Banquet to the Canterbury —Westland Members.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6047, 1 October 1887, Page 3

Banquet to the Canterbury —Westland Members.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in the proposal to entertain the newlyelected members of Parliament for Canterbury and Westland, was held in the Commercial Hotel to-day, there being representatives of several of the Election Committees present. Mr H. W. Toomer was voted to the chair. The convener of the meeting, Mr E. Aherne, stated the business done so far, and explained that the proposal to hold a banquet on Wednesday night was inexpedient, as most, i£ not all, of ike members were leaving by the 8.15 p.m. train that evening. He had heard numerous opinions in favour of the proposal, but in the interests of the working men who desired to take part in it, the majority seemed to think that a spread laid at a moderate charge would suit the occasion as well as a more elaborate and costly one. Several suggestions, he said, had been made with regard to the matter, but a collation costing not moro than 5s per head seemed to have promise of great success. It was intended by some to honour the representatives returned to support the Stout- Vogel Ministry, by drawing them from the hall to the railway station in a suitable conveyance, and giving them a round of applause before leaving. The matter having been discussed, Mr J. L. Scott moved — " That a banquet be arranged for entertaining the newlyelected Canterbury and West Coaatroembers vho are supporters of the Stout-Vogel Ministry, the price of the ticket to be os, and the banquet to be held on Wednesday next, at 5 p.m., in the large Oddfellows' Hall." This was seconded by Mr T. C4oodland, who said he and the members of Mr Blake's Committee would give it thoir hearty support. The motion was carried unanimously. The following gentlemen were then 1 enrolled as a sub-committee to carry out the proceedings, viz., Messrs J. L. Scott, H. W. Toomer, C. Louveson, D. Bellhouse, K. Aherue, V. Harris, W. H. Partridge, A. G. Howland, Mr Tooruer being elected Chairman and Treasurer, and Mr Aherne Honorary Secretory. The Secretary was directed to telegraph to all the distant members at once to ensure thoir attendance if possible. Ifc was decided to ask the President of the Canterbury Electors' Association (Mr W. H. Spackiuan) to preside on the occasion ; and, after arranging other matters of i detail, the Committee adjourned till Tuesday, at 2 p.m., at the sunie place.