pi-e.-idrnr.'s chair hung tho Union Jack, and flags of all nations were interspersed through the joists which supported tho canvas rooting. About the number for which accommodation hud been provided, eat down, r.'l gentlemen. His Hoyou the Superintendent occupied tho eliair; having on his right the i-iishop of Now Zealand; Colonel 31 • uld, U.K.; Captain Beckham, R.M. ; Colonel O'Hrien, lI.'T. ; Colonel Dwvor, Major Paul, and the Row AY. Lloyd ; on his left were j)rJTcuatt, the Rev. Superintendent Buddie, (Wesievm), 31 r. T. O. Pe.irce, 3lajor Gamble, Mr. 21 iigh 3lorrow, and Mr. JVBurgh Adams, Provim id Grand 31'isters of tho 3fasonic Lodges, I.C. 3fr. Robert Graham, lata Superintendent, and Mr. John "Williamson, also lato Superintendent, occupied the posts of honor at the end tables, surrounded by the Kngineer-in-Chief, Mr. Crawford, late Provincial Solicitor, mid a great number of intluential gentlemen. A large number of military ollieers were mingled with the company. Tho Rev. Mr. Biddik said grace, The very elegant and sumptuous repast saving been partaken of, tho usual toasts wero proposed and responded to (a report of which we are compelled to exclude for want of space), the company dispersed.— November 10.