HARVEST HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1892, 26 March 1874, Page 3

HARVEST HOME.

— : ♦ A harvest homo was held at the Sawyera' Arniß Hotel, at eight o'clock last evening, when about seventy persons sat down to a really capital spread provided by Mr Wild. The chair was occupied by Mr Wynn Williams, who was supported on hia right by Mr J. T. Matson, and on his loft hy his Honor the Superintendent and Mr J. P. O'Callaghan. The vice-chairs wero filled by Messrs Goodland and Jackson. On tho removal of tho cloth, the usual loyal toasts wore proposed and duly honoured. Mr J. P. O'Callaghan proposed the toast of his Honor the Superintendent. Ho felt that he could not do the toast justice, but the fact that Mr Rolleston had been returned three times as Superintendent, was a proof that he was elected by the choico of the majority of the people. (Cheers.) Since the time he was opposed by Mr Moorhouse, he thought that Mr Rolleston had changed greatly for the bettor, and ho trusted that ho would continue to fill the position as efficiently as he had done in the past. The toast -was drunk amid chbers and musical honours.

Hiß Honor the Superintendent was received with cheers on rising to respond. He had been Buch a short time in office that he did not think he had any indulgence to ask for. Mr O'Callaghan, in proposing the toast, had referred to a prior contest for the office of Superintendent. On that occasion, Mr O'Callaghan worked very actively, and, he believed, very fairly and honestly, on behalf of another candidate. He (Mr Rolleston) believed that a great deal of good resulted from a healthy opposition. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He was proud, however, to t' ink that on the occasion of the last election ho had been elected without opposition, because he had thereby beeu spared a considerable amount of toil in going through the various districts of the province, for the purpose of addressing the electors. He waß glad to think that the province of Canterbury was now in such a proanerous condition. The educational system of the province would be a lasting credit to thoße engaged in the promotion of it. The poorest child could now receive the very best education that the province was capable of imparting — an education which would fit him for the best position in the place that he could possibly aspire to. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He felt that on the present occasion he appeared before them in a double capacity. He was there as Superintendent, and also as their member in the General Assembly, and he was pleased to see so many present on an occasion of thia kind, when they met together aa agriculturists on the termination of a prosperous harvest, and one which he trusted would prove not only of general but of individual benefit to all those whom he saw around him. (Loud cheers.) Mr Goodland proposed the toaat of " The Executive and Provincial Council," coupled with the name of Mr Wynn Williams. .The toast was drunk with cheers and musical honours. Mr Williams, in responding to the toast, said that he would not inflict them with a speech on thia occasion, as it was his intention to address the electors of the district next week. Mr J. T. Matson proposed " The Agricultural and Paatoral Intereßts," and in doing so remarked that the farmers were the bone and sinew of the province. (Cheers.) He begged to propose the toast, coupled with the names of Mesara Lowe, Munro, and Potter. The toast was drunk with all honours, and waa responded to by. those whose names were coupled with it. Several other toasts having been proposed, tho meeting separated after spending a very pleasant evening.