A GOOD-BYE TO MR. ALLAN McDONALD.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 836, 16 July 1879, Page 2

A GOOD-BYE TO MR. ALLAN McDONALD.

Onb of the most pleasant social gather* ings it has been our good fortune to be present took place last night at the Masonic Hotel.' The occasion was the departure of Mr Allan McDonald from our midst, although it is thought only for a few months. The friends of Mr McDonald had previously met, when they decided that the parting and the good-bye should be preceded by a dinner. This, as already mentioned, took place last night at the Masonic Hotel. We need scarcely state that the tables and the cuisine having been under the personal superintendence of Mr D. Page, there was nothing left which could have been wished. The table was elegantly and tastefully laid out ; the edibles the very best of their kind and most artistically served up by the attendauts. The toasts from the first to the last were drunk in champagne. Among the gentlemen present to receive and entertain Mr McDonald were Captain Porter (Mayor) in the Chair, Mr A. Graham and Mr A. Crawford, in the vice-chairs ; Messrs. Tucker, Ward, senr., C. D. Berry, Dufaur, Rogan, Matthewson, Maude, S. M. Wilson. Browne, McKay, McLeod, C. .Smith, Clarke, McKenzie, Nolan, and Denniston. Dinner having been concluded, the usual loyal toasts followed, when the guest of the evening was proposed by the Chairman, supporters Mr E. ff. Ward, senr., and Captain Tucker. Sincere regret was expressed at the loss which would be felt through Mr McDonald's absence. He was a gentleman long known to the people of the Bay ; was one alike esteemed and respected by high and low. He was loved for his genial and kindly nature, and as being an admirable representative of that class of settlers to which he belonged,—a class of men who were the pioneers of civilisation in a new country such as the one we were living in, — men who made the fortunes of others more frequently than they made their own. Such a gentleman was Mr McDonald, and he would be greatly missed. Then when the eulogiums passed on the guest were brought to an end there followed such a three-times-three in champagne bumpers as has never been eclipsed either in the old or the new., Masonic Hotel. Mr McDonald replied in a very excellent speech. There were ( more three-times-three ; more chatn- ! l-agne ; a song by Mr C. D. Berry ; a song from Mr Dufaur ; more toasts. ' The Ladies, the Press, the Corporation and County Council, the Army and Navy.! A song from . Captain Porter. More champagne. < Some' speechifying;

from the Press representative present. Mr A. Graham's health and prosperity proposed ; and again with a three-times-three. Reply, and a song from Mr Graham. Songs f ram other gentlemen. Concluding toasts and last glasses of champagne. It is 12 o'clock and many are gone to their homes. A few remain. There _is a warm snug room above. An adjournment up-stairs takes place. There is a toddy kettle on the fire steaming at the spout; there is whiskey and a sugar-basin. The " riight is cold ; but all is cozy and no ope present thinks of going home until daylight does appear. The whole affair could not have oeen better or jollier or more pleasant aijyhow, or by any means.