BANQUET TO MR. McCURDY AT PAPAKURA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8477, 30 January 1891, Page 6

BANQUET TO MR. McCURDY AT PAPAKURA.

A banquet was given by the directors of the Public Hall at Papak lira to Mr. McCurdy, on the "21st instant, as an acknowledgment of his valuable services so freely and generously given in the erection of the fine building lately opened. A sumptuous repast was provided in the upper room by Mrs. Lynch, of the Globe Hotel, due provision being made for abstainers by temperance drinks. About half-past eight p.m., 72 guests sat down at a well-arranged cable, at which the Rev. T. Norrie presided, and Mr. James Walker was vice chairman. An apology was received by the chairman from Mr. Frauk Coulthard regretting his absence through domestic affliction, but approving strongly of the object of the meeting, Grace having been said by the chairman, and due justice having been done to the loaded table, the chairman gave in succession the following toasts in suitable terms -.—"The Queen," and as a response the whole company joined in singing God Save the Queen. Then "'Mr. and McCurdy, the guests of the evening," w;us given in very complimentary terms, when reference was made to their popularity and readiness to help in every good cause in the district, and especially the eminent services rendered to the people of Papakura in getting the new hall. Mr. McCurdy responded on behalf of himself and his wife, anil thanked the company for their kind expressions towards himself and family. Song, He a jolly good fellow " ".Success and prosperity to the llall" was then given, when the hope was again expressed that the advantage ot social intercourse and healthful recreation and instruction may thus be more lully supplied. Mr. Evans responded, and ably defended Papakura from being reckoned a " one horse place." The chairman also gave the toast " Mr. and Mrs. Fox," and paid a well deserved compliment to them, and expressed regret for losing their help in the social circle, by their leaving the district. Mr. Fox suitably responded. " The Ladies " was ably given by Mr. King in laudatory terms, and responded to by Mr. 1. J. Cole in a neat speech. " The Directors." by Mr. Way, responded to bv Mr. J. Walker., "The Lady .Shareholders, 1 ' by Mr. G. K. Willis, responded to by Mr. A. Fall well. "The Contractor," Mr" Treadgold, responded to by Mr. Foster in his absence. "The Hostess," by Mr. Wallace, responded to by Mr. E. 1). McLennan; and finally " The Chairman," in eulogistic terms, was proposed by Mr. J. Walker, and suitably responded to, and all these toasts were duly attended to by the largo and festive company, who then mostly adjourned to the lower hall, where dancing was kept up with great spirit until the small hours of the following morning by a party of 71 in number. The music was supplied by Mr. C. F. Hannken, and the ex eras were played by several ladies on the Hall piano. "Mr. G. Willis acted as M.C. The whole meeting was a great success.—[Own Correspondent.]