BANQUET TO MR CADMAN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1248, 30 January 1896, Page 35

BANQUET TO MR CADMAN.

Thames, January 22. The Hon A. J. Cadman, Minister of Mines, was entertained at a banquet to-night at the Royal Hotel in recognition of the warm interest he has ever shown in the welfare and prosperity of the mining industry. The arrangements had been entrusted to a committee consisting of Messrs Bruce, Smith, Greenslade, Burch, Coutts, Dunlop, Radford, Quin and Clark, and were faultlessly carried out. There were 85 gentlemen present, and the function was the most successful of its kind that has ever been held at the Thames. The Major (Mr Radford) presided, and was supported on the right by the Hon Mr Cadman, and on the left by Mr James McGowan, M.H.R. Among-st those present were Mr Wm. Kelly, M.H R., Hon W. McCullough, M.L.C., Mr H. A.. Gordon, Warden Kenny and Mr B. M. Wilson. The toast of "Our Guest" (Mr Cadman) was received with the greatest enthusiasm. It was proposed by the Mayor, Mr Radford, in a'neat speech, in the course of which he referred in most eulogistic terms to Mr Cadman, and the able and untiring manner in which he had laboured to promote the best interests of the mining industry, not only throughout the peninsula, but also the whole Colony. Mr Cadman's response was becomingly modest, the hon gentleman, whose speech was very brief, merely stating that he was gratified that his efforts had been so much appreciated. Mr Theo. Wood proposed " The Legislative Council and the House of Representatives," paying a high tribute to both Houses of Parliament. The Hon W. McCullough responded on behalf of tho Council, making one of the best speeches of the evening, while Mr Kelly replied for the House of Representatives. The other toasts were as follow : —■'* The Member for the Thames," proposed by Mr Cadpian, responded to by Mr McGowan ; "The Ministry of New Zealand," proposed by the Hon Mr McCullough. and responded to by the Hon Mr Cadman in a lengthy speech, in which he reviewed the Liberal legislation of the last two or three years, especially that in regard to labour matters. He also referred to the fact that in many country electorates the opinion was being expressed that the Government should go in for a loan, and said that even if such a course were eventually decided upon by the country it was almost certain that the money would be obtained at a lower rate of interest than hitherto. Various other toasts were duly honoured, and the proceedings terminated with great enthusiasm about ] a.m.