BANQUET TO MR. ANDREW RIDDELL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1269, 1 May 1880, Page 2

BANQUET TO MR. ANDREW RIDDELL.

A complimentary banquet was given to Mr. Andrew Riddell, Manager of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company's Moeraki Station, at the Clyde Hotel, Hampden, on Friday evening last, prior to that gentleman's departure from the district. Captain Wm. Murcott occupied the chair, and Mr. David Munro the vicechair. About 30 gentlemen sat down to the repast. The customary loyal and patriotic toasts were duly hononred. The Vice-Chairman, in proposing "The Army and Navy," commented on the misconduct of certain volunteers while proceeding to the Christchurch review, and said that notwithstanding that fiasco he thought that, if the emergency arose, they would fully prove themselves equal to the occasion. He coupled with the toast the name of Captain W. Murcott. Captain Murcott in responding, said that a portion of his company had attended the reviews at Dunedin, Invercargill, and Christchurch, and that so fsr as he knew no complaints had been lodged against them. He very much regretted the misconduct of other companies, and hoped that upon due enquiry the officers of other companies would dispense with the services of such members as had misconducted themselves.

The Chairman proposed " The Guest of the Evening," and, in doing so, said he wished the toast had fallen into abler hands. As an old resident of the disr trict, lje had had many opportunitieg of saying "Farewell" to departing friends. He always considered it was a loss, and he could sincerely say that Mr. Riddell had always done his best to improve the district. He gave employment to the working men of Hampden, and had invariably put a loaf on their tables. — (Hear, hear.) His sons were such as any father might be proud of. He had not only done his duty as a citizen, but also as a Christian. —(Applause.) Whenever he (the speaker) went to him he was always ready to givp his chpque for that cause, and to assist anyone jn the district. He had much pleasure in handing to Mr. Riddell a small present, and trusted that wherever his lot might be cast he would be attended with success.—(Applause.) He concluded by wishing him long life, happiness, and prosperty to their guest, Mr. A. Riddell.

The toast was enthusiastically honored,

' Mr. Riddell, in responding, said he had been six yearg in the township. He had always eiideayored to do his cTqty tp every one in the township, and hp would invariably, wherever he was, endeavor to do the same. He should always remember them with the kindest feelings for the honor they had that evening conferred upon him.—(Applause.) The Vice-Chairman then gave, " The Town and Trade of Hampden." Digressing from the subject he could only gndorge what had fallen from their worthy Chairman, and if Mr. Riddell never should be worse off than he wished, all he could say was that he would not be in a very difficult position. —(Applause.) He coupled the names of Mr. Harry Murcott and Mr. Thomas Watkins with the toast.

The toast was received with every demonstration of applause, after which, JVIr, p. P. Murcott acknowledged it. He had every popfidpncp ip tl)e future of the district. ' He, however, hoped there would be few suph occasions as the present, as he preferred to see people coming in rather than going away. Mr. Thomas Watkins also briefly acknowledged the toast. The Vice-Chairman then gave " The Ladies," in a very humorous speech, coupling with it the name of Mr. Thomas Riddell as being pne of the most fascinating of men (Laughter). Of course the toast was responded to by Mr. Thomas Eiddell, junior. Chairman gave " The Press" in eulogistic terms, and wished that, if it were possible, the Press could be iporg independent. Mr. J. Bansgrove (a journalist newly arrived from Australia) acknowledged the toast in general terms. The Chairman then gave "The Host and Hostess," in complimentary language, whiph was suitably replied to by Mr. G. J. Scott, after whiph the proceedings, which were agreeably varied with sgntj.ment and song, closed with " Auld Lang Syne" by the company.