MR ALAN SCOTT BANQUETTED.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 779, 4 February 1887, Page 24

MR ALAN SCOTT BANQUETTED.

♦ '(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) .Nelson, February 1. The banquet to Mr Alan Scott last night was a most successful affair, 160 being present, including the Bishop of Nelson, the leading citizens, and representatives from all parts of the district; also, Mr Brodie Hoare, and the railway party who were present at Brunnerton. The Mayor of Nelson presided, and proposed Mr Scott’s health in a highly complimentary speech. Mr Scott replied, and gave a sketch of his proceedings in London, and congratulated the people of the districts concerned in having shown that great public works could be carried out on commercial principles without going to Government for pecuniary aid. Mr Sclanders, the vice-chairman, proposed “ The Midland Railway Company,” coupled with the name of Mr Brodie Hoare, whose reply was the speeoh of the evening. He said, though ha left England with some misgivings, after seeing the country for himself he was perfectly convinced that the railway could be made right through and prove a great success. Ho bad been asked to state his iniprossious of New Zealand, and after travelling all over it be was convinced it was a country of immense wealth, but wants population, aud was far better suited to English immigrants than Canada with its snowy wiuters, and Australia with its torrid summers. Ho then described the prevalent impressions iu London about New Zealand ; that it was spread with political railways, that every Corporation had a loan, and that every place with a ditch andhorsepond must have a harbor; and that individuals were too fond of borrowing, the result being that New Zealand 4 per cents, honestly worth 106, were quoted at 95. He warned them very earnestly against floating bogus companies on the London market. He considered that New Zealand was a favorable field for the employment of capital, but it must be above suspicion. He leaves with most favorable impressions of the Colony. The proceeding! terminated after midnight.