FAREWELL DINNER TO DR. ROCKSTROW.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 234, 1 May 1868, Page 2

FAREWELL DINNER TO DR. ROCKSTROW.

Last evening the farewell dinner to Dr Rockstrow, to which we have made reference on previous occasions, came off, and was a most successful affair. The dinner was got up by the "Westport Lodge of Oddfellows, of which body the guest of the evening was a member, but it was not confined, and a number of the leading men of the town not in any way connected with the order, sat down to do honor to the gentleman about to leave us. The dinner was excellently got up, and reflected great credit on the host's catering abilities —literally all the delicacies procurable being supplied in profusion. The chair occupied by P.G.M Brown, supported by G.M- Tyrrell, the guest as usual being at the Chairman's right hand. Brother W. N. Franklyn occupied the vice-chair supported by N.G. Munson. The chairman expressed the pleasure he had in presiding at the first dinner of the Odd-fellows in Westport, and proposed the first toast, " The Queen," was enthusiastically received. The other loyal toasts, " The Prince of Wales," " The Duke of Edinburgh," in connection with his late visit to the colonses, were equally well recived. Brother Franklyn proposed " The Manchecter Unity Independent Order of Odd-Fellows." Though only a new

member of it, he believed it to be the beat in the world. It was the only one ho did belong to,and itwas the only one ho intended to. Song—""Red White and Blue." Mr Brown. Brother G. M. Tyrrell proposed the toast of the evening—the health of Brother Rockstrow. lie regretted the loss of Dr Rockstrow, and testified to the high esteem that he was held in, both as an Odd-fellow and a private individual. They had prepared a medal which unfortunately they could not have finished, but they hoped that want would not render it of less value in his eyes. He then pinned the medal to Dr Rockstrow's breast, and read the following address: — " Loyal Westport Lodge, Westport, Province of Nelson, New Zealand, April 30,1865. Brother Rockstrow, —ln the name of the Officers and Brothers of the Loyal Westport Lodge, I am deputed to present you with the accompanying medal as a slight, but sincere token of the respect and esteem in which you are held by the brothers in Westport. As an officer of the Lodge you have alway been strenuous in your exertions to promote its welfare. As medical adviser, we gladly and gratefully bear testimony to your unremitting and unwearied care and attention to the sick under your charge. lam sorry that it has not been possible to have t'le inscription completed, as Westport does not as yet possess the necessary artistic talent, but we trust you will excuse that, and at the earliest opportunity, in a more advanced community, have this addition made in the terms we hand you herewith. " In conclusion, I hope that the zeal you have shown for Odd-Fellowship may always continue, and when again we hail your return, as we hope soon to do, may you have the same great principles at heart —Friendship, Love, and Truth—may you show by your future conduct, as an Oddfellow, that these are your guiding motives, and may the sick, the widow, and the orphan, through your means, find solace in their distress. " On behalf of the lodge, I remain yours fraternally, in the bonds of the order. " John Tyrrell, G.M." The toast was then drunk with tremendous applause and musical honors. Dr Rockstrow felt highly the compliment, but he felt so happy that he could not express his feelings. He appreciated the presence of so many old settlers in Westport, and accepted that as a happy proof that he had earned their esteem. He felt downhearted in leaving Westport, for he always considered Westport -would be the place where he would be moored for life. Circumstances compelled him to return to Europe, but he should come back again, and whatever betided he felt sure that Westport would flourish, and nothing could keep it back. He thanked the brethren for their handsome present, and expressed his idea that he had done nothing to deserve the compliment, beyond doing thebesthecouldibrhis fellow creatures. He again thanked both the visitors and the Odd-fellows, and hoped that Westport would meet with all the prosperity that he wished it. During his reply, he was frequently greeted with applause. The Chairman proposed—"The visiting officers and brothers," at the same time payiug them a high compliment for their exertions in assisting in the establishment of the lodge. " The Westport Volunteers" was the next toast, and was replied to by Mr Pitt.

Brother P. G-. M. Turner responded. The toast of the " Provincial authorities " was then proposed, and responded to by Messrs Payne and Franklyn. The " Mining Interest" was responded to by Dr Rockstrow.

The " Army and Navy," the " Commercial Interest," the " Press," the " Ladies," &c, &c., followed, and the company hroke up thoroughly satisfied with their evening's entertainment.