COSTLY BANQUETS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 435, 6 October 1869, Page 3

COSTLY BANQUETS.

, — . (From the Pall Mall Gazette.) We have all known for some time that our civic Fathers were over-eating themselves. They little know the anxiety they have caused ua ; we felt that afc lasfc their constant gobbling must tell upon their constitutions I and purses ; at the same time we felt that it would not be becoming on our part to interfere. As in private life the thoughtful daughter will watch with tears in her eyes the increasing obesity of a parent and yet not have the courage to say, "Papa, you know the doctor would not allow this," so with sorrow in our hearts and shame at our own cowardice, we have watched the gluttony at the City feasts in silence and tears. Nor should we now venture to counsel moderation, but that at the last meeting of the Court of Common Council it came out that upwards of £80,000 of the city cash had been expended on royal entertainments since 1863, and that the Corporation has great need to practise economy in order that, without touching its funded money, the revenue may cover the expenditure. It seems that two great orgies are now impending. The new bridge at Blackf riars and the Holborn Valley Viaduct are shortly to be opened, and the city is already licking its lips at the prospect thus afforded of indigestion and twaddling speeches. Messrs Fricker and Rigby made vain efforts to curtail the expenditure to be incurred. on these occasions. Their appeals to the reason of the court, however, fell flat on the stomachs of that venerable body, and it was decided that the Bridge House Estates and Improvement Committee should be allowed to arrange the ceremonials in their own way. When the voice of the banker and doctor are of no avail, it is improbable that the anxiety of the public on behalf of its beloved Corporation will have any effect. Ifc is very sad, and how sad it is will be best shown by the following story, which we believe to be perfectly true : — Not long ago, a gentleman was ordered by his doctor to be cupped. He had some difliculty in finding a professional cupper, but at last discovered one in the city, who, in answer to his inquiries as to the extent of his business, informed him tbat it chiefly consisted of cupping city gentlemen before their entertainments, as the operation enabled them to indulge more freely in the pleasures of their banquets, and with less fear of ill consequences. This touching anecdote shows how deeply rooted in the city is the love of gobble and guzzle ; and, knowing the high courage Avhich animates British corporations, we fear that it cannot be eradicated, though it lead to bankruptcy and death. ggTTHßKaß— apcaaa— — mmm — a—— —a— a— awa—