Complimentary Dinner to Mb T. FERGUS.

Patea Mail, 28 October 1881, Page 3

Complimentary Dinner to Mb T. FERGUS.

Mr T. Fergus being about to leave the district, the Putea railway contract being practically finished, and bis genial goodfellowship having made him remarkably popular during his stay of some months, a complimentary dinner was got up in his honor by his more intimate friends. The dinner was held last evening, at the Albion Hotel, and was highly creditable to the management of Mr A. Haywood. Mr Christie occupied the chair, Mr Fergus on his right hand as guest of the evening ; Mr Taplin was in the vicechair ; and among the guest’s numerous friends and Masonic brethern, there were present Messrs Norman, Josiah Richards, R. Brown, Eyton, Harnerton, D. Mahony, Houghton, King, Clare, A. Young, J. Gibson, Malcolm, Tennent, H. E. P. Adams? F. O’S. A. Black, J. A. Luxford (Rev.), Barton, E. C. Horner, W. Cowern, Barker, Kendal, Sherwood, J. Richards, Bull, W. Mackenzie, Apologies were received for absence of others. Chairman proposed the Queen, deprecating any' severance of loyal and affectionate ties by T official difficulties in Wellington. Song by Mr Horner, excellently' given. Chairman proposed the toast of the evening, saying : I need scarcely ask you to honor this toast, for I am sure the high appreciation in which our friend and guest is held by all of us is a sufficient guarantee for that. During the few months he has been with us, his sociable and genial manner has gained for him (he good-wili and respect of all sections of our community. (Applause.) In our homes he has been an ever welcome visitor ; at our club and in our lodge his hearty' and intelligent co-operation has given to them a fresh lease of life. (Hear, hear.) When I say we are all sorry at his departure, and that we shall miss him very much, I but faintly express the sentiments of the people of Patea. (Hear hear,) I am glad to think there is a prospect, faint though it be, that he may yet return and be a settler among us. (Hear, hear.) All I can say is that when he comes, he will receive a right hearty' welcome from all of us. I think we should have failed in a proper duty’ had we not joined together in this parting compliment to Mr Fergus, and in wishing him, as we now do, success in all matters pertaining to his welfare. I will now ask you to drink a bumper to Mr Fergus. Toast drunk with musical honors.