PORTOBELLO.

Otago Witness, Issue 1796, 24 April 1886, Page 12

PORTOBELLO.

April 19. — A complimentary supper was ten* dered by a number of settlers in this district on the evening of the 15th inst. to Mr W. R. Latham, who has left the district and started business in Dunedin ; Mr W. Dickson, jun., occupied the chair, Mr Joseph Young acting as vice-chairman. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, and the usual toasts had been duly honoured, the chairman proposed the health of the guest of the evening, Mr Latham, and in a short and effective speech made reference to the various offices of trus held by Mr Latham during his residence a* Portobello, expressing the opinion that the* would have some difficulty in finding such a

efficient official as he had proved. Not only had Mr Latham been a storekeeper, but he had also had charge of the post-office, telephone office, and Savings' Bank department, and in addition he had been clerk to the Licensing Committee, clerk and treasurer to the Portobello Road Board, and member of the School Committee, in all of which offices he had given complete satisfaction to all concerned. In conclusion, he called upon those present to drink to Mr Latham's success and wish him all prosperity in the new sphere in which he had decided to try his fortuue. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr Latham responded in a humorous speech in which he alluded to the difficulties with which he had had to contend during the period of 15 years he had resided in Portobello. But although there had been difficulties, there was a comical element mixed wit,h them on many occasions, which helped him to overcome them. He admitted that as " chief baker," he had not been a very great success ; but they all knew mistakes would occur in the best regulated families. He could not find words to express his feelings for the kind manner in which so many of the settlers had turned out on this occasion to meet him. The hearty and kindly way in which they had all received tho very flattering remarks of his old friend, the chairman, convinced him of their regard for him, and on behalf of Mrs Latham, self, and family, he thanked them for all the kindness he had received from the people of Portobello. — Several songs, readings, aud recitations were given by some of those present.

The healths of the chairman and vice-chairman

were drunk with all the honours, and the party after singing " God save the Queen," well pleased with the evening's entertainment.