DINNER TO MR. LARNACH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9137, 20 August 1888, Page 6

DINNER TO MR. LARNACH.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

Wellington, Sunday. A COMPLIMBNTAKY banquet was given last evening at Bellamy's by the goldfields' members to the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., late Minister of Mines, on the eve of his departure from New Zealand for Victoria. There were about thirty present, including several invited guests. Mr. R. Seddon presided, and was supported on his right by the guest of the evening and the Hon. E. Richardson ; and on his left by the Hon. G. F. Richardson, Minister of Mines, and the Hon. P. A. Buckley. Among those present were Colonel Fraser, Messrs. Cadman, Feldwick, Lance, Anderson, J. McKenzie, Duncan, J. C. Brown, Grimmond, Kerr, O'Conor, Ward, R. H. 4 t 6Tßarst ) A dnr^^S^«?^^ OT i^^ff*o Zealand. Apologies were received from the J Hon. Thos. Fergus, Minister of Justice, and Mr. Pyke. Telegrams were read from the Inangahua County Council expressing regret at Mr. Larnach's departure, ana stating that in him they lost a sincere and earnest advocate of the mining interests of the colony ; and from Mr. Malfroy, C. E. of Rotorua, saying that as an old miner of 1853 he desired to have his name subscribed to the address to be presented to Mr. Larnach. The Chairman proposed the toast of " Our Guest," and in a characteristic speech referred to the valuable services Mr. Larnach had rendered the mining industries of the colony. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. In responding, Mr. Larnach referred to his mining experience, and also stated that he would fulfil his duties as a member for the term of the present parliament. His constituents had offered to reelect him if he would come over during session time, but as to that he could say nothing at present. The illuminated address from the miners of Kumera was then presented to Mr. Larnach in an appropriate speech, and the recipient feelingly acknowledged the compliment. Colonel Fraser and Mr. R. H. Reeves expressed regret at the illuminated addresses from the miners of the Thames and Inangahua not having arrived, but they would be to hand in a day or two. Mr. Cadman and Colonel Fraser delivered speeches, in which they expressed their gratitude to Mr. Larnach for the interest he had taken in the mining industry of their respective districts, and the good feeling entertained towards him by the mining population. All of the members present made short speeches expressive of goodwill to Mr. Larnach, and wishing him every success in his new sphere of life in Victoria. The re-union was a great success. I