THE DINNER.

Southland Times, Issue 9574, 20 July 1887, Page 2

THE DINNER.

The dinner was held in the Fortrose Hotel, and was catered in Mr and Mrs Elliot's well-known efficient style. About 40 sat down, and as soon as tbe substantial part of the entertainment had been got through and tbe iragment* removed, the President took the chair ; the Vice-Presi dent acting as croupier. The customary loyal and patriotic toasts having been proposed and duly honoured, " The Commercial Interest " waa proposed by Mr Raymond, and replied to by Mr H. Templeton, who said he was sorry that he could not speak in more hopeful Btr<iiDß of the present commercial outlook. The preseut was a time of severe depression and puzzled the best of them. He thought one of tha chief causes was over-speculation by settlers, who had in too many instances mortgaged lands that were the r own in order to ebtain a larger area, trusting too fondly to the chance of obtaining a, larger remuneration from the enhanced value of the properties so obtained. The results showed bow faUe was the hope, and hundreds had been utterly ruined thereby.

Hia advice was " keep away from the money lender " and all would yet go well. "The Press" was proposed by Mr a. Templeton, Messrs Baymond, H. Dolatnore, and Preston suitably replying. / "The Ploughing Match " was proposed by the Ohairmin, coupled with the names of Messrs Blair and Warnook. Mr Blair eulogised the work done that day, saying that the prize v Jot -was • *be beet_»ork he had ever seen done by a double furrow plough—in fact it was perfection. Mr Warnock replied in the same strain. "The Pastoral and Agricultural Interests" wa~s : proposed • by the - ViceChairman, and responded to by Mr W. Dnnlop. '^The Successful Competitors " brought Messrs R. and fl. Smith: 10, their/ feet. They thanked the company foir -the kind manner in which their health* hadt; been drunk, and hoped te cOnje^eforei jthem again as winners. 'M "The Unsuccessful Competitor^ was replied to by Messra Keir and McEwan , who hoped to be successful another time. " The Visitors " was responded to by Dr Stockwell and Mr Raymond. Mr Sinclair proposed the health;of Mr and Mrs McKenzie, and a vote of thanks for the very kind manner in whioh they had treated all and sundry that day. Mr MoKeniie suitably acknowledged the toast and compliment. "The Committee " was proposed by Mr Dunlop, and the memhers replied. "The Ladies "were proposed, by the Chairman, and replied to by Mr Prealon. " Tbe Host and Hostess " was responded toby Mr Elliot. During the evening Messrs. H. Templeton, J. Preston, and W. Durilop yaried the entertainment by songs, and after " Auld Langsyne" by the company, the proceedings terminated about midnight.