Banquet to Sir John Hall.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6786, 25 September 1893, Page 3

Banquet to Sir John Hall.

« — • Wellington, to-day.— Sir John Hall having announced his intention of not standing again for the Housa of Representatives, was entertained on Saturday night at a banquet in Bellamy's by the members of the party with which he has long been connected. The dinner was of a private character, and the press were not invited. All the members of the party except Messrs J. Mills, Fergus, Valentine and Buckland were present The first-named trio were absent from Wellington, and the latter ill, but all sent letters of apology. The Hons. Ormond, Oliver, and Bowen, M.L.C's, were present, as well ns the Hons. Bryce and Hislop, and Mr A. S. Menteath Mr Rolleston presided, and moved the toast of "Our Guest" in a lengthy speech, regretting his retirement. He referred to the long and honorable political ,career of the guest. He also mentioned the successful passage of female frauchise as the crowning victory of Sir John Hall's career.* The latter replied thanking the gentlemen with whom he had been connected for many years for their expressions of good-will, but said, though nob contesting the next election, he would not say farewell. Mr John Bryce moved the toast of " The Opposition in the House of Representatives," to which Messrs Rolleston and Scobie MoKenzie replied. Captain Russell gave " Our Visitors," and the Hon. C C. Bowen and A. S. Menteath replied. Mr Mitchelson moved " The Parliament of New Zealand,' and the Hon. Oliver, M.L C, G. Hutchison and Wright, M.H.R.'s r«plied. General rejr«k was expressed at Sir John Hall's retirement, and a hope entertained that if ha did not again seek the suffrages, his service would not be lo»t to another branch of the Legislature.