BANQUET TO VISITING REPRESENTATIVES.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4389, 21 June 1901, Page 5

BANQUET TO VISITING REPRESENTATIVES.

Yesterday evening AlhiLsters entertained at dinner, in Bellamy’s Rooms, Parliamentary Buildings, the members of the Ducal staff, the visiting politicians from Australia, and the visiting journalists, to the number of over a hundred. The Premier presided, and was .supported on the right by Sir Donald V allace, and on the left by Air Vincent, representative of tho London ■■Times’’ ■ while the vice-chairs were filled by Sir Joseph G. Ward, K.C.AI.G., and the Hon W. C. Walker, C.AI.G., respectively. Among the guests present were the Duke of lloxburghe, Viscount Crichton. Sir John Anderson, Hons AlcGregor and Taverner, of Victoria, and ethers. Tho toast of “Tho King” having been duly honoured, the Premier nest proposed "The Duke and Ducho.ss of Cornwall and York and other Members of the Royal Family.” He expressed the pleasure which all New Zealanders felt at having representatives of Royalty among them, and said that the Duke of York would bo able to go Homo and say that he everywhere found tho colonies most loyal, and nowhere any trace of a desire to “cut the painter." Whoa the Duke came to the throne, he would enter upon his high office with a wider and more accurate knowledge of all parts of the Empire, and all classes of his subjects, than any other monarch had possessed. They would have liked to keep the Duke and Duchess longer here; but as they must go. he could only hope that they would carry away witn them pleasant recollections of New Zealand and its people. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, os was that of “Kis Excellency tho Governor" latter with musical honours. The Premier nest proposed “The Navy and the British Forces,” coupled with the names of Captain Eouth, Colonel Byron and Colonel Pitt. Mr Scddon remarked th.at tho British Navy being our first lin e of defence, it was necessary, in order to keep pace with growing developments, that the Australasian Squadron should bo strengthened, and that the colonics should be prepared, as they undoubtedly were, to “Pay, pay, pay.” The South African War had proved that tho British forces, including the colonial, were possessed of the necessary stamina to fight the battles of the Empire. Tho colonial volunteers had shown that they were no mere feather-bed soldiers, but were prepared to undertake the dangers and rough work of campaigning. The review of 18,000 troops at Christchurch on Alonday next would demonstrate that Now Zealand possessed men in abundance, while the muster of cadets would show that the youths of the colony were being trained for the work of defence.

The three gentlemen coupled with the toast replied in stirring speeches. Captain R.-uth said the Australasian Squadron was quite ready to give a good account of itself in an encounter with hostile cruisers; all it wanted to make it perfect was some hundreds of stalwart New Zealanders; while Colonel Byron remarked that of all the Imperial troops in South Africa, none had .acquitted themselves better than the New Zealand Contingents, j’ The Hon Colonel Pitt said that Now Zealand was prepared to look to her land defences, and if the King required 50,000 men from this country to-morrow, they would bo found ready to spring to arms. The Premier, in proposing the toast of •‘The Press,” said th.at this was usually done in a perfunctory manner, but on this occasion it was the ‘ toast of the evening. There had never before been such a distinguished gathering of press representatives and literary men in New Zealand as was now present, and he was pleased to see New Zealand journalists mingling with those from the Mother Country. Although he had had many occasions for feeling aggrieved at his treatment by the press, ho was bound to say that in his opinion the journalists of this country were quite equal to those of England and Australia. They were all indebted to the great English journals for sending representatives here on the occasion of tho Royal visit. It was impossible to over estimate the services rendered by the press in the spreading of freedom, and in advocating measure® for the uplifting of humanity. Long might it continue its good work with the encouragement and support of every loyal Britisher in the Empire. The heads of the Army and Navy, and the Government, were all subject to the criticism of the press; and as a politician he could testify that public men were often but rough stones until they were polished by their lapidary, the newspaper press. (Laughter and applause.) As the result of the visit of English pressmen, this part of the Empire would have justice done to it, and wquld be better understood at Home, Mr Seddon proceeded to make a powerful appeal for the aid of the English press* in establishing such commercial relations between the different parts of the Empire as would place Great Britain and her colonies in a stronger position to wage commercial war against foreign countries. Some of these countries had in three y errs trebled their imports into New Zealand; and he held it was a suicidal policy to spend our blood and treasure in opening markets for our industrial competitors. Speaking on behalf of the people of New Zealand, he declared that they were ready tomorrow to grant preferential tariffs to British-made goods, if the British manufacturer would study to give them what they wanted at the time they wanted it. (Hear, hear, and applause.) Sir Donald Wallace, Mr Vincent, of the London “Times.” Mr Knight, of the London “Morning Post,” and Mr J. L. Kelly, editor of the “New Zealand Times,” suitably acknowledged the toast.

Sir J. G. Ward then proposed the toast qf “The Visiting Representatives.!’ He made special reference to the gentlemen who represented Australian States, and stated that, in order to let these and English visitors see as much as possible of the beauties of this country, the Government had arranged for a steamer excursion to the Otago Sounds. The Hon Mr McGregor (Victoria) said New Zealanders were a great people, and had a great country. Language was altogether inadequate to describe the possibilities of New Zealand, which had gold, coal, iron and sheep in abundance. in addition to the uncrowned King and Sir Joseph Ward. The Hon Mr Taverner (Victoria), in acknowledging the unbounded hospital/ ity of New Zealanders, expressed the hope and conviction that in ten years’ time this country would unite her destinies with those of the great Australian Commonwealth. Mr Price (South Australia) described New Zealand as the Mecca of all devout democrats, and expressed hi.s pleasure at being here side by side with the great High Priest of Democracy, *Dick Seddon.” They were proud of him in Australia: and he (Mr Price) hoped to ’carry back with him an ember from the Beltane fire of New Zealand to warm the Souui Australian democracy. Mr Miller (South Australia), speaking as a farmer, congratulated this country upon the advanced legislation it enjoyed in the interests of the agriculturists. The prosperity of New Zealand might we 1 * be envied by visitors from other lands. (Applause.) The Premier, in a brief speech, pro-

posed the (oust of “'Hie Native Race of Now Zealand," which, in the regret/ ted ah..eiicc of the lion .lames Carroll, lie om.|de(l with the mimes of .Mr A. Ie D. Fraser ami .Mr Jvlm Stevens M'.H.l!.’’-;. Thee,. gentleim n re .ponded in sui tabic and eloquent term-; —Mr Ji'ra.- : 'T I onrlnding with a, .sememe of Maori, while. Mr Slovens introduced i rnusieal chant in Iho native longue. Tim least (if -‘The Colonial Cilice” was propos'd hy Sir *J. (■. Ward, and ro spouded lo hy Sir John Anderson. In the course of the evening. selections v,or'‘ rendered hy a s>‘leel orchestra, and the cfoMoweie vocal selections were given : - -‘■Tin- King- I.eMer, ’ Mr W. I!. 'Olzow ; “To-morrow will Im Fn» day." .Mr Jolin IVoii.se; ■■Comrade-, in Anns,” (he Mcistcrsingers; and “’I he Jii'lls of SI. Alary’s,” Mr Arthur Halm. Nil (tie vocal items were encored. Sir .jo.epli \.ard, at (lie J’reinier’.s request, mini '■There's Hound lo he a Row,’* which was loudly applauded. I'rior to the closing of a most enjoyidile evening hy Lin singing of “Ailld • liiuy Sync,’’ the IVemier iutiinatoj lianque! to relumed nienihers of various New Zealand Cont iupeuts would he given l ii-da.y at I j>- in ., ami invited those presell I, to atieiid it. AQUAT2C SPOKTS. 11A N 1 > V MEN AT PLAY. Officers -- Superintendent, Mr James .Moore; starters, Messrs A. Thomson and Harry Nelson; umpire, AH (,'. 11. ilethiine; judges, Air F. \V. Rutherford and other oflicers; record secret a rv, Mrs .Rutherford; timeheeper,'.Mr J. T. Rash; liandicapper, Captain A. T. INi npr. No regatta, lield in Wellington harbour has attracted so many onlookers as the, aquatic sports held yesterday in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. Tim sports were organised at the request of the Premier hy" Mr James Moore, of the Missions to Seamen. They were held in the si retell of water between the Railway and Glasgow Wharves, which, with the breastwork connecting them, wore lined by thousands of spectators. Alen from most of the warships in port competed, as well as crews from the Government steamers Tutanekai and Hineraoa. and I[io New Zealand .Shipping Company’s liner Rapanni. The naval contingent were the life of tho sports. They entered for tho various events with readiness, and contested them in a wholehearted manner that frequently drew; cheers from the spectators. Some ot the displays were exciting, others amusing, and 'all were of extreme interest. They wore, a set-off against less engrossing events. Most" ot the races, however, were sternly fought out, liberal prizes being offered by tho Government. A floating pontoon wtw tho dooming ground of several novel exhibitions and feats of skill and agility. Once it was a raft oii which Britons fought a party of supposed focmen. As tho weapons were mops and tho ammunition soot and flour, it- can readily be imagined that laughter was general among those who witnessed the duel. Some men from H M.fi. Wallaroo presented a realistic tableau of a shipwrecked crew in extremity on a, raft at sea. At another lime the pontoon was covered with foliage so as to represent a bit ot juivde. Under cover a party from li M S Juno worked a Maxim gun and "lircd Boe-Metford rifles. The men were dressed as if on uctivo service ashore, and they gave an excellent idea of their capacity for that kind of worm Irom H M S St. George came a marine tali lean of St.- George and the Dragon. Tho green licast, rising and falling on a slight swell, looked quite hielike, it expression can bo used or a '-.‘yti-ieul animal. St. George carried a spear, with his red-cross pennon at its b ' icl An involuntary ducking received out ill tho stream did not damp his m-Jour; he steadily stuck to his post on the hack of the vanquished dragon, although wet and uold from his immersiou. Tlie handiness of bluejackets ‘vvas illustrated shortly afterwards, when tho dragon. was quickly converted into a sea serpent. An effigy of Ally bloper lashed to tho top of a greasy pole, and subsequently used as a Imlf-drownecl man, caused a great deal of fun. 1»o tars persovoringly tried to chrab the weii-greasccl spar, and when they were asked to walk along it when it was used as a boom, they accepted their plunges into the harbour with cheerfulness. Boor Ally was saved from a watery- grave, hut unfortunately ho came to pieces in a fierce struggle between two crews for tho honour of rescuing him. The mine explosions, earned out hv tho Torpedo Corps, under the direction of Captain Falconer, in the afternoon, were specially interesting demonstrations. The launch Moturoa was the official boat for tho sports, which lasted from shortly after eleven till five o clock. At tho end of the programme cheers were given for -Mr Moorp, and officers and competitors sang God Save the King.” Following aro the results of tho day’s diversion ; Neatness and pace in rounding a buoy.— Royal Arthur (Vavdy), 1; .Tutanekai (third officer Cassm). 2. . • Boat races for crews from I .Af. ships. -First race— Juno (b. Wright), 1; Juno a. Davidson), 2. ' Second nice—Mddmn (Hradbrook), 1; Mildura. 2. Third race— Mildura (A. Roper). 1; Wallaroo (Hawkeslieo), 2; J lino (J. Coles), 3. Fourth race— Mildura (J. Kodl). and Wallaroo (W. Carpenter), dead heat; St. George (H. ifigglDuel’on raft.—G. McCarthy (Wallaroo). J. Barker (Tutanekai). (.. Bontold G. May. H. Blssott aud A. Gibbs (all WnlUl ßoat race for crews from merchant ships.—Hinomoa (third officer T. Cook), 1; Tutanekai (third-officer Cassini 2. Representation of a shipwrecked crew.— The prize was awarded to a party from the Wallaroo, which composed G. May, r. Ilawkesbee. J. Doige, J. Baphnell. H. Biasett A. Gibbs. 11. Sayoe, G, Bentold, E. Brovve. G. McCarthy, and J. Rich. Sculling match, with single oar out of stern of boat.—B. Shakespeare. 1; If. Brewer. 2. , , Best animal representation.—A party from tho St. George gained tho prize with a device of St. George and the dragon. This was the only entry. In charge ot the party were Boatswain Taylor and Carpenter Bodds. The rider was sailmaker Boor- „ , , ‘‘Handymen in action. —Party from tho Juno, comprising H. Reynolds (in command), J. Bocock. A. Griffiths and A. Cotterill. , __ r i lioat race open to crews from .11. M. and merchant shipa- Juno gig (Stephen John Wright), t: Juno barge (J. Coles). 2; .Inno galley (J. Davidson), 3. There were several entries, and a splendid race ena"l?o"presentation of sea serpent.—Tho St. George’s device, which was the only one entered, was awarded tho prize. Knocking hat from effigy of Ally Sloner at top of greasy pole.— Henry Bissetl (W alia roo) 1; J. Doe (St. George), G. May 1 Wallaroo), aud Geo. McCarthy (.Wallaroo). equal. ~ . Walking greasy boomC. Cowen (Juno), H Doe (St. George), Alfred Gibbs (Wallaroo). and Henry Bissett (Wallaroo) wore given equal prizes. / , . , , . Boat race with bottom-hoard instead of oars. —Juno galley (j pavuisoiA l i Mildum galley (BradbrooJ). 2 Eijfht oMs started, and the contest greatly excited the Rescue of Ally Sloner. —Juno baige and C Stephens of'the Wallaroo. Race for boats of tho merchant navy Tutanekai (John Alcllwain), 1; Bapamu, *"ln nailing colours to tho mast several Juno men distinguished themselves.