Banquet to Mr Alan Scott.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5840, 1 February 1887, Page 3

Banquet to Mr Alan Scott.

MR BRODIE HOARE'S IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND. [Per Pbess Association.] NELSON, Feb. 1. The banquet to Mr Alan Scott last night was a most successful affair. One hundred and sixty were present, including the Bishop of Nelson, the leading citizens, and representatives from all parts of the disj trict ; also Mr Brodie Hoare and bhe Rail- ! way party who were present at Brunnerton. The Mayor of Nelson pi-eaided, and proposed Mr Scott's health in a highly complimentary Bpeech. Mr Alan Scott, in his reply, gave a sketch of the pro2eedings in London, and congratulated the people of the districts concerned in having shown that great public works could be carried out on commercial principles, without going to the Government for pecuniary aid. Mr Sclanders, vice-Chairman, proposed "The Midland Railway Company (coupled with the name of Mr Brodie Hoare)," whose reply was THE SPEECH OP THE EVENING. He said though he left England with, some misgiving, after seeing the country for himself he was perfectly convinced that | the railway could be made right through, ! and prove a great success. He had been 1 asked to state his impressions of New j Zealand. After travelling all over it he was convinced that it was a country of [ immense wealth, but that it wanted popul lation, and was far better suited to English emigrants than Canada, with its snowy winters, and Australia, with its torrid ' summers. He then described the prevalent impressions in London about New Zealand } that it abounded in political railways ; that j every corporation had its loan, and every ! place withaditch andahorsepondmusthave a harbour ; that individuals were too fond of : borrowing, the result being that New j Zealand four per cents, honestly worth ! J6106, were quoted at .£95. He warned ; them very earnestly against floating bogus , Companies in the London market. He ! considered New Zealand a very favourable ; field for the employment of capital, but, it must be above suspicion. He should leave with the most favourable impressions of the Colony. The proceedings terminated after midnight. i