Valedictory.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5282, 12 June 1895, Page 4

Valedictory.

About fifty gentlemen assembled at dinner at the New Brighton Hotel laat evening to bid farewell to Messrs E. G. Hawker and A. W. Owles, who are leading New Brighton on ft visit to the Old Country. The chair was occupied by the Mayor of Cbristchurch, and the vice-chair by Mr G. M'lntyre. After justice had been done to a splendid spread, tastefully laid out by Host Murray, the uetial loyal and patriotic toasts were honoured. The Chairman proposed the health of Mr Owles, wishing him a prosperous voyage and a speedy i return. Mr Owles, ia replying, thanked them for the manner in which the toast had been received. It was an impossibility to manufacture the goods he waa importing in the colony, which wan one reason for his going Home. Mr G. M'lntyre, in proposing the health of Mr Hawker, regretted that he was about to leave New Brighton. Mr Hawker wbb a colontßt of come forty years' standing, and had always taken a lively interest in the welfare and growth of New Brighton. Mr Hawker, in replying, referred to his connection with New Brighton in the £arly dayts, and thanked those present for' the manner in which his health had been drunk. The Chairman then, on behalf of the subscribers, presented Mr Hawker with a handsome pair of field glasses), and Mr OwUb with a gold watch pendant, both suitably inscribed. The other toasts honoured' were : , " The Mayor of Christchnrch," "The Press," •' The Vice-Chairman," " The Manager of the New Brighton Tramway Company,'" "Mr E. Wells;" "The Ladies," •'The! Host and Hostess " and " The Chairman." During the evening some capital conga were given by Messrs J. Carder, S. Hawker, A. W. Owles, Prebble, W. F. Warner and Rollitt. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close with the j aiogingof "AuliLang Syne.