DINNER AND BALL TO INAUGURATE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PANAMA SERVICE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2388, 14 July 1866, Page 1

DINNER AND BALL TO INAUGURATE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PANAMA SERVICE.

TnE 22nd of .Tune, in the year of our Lord 1866, will in future be marked as a " red letter day in our calendar," as being the occasion on which the inauguration of the Panama. Mail Service was celebrated by a Dinner and Ball being given in tho Government Buildings, at which all those who had aided in the establishment of this great undertaking were honored guests. When it became known that the Kaikoura, — the pioneer vessel of the Panama Company' b fleet — had arrived at Sydney, and would shortly sail for Wellington en route for tho Isthmus, it was thought fitting that her arrival here should be celebrated by a public demonstration. The Chamber of Commerce accordingly took the matter up, and a committee was formed to make arrangements for a Dinner and Ball to be given when the vessel dropped anchor in Wellington Harbor. Very soon the welcome intelligence was received that ehe would sail from Sydney on the 15th instant, and so the date of celebration was fixed for yesterday, the 22nd, the Kaikoura being expectod on the 20th. But as it turned out, the " clerk of the weather" was unfavorable. The winds blew, (he seas rose, and the gallant ship experienced a tremendous g.-ile after leaving Sydney, which not only swept away most of her boats and consigned her sheep and live stock to " Davy Jones' loe'eer," but also materially lengthened her passage. However " all's well that ends well," and so when the Kaikoura steamed into port yesterday morning, we were all glad to welcome her, sympathise with the pangs which our sea-sick friends must have undergone, and lament the loss of chicken and mutton which the gale had caused. To tho ; Dinner and Ball Commibtco (lie arrival of: the Panama Boat was a God-Send. They had completed all the necessary arrangements, ta lked to their fair-friends about the ball, and the non-arrival of the vessel would have been a groat misfortune. When the gun was fired yesterday morning, all doubts were sot at rest, the Committee took heart of grace, Osgood redoubled his efforts, and Mr. Peter Laing reflected with serene mind that his previous anxiety as to the perfection of the made dishes would not be thrown away. While therefore salutes were fired, flags displayed and general rejoicing- evinced, the Committee and their caterers were busily engaged in completing the arrangements for the evenings' enjoyment. Apparently their efforts were successful because last night towards six o'clock those who had secured tickets hied them to the Hall of tho Legislative Council which had been kindly lent for the occasion by the Hon. Mr. Stafford. Tho loading citizens of Wellington mustered strongly, and towards the hour appointed, the passage and waiting room were filled with those who had assembled in honor of tho occasion. A little delay ensued hut when his Excellency the Governor accompanied by Major Gray, A.D.C. had arrived, (ho whole party troope.l up the Hall and took their seats at the tables. The room had been admirably prepared for the occasion. From the- wall behind the table where his Excellency was seated, hung tho flags of Old England, the ensign, tho union jaok and St. George's cross, while stretching down the length of the Hall, were the tables prettily decorated with flowers, and brilliantly lighted from the lamps above. In " the Gallery " where brain-worn reporters are wont to take notes, " the violin," " the fife " and " the big drum," were seated discoursing eloquent music, concerning " the roast beef of Old England as the tho guests heartily partook of the feast provided. We venture to say that the affair of last night was the most comfortable of public dinners that wo have ever witnessed in Wellington. There was certainly a sufficiency of guests, but the tables wore so arranged that each had room enough, and a ( small party who could not find seats, were com- i fovtably accommodated in an adjoining room. J Messrs. Osgood and Laing certainly deserve credit for the manner in which they executed the task entrusted to their care. The ) viands were excellent, and considering the number of guests were quickly served. Everybody seemed bent on enjoyment, and the several toasts proposed were received with (he greatest enthusiasm. Nearly one hundred gentlemen were present, tho chair being occupied by his Excellency Sir George Grey, supported on one side by Crosbio Ward, Esq., M.H.R., the Hon. Mr. Stafford, His Honor Judge Johnston, Major Gray, A.D.C; Colonel Haullain, Defence Minister, and the Hon. James Patcrson, Postmaster- General. Supporting His Excellency, oil the other side, were the Hon. Charles Cooper, late Prime Minister of 'Sew South Wales ; His Honor tho Superintendent, Bishop Abraham, tho Hon. Mr. Jollie, Colonial Treasurer ; and the Hon. James Prendregrast, Attorney-General. The body of the hall was occupied by the leading citizens and merchants of Wellington. After the cloth had been removed, —

His Excellency Sir Greorge Grey, X.C.8., rose to propose the first toast. Ho said : — Mi*. VicoChaivinan and Gentlemen — I wish you to join me in drinking the health of her Majesty the Queeu. On any occasion I know that, you would join in that toast wilh the utmost loyalty and pleasure ; but on this particular occasion, we must all feel that this colony sprung into existence under the reign of her present Majesty and under circumstances which, at flrsf, perhaps, promised no grout amount of success, and if it has risen to the position in which we now find it under the glorious reign of the Queen it is because that during this long interval of yenr3 and our many trials we have on every occasion experienced llio greatest care and attention from her Majesty ; our interests have received every assistance and support which it has been in her power to aiford us, and I am sure, you will also agree with me that we hare not only individually received that advantage, but that in common with the whole empire, wo have got the advantage of living in very difficult times under this rule of not one of the greatest, but I think I may say beyond all doubt, one of the best sovereigns this world has ever seen. (Cheers.) I therefore ask you to join me in now drinking the health of our | great, our glorious, and our virtuous Queen. (Cheers.) The toast wa3 drunk amid every possible display of enthusiastic loyalty. .Band — " God save the Queen." j His Excellency again rose and said — Mr. Vice Chairman and gentlemen, I have now to ask j r ou I to drink the health of " The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family." This i 3 a toast upon which, perhaps, I need scarcely my anything. We all now look forward with regard and hope to the Prince of Wales as being tlic cliilcl of parents to -whom we owe so much, and that hope is strengthened by what we nil know, that up (o the present time, surrounded by trials of no ordinary kind, I believe that no other person living in the same position, has ever, at his age, succeeded in carrying with him to such an extent, tho affection of the British people. (Cheers.) I therefore again ask you to join with mo in drinking tho health of " The Prince and Princess of Wales and tho rest; of the Eoyal Family." Tho toast was drank most enthusiastically. Band— "Warrior Joy." The glasses having been replenished Mr. Justice Johnston rose to propose the next toast. In doing so, he said — Mr, Vice Chairman and gentlemen, I have the honor on this occasion to propose to you a toast which requires neither

preface nor apology at my hands. 'Tho 'toast* JsV one which refers to a name which will "ever be associated with the history of this colony ; and when that history is written, tho eventful acts that have taken place during' tho time his Excellency has represented his sovereign in this colony, and' his connexion with them, will, I have no doubt, obtain tho grca.tcst possible prominence in its pnges, and will celebrate his Excellency long after he lias departed from the scene of his laborp. The toast I have to propose to you, therefore, is the health of her Majesty's representative Sir George Grey. (Cheers.) The toast was drank in the most enthusiastic manner, with an accompanying three times three. Band— "The Fine Old English Gentleman."

His Excellency, in replying to the compliment, said — Mr. Justice Johnston and gentlemen, I beg to return you thanks for the compliment you have paid me in drinking my health this evening. Under any circumstances, it would have been to me a subject of great gratification that the toast should have been proposed and received in tho manner in which it has been responded to ; but I cannot help feeling that the present occasion is, as his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston remarked, ono of which any person who takes an interest in this colony must feel proud in being associated with it. 1 can hardly tt-ll you the strength of my feelings upon an occasion like the present. When I remembor this Colony, struggling, as some few years ngo it did, against difficulties VGry numerous, and now observe her taking the lead in one of the greatest enterprises that modern times have seen, I am sure tlmt, on this occasion, I shall be pardoned by you, and not be regarded as saying any tiling in a political sense, if I say that, in observing what is about to take pJuco ; namely, the unison of this Colony with Europe, by means of a steam postal communication by way of Panama. I cannot forgot the share which Mr. Weld took in getting such a great undertaking carried into effect. (Checr3.) First of all, we are indebted to Mr. Cro^bie Ward, who sits on my left — (cheers) — who, to a great degree was the person who matured this enterprise. (Continued cheering.) On Mr. Ward's return from England after having completed his negociations relative to the Panama Service, he was subjected to themorfcfication of seeing that the scheme was likely to fail ; that, in point of fact, his negociations were lepudiutcd by the Ministry of that day. Afterwards, his project was taken up by Mr. Weld's Government, and ultimately carried out, as tho present occasion clearly shows us, by the. present Ministry. (Cheers.) Therefore all statesmen equally participated in \he trial which has takon place to establish this service ; and now that its establishment is being inaugurated, what strikes mo particularly is, that I think New Zealand has done that which is not only creditable to herself, but that which will affurd an cxamplo to tho world at large ; and it will be looked upon as something tho more remarkable that Mr. Weld's Government, instead of being daunted by difficulties by which they were surrounded — insteadof confining their attention lo those difficulties, and the courage and the sagacity to look beyond all these, and to Jay plans and devisa schemes, which, when carried into effect, wore to bo of the greatest possible benefit to New Zealand, and which were tcv promote its prosperity for a long series of years afterwards. (Cheers.) Now, what I think is, that when a body of men, surrounded with difficulties on every side, can show they possess the greatness of mind und determination, to enable them not to look at these difficulties nlonc, but ul th£ same time to look boyond those troubles, to look forward to futurity, and to devise plans to secure tho prosperity of the country — when these plans are brought to a happy conclusion, I say that men like these set an example which is worthy of being copied by all mankind, and which, I doubv. not, Avill be regarded as the guiding star of New Zealand in future days, when other diilicultics shall arise. (Cheers.) I a;iy, therefore, that a groat plan has boon matured and carried out, and that plan was matured at a time when the greatest energy and courage was required on the part of those who undertook the weighty responsibilities attached to it. And, gentlemen, those statesmen who, in the face of every difficulty, had tho courage ' and energy to devise plans not only to cope with present difficulties, but to ensure the country's future prosperity, are entitled to every praise at the hands of everyone who has the interests of New Zealand at heart. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, these plans, 1 need not tell you, will be productive of groat and lasting results ; and it is with feelings of extraordinary pleasure that I tonight take part in an administration which for all time will be recorded as a great and remarkable event in the present ago, which U an ago of groat events and magnificent undertakings. (Great Cheering.) I therefore beg again to thank you for the manner in which you drank my health.

The Hon. E. W. Stafford then rose to propose the next toast ; and in doing so, lie said — Your Excellency and Gc ntlemen — The toast I have to propose is one which, of all others, we cannot help giving. We give it because we delight to do honor to those in whom we feel the nation can trust. The nation believes in its army and navy. (Cheers.) It has never found them fail in time of need ; and if those threatened wars we have lately heard of should burst alt over Europe ; England knows she can trust to her army and navy (Cheers.) She knows they did it before and wil. do it again ; and knowing you will all feel alike with me, I shall not detain you longer than simply by risking you to drink to the toast of " The Army and Navy of England." (Cheers.) The toast was drunk in the usual manner.

Bund— 1

•" Red, White, and Blue."

Major Gray rose to respond to the toast. Ho said — Your Excellency and gentlemen, having an imperative duty to perform which it is impossible to oracle is the only plea which ■will excuse what might appear presumption on my part in raising my voiw this evening. I can assure you, gentlemen, I feel sensible of the honor of being permitted to return thanks for the last toast that ha 3 been proposed. I only wish that the army -was more ably represented ; and I do regret there arc no officers of (ho navy present to have the gratification of observing the praiso that has been accorded to their services this evening, that service which in England's time of greatest peril, has always nobly done its duty. (Cheers.) Of the army it is not for me to speak ; but I can say, after a service of thrcc-aud-twenty years, that were I young again, and, with my past experiences, about to select a path of life, my choice would be the same. Cheers.) Insignificant as I Mil, and little weight that any words of mine can possible have, it seems to me to be right to take advantage of the opportunity which is now afforded me to say I bImII take tho deepest interest in Xew Zealand, in her bravo soldiers, and in her inhabitants generally — (Cheers) — that I shall constantld watch with pleasure their increasing prosperity ; and I will add that I look upon the establishment of that line of communication we Imo met here to celebrate as one of the great strides which the colony is so rapidly taking towards that high place she will one day hold among the nations of the earth. (Cheers.) I am, as I said before, exceedingly sorry that the army and navy arc not sufficiently represented ;■ and I will conclude, by returning you my sincere thanks for the way in which they have been honored tonight. (Cheers.)

Tho glasses having again been filled,

Edward Pcavcc, Esq., M.P'O., got up to propose the next tonsfc on the programme. Ho said —Your Excellency and gentlemen, tho privilege of proposing tho health of. his Excellency's Ministers has been given to me. It might be expected (hat the proposer of this toast would refer to the assistance that the Ministry have given in furtherance of the grand scheme, the inauguration of which we hare met this evening to celebrate. But I do not purpose to do bo, for if I attempted

flic" task,* I would lie M away, by .the very nature of the subject, not only to' refer to former and present Ministries, butto speak." of and to call to. mind the names of those who deserve praiap and honor on this occasion. That I must leave to othor hands to do ; nor shall I attempt to speak of tho members individually or of their high worth. I shall simply ask yon to join me in drinking the healths of thoso gentlemen who undertook the reins of Government, nothing daunted by the difficulties before them. (Cheers.) And who is better able to lead them than the Premier? (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He knows tho case of New Zealand better than anyone ; and who, I ask, is more willing to work than he is for his adopted country ? (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I shall only add, that I am sure I cxprcsj the feelings of all when I say, that you are unanimously of opinion, that the present Ministry have but one aim in v i ow — the prosperity of New Zealand ; and lam sure they have already worked manfully to fulfil the duties of the high office which Providence has been pleased to appoint them to. (Cheers.) Tho toast was then drunk mo. t enthusiastically.

Baud—" Cheer Boys Cheer." Mr. Stafford, in replying to tho toast, said that on tho parb of his colleagues and himself he thanked them most sincerely for tho very kindhe might say tho very affectionate mnnncr in which they had drunk tho toast of their health. (Applause.) It was known to all that persons placed in his position and in connexion with the Government of a country had 1 periods of great trial and sometimes difficulties to undergo ; but, on the other hand, there were triumphs and moments of unrestricted pleasuro like the present, when fc?icy did feel it was an honor to be associated wiLli tho Government of England, inasmuch as it gave them the power to direct public opinion and tho mind of the country towards great achievements which would be conducive to tho present and future prosperity of the colony. (Cheers.) And if there was way achievement which it would be the honor and nrido of any Government to hare connexion with, it was that one, the inauguration of of which they were called upon that evening to celebrate. Tho Governor of New Zealand, after viewing the great trials through which the colony passed during his career as representative of her Majesty, and looking to the groat things that had been effected, during his career as Governor not only of New Zealand but of other portions also of her Majesty's dominions, of all the things to which he would look hereafter, he (J\fr. S (afford) was sure that there was no one subject to which his Excellency would look back with such feelings of pride as the celebration of that which placed him in the chair that night. (Cheers.) The opening of steam postal communication with England by way of Panama was a national undertaking. It was an undertaking which even the Government of Great- Britain shirked from carrying out. Her Majesty of Great Britain had shrunk from it, and he spoke from a knowledge of the truth of what he was asserting. (Cheers) . It happened to him in '59; namely, the thought of , liavingpostalcommunication,andheentirelvugrecd in the°praise that his Excellency had accorded to Mr. Weld for having brought the scheme to a completion. The Government of which that gentlemen was the head might have allowed the matter to drop. It depended upon them whether the scheme should or should not fail altogether ; and having carried it out to a successful issue, they certainly deserved all tho praise which had been so creditably bestowed upon them by his Excellency the Governor. (Cheers.) But he must call to memory also that he was the first man who had broken'ground in New Zealand on this very great question — (Cheers.) — nine years . ago, believing that the Panama service being available was tho one thing that New Zealand should strive for, ho himself was. despatched to New South Wulca as tho accredited agent of the Government. Tho New South Wales Government was, lie believed., at that time presided over by Mr. Steward Dallison. Ho found the Government of that colony willing to co-operate with New Zealand in the scheme, and it was then about to be carried out, but for the withdrawal of the West India Company. Subsequently, ho had occasion to proceed to London, calling at New South Wales on his way there. The hon. Mr. Charles Cowpcr was at that time at the head of the Government. Ho (Mr. Stafford) found the Government of New South Wales had persistently declared itself in favor of the proposedscheme. On his arrival in London, he, in conjunction with the agent of the New South Wales Government in London, had the honor conferring with tho Imperial Ministry that had the Earl of Derby at iis head, and if the noble lord had only remained in oillcc six months longer, they should have seen the communication byway of Panama estblishod long before. (Cheers.) Thoy agreed to pay half the expenses, and they (tho agents for New Zealand and New South Wales) were to draft out theconditionsunder which they wished to have the contract carried out. No Governmentcould have met another half way, more fairly than the administration of Lord Derby had done. ( Cheers.) It happened, however, that after tenders were advertised for and senfc in accordingly, Lord Derby's Government went'oufc of office ; the question was knocked on the head, and from that day to this, the Imperial Government of England had faltered and hesitated ; and tho chances were, that but for Mr. Weld and his colleagues, tho opening of the line home by way of Panama whuld have never been achieved. England wouldriotdoitjbutheryoungest sons had done it for them and were not unworthy of the task. (Cheers.) Thoreforo, ho would say that the enconium passed upon Mr. Weld by his Excellency was entirely deserved. (Cheers.) When Mr. Ward returned from England, after his great perseverance and energy to complete the work ho had been deputed by the Government to fulfil, the contract he had entered into was repudiated ; and he would say that Mr. Ward had displayed an amount of " audacity" in not carrying out the instructions of the Government to the letter. But now that the contract had been entered into and had commenced operation, it was creditable both to Mr. Ward and the other persons who, feeling that there was very great risk lying at tho bottom of tho wholo proceedings, had proceeded so far as now to see the first steamer in the harbor on her way to Panama. (Cheers.) It was tlioso who had balanced the advantages and disadvantages of tho case that deserved credit. There was a voyage yet to be performed, to prove that scienco had done that which it it was asserted it would be impossibloto perform. There wore many sitting before him who had said it was impossible to have steam communication between Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, by way of Panama. Bub had it not been proved to them that science had overcome tho difficulty alleged to bo in tho way ? Need he say, therefore, that he felt proud at tho achievement that had been accomplished. (Loud ohcers.)

Tho glasses were ngain filled, and

Mi*. Stokes rose to proposo the noxt toast o the evening. lie said — Your Excellency and Gentlemen, in proposing the health of "Tho Invited Guests," it will not bo necessary for me to trace the several steps which have-, led to the happy conclusion we now celebrate, because this must be present to your minds, and after tho vivid sketch which has been presented to you by his Excellency and others who havo spoken, it would bo prcsumptous ou my part to do so. In any great undertakings, wo find them to be the 'work of ourselves, and to be tho labour of many earnest minds, and this is no exception to tho general rule; and while we meet to-night to celebrate the inauguration of this very great undertaking, we also meet for the purpose of giving honor to whom honor is but justly due ; and those gentlemen -who are included in this toast — to Mr. "Ward, to bis Honor the Supcrin-

tendet, and to" the Hon. Mr.'€owper, by: whose active." nnd'. . cordial .. co-operation yre ha.ye succeeded in • obtaining ilu> "assistance of the Government of New South Wales. And so by many willing laborers we have at last carried on this successful issue. (Cheer 3.) No doubt, this undertaking will present itself to different minds in different aspects. The merchant will, I am sure, rejoice in finding a new path for commerce openedup, and that the other irregular, unfreqm nin tercoursebetwenNewZi?aland,Europe and South Ameiiaa, will be displaccdandone established on the basis of a monthly communication. (Cheers.) I find I must remind thoso whom I have the honor of addressing that to Mr. Ward's sagacity as to the starting point, we owe that Wellington has been made tho point of departure. As I have said, this question will present itself to different minds in difif.re.it aspects. But there is v one point on which we must all ag.iee. Wo must all rejoice as Englishmen, that a great work has been accomplished, aid that what was once considered to bo a difficulty has at last been overcome. (Cheer 3.) Bearing in mind the advantages which will be conferred on tin's colony, I am sure yon will show by your hearty response to the toast, your appreciation of tho gentlemen | whose names are included in it. I have, therefore, to propose the health of " The invited guests — the Hon. Charles Cowper, Crosbie Ward, Esq , and his Honor Dr. Featherston." 'xhe toast was drunk amid loud cheering. Band— "Let us live hnppy togfther." , The hon. Charles Cowper, late Prime Minister of New South Wales, rose to respond, to the toast, and was greeted with loud and long continued cheers. When silence was restored, h.3 said he thanked them most sincere]/ for Uie kind and cordial manner in which they had received tho toast. It afforded him much pleasure to visit the shores oi. New Zealand, and ho was rejoiced at the occasion of his visit, and trusted that the lino, the opening of which they were then celebrating, wotdd prove itself to bo a permanent benefit to New Zealand. (Cheers.) He did not wish it to be understood that he attended that evening in connection with the Government of New South Wales ; but assured them that so long as ho had anything to do with tho affairs of that colony, he would do his utmost to promote and prolong the friendship that existed between New Zealand and his adopted country. (Loud cheers.)

Crosbie Ward, Esq., M.H.R., on rising to respond, was loudly cheered. He said— Your Excellency and gentlemen, it might naturally be supposed that I rise on tho present occasion with a great deal of private gratification to address you now at the eve of the departure of tho first steamer for Panama ; but I can assure yon that there is a great deal of pain and embarrassment I cannot help feeling, on being placed in this position. I know how my name has become connected with this servico ; and I know also whose names five not on this toast who deserve record here as fully, as honorably, and as prominently as any of us who are here to-night. I know how many, loug ago, before there was a prospect apparently of carrying their service to a conclusion, devoted their energies to it, foresaw its success, and all but accomplished it. (Cheers.) I knowhow ouv sister colony of New South Wales led the van for years before we felt ourselves competent to equal her efforts. I remember how our hon. friend, the Premier of New South Wales, din oted himself to this work. I know well how thoso gentlemen in London belonging to New South Wales, besides Mr. Merreweather and Mr. Hampton, and Mr. Downos, and many others in Sydney, did their utmost to achieve its success, i' know very well at the time when New Zealand took the first practical step in tho matter. I know at that time how we depended on tho co-operation of New South Wales ; and when we asked for that co-operation, I remember well how willingly it was tcudered to us by the hon. Mr. Cowpcr. (.Cheers.) I remember, too, how his representatives at homo gave mo tho right hand of welcome, and with that experience which I at the time did not possess, gave themselves to the great work which I professedly was endeavoring to do. I know how we depended on the action of the Imperial Government, which was promised and at that time w»s not given ; and if, gentlemen, I can claim a singles thing for myself, it is, that I recognised the fact that if it was ever to be carried out it must be by the devotion oftheoncColonytot.be other, and to this is to bo attributed the successful issue of the scheme. It has been called an audacity of me to have taken so much upon myself on the part of New Zealand. It may be, but I think it was a happy audacity— (Cheers and laughter)— if I in any way outstripped my written instructions. Perhaps an opinion may exist in tho minds of some persons that my action was audacious, but if such an opinion does prevail, I would say, "Is it an unworthy thing of a public servant to outstrip tho letter of his instructions if he can show good reasons why a departure from the letter will most surely and prcctically fulfil tho spirit of them?" (Cheers.) And I would remind you, gentlemen, that at that time New Zealand was not embarrassed with those difficulties that have since befallen her ; and that at that time we were the possessors of vast gold mines. Wo had every reason to suppose that our annual income would afford us £50,000 or £100,000 a-ycar for the sake of connecting us with England, and in spite of that, a pressure has been talked of— (I have not seen my lion, friend's estimates)— but I think that at the present time New Zealand is not in that cxtremo poverty as to deny herself £50,000 a-year for tho sake of maintaining the Panama Service. But I have a word to say of those who should bo here to take part in this service. I feel anticipated in rendering that praise which is justly due to Mr. Weld, who, at the head of tho late Ministry, took up what I might term a broken contract almost at the last moment it could bo taken up, and did not cease until ho had made it a complete contract. (Cheers.) But I think cur thanks are especially due to those gentlemen in England, thoso earnest men who, having accepted from the Colony an apparent contract, have stood by it right or wrong and performed their task. (Cheers.) I have seen those gentlemen in the performance ot my duties, and I know them to be, not a speculative and trading company, but a society of gentlemen in the truest acceptation of the term | gentlemen who have added to that much that has made the name of British merchant reputable all over the world. They aro men of integrity and enterprise, and those two together, form the only character to which we dare entrust such an enterprise as this ; namely, to connect ourselves with Great Britain by way of Panama. (Cheers.) I They havo done their work thoroughly, and I feel I cannot stand up here without rendering to t them, on the part of the Colony, great thanks for the persistency, constancy, and good faith in which they have treated tho colony generally, and myself individually throughout the whole of these negotiations. (Loud cheers.) And I say 80, gontlom.cn, knowing what they have done. With regard to the rival company in these seas, I believe New Zealand Steam Navigation Company feel that their success in business is likely to be enhanced manifold by tho carrying out of this service by way of Panama. [After some further observations, which, owing to the lateness of tho hour, wo cannot insert in this morning's issue, Mr. Ward, speaking of the Port of Call said] — I cau assui'e you, gentlemen, no such thought existed in my mind as to make Wellingtou the dortofcaU a'nddoparturo, because I belonged to the South. If it was a departure from instructions that tho Company and myself chose Wellington as tho port of departure, theu I was guilty of a departure from thoso instructions I was given ; but I venture to say, that was no fault at all. We have abundant evidence that no postmaster in his senses would have chosen any other port. (Cheers.) And whatever fault I may have corn-

[ nutted in the matter, which I entirely deny, has been amply atoned for by the fact that there was • full permission given to the Government of the ' colony to alter the port from Wellington to ariy- •' where else. But they have not done- so, and nobody has attempted to name any other port but Wellington as the port of departure. If that bo to err, I am willing to admit having erred. Mr. Ward concluded amidst loud and enthusiastic cheering.

His Honor Dr. Feathcrston, rising to respond, was received with great applause. . We regret that owing to the somewhat inaudible manner in which his Honor addressed tho assemblage it provented us from catching even a single complete sentence of what he said. In conclusion, he proposed " Tho Government of New South Wales."

Band — '

•" Still so gently."

The Hon. Charles Cowper responded. The Hon. John Johnston proposed " Success to the Panama Sen-ice, and Captain John Vine Hall."

Band—" Hearts of Oak." H. B. Benson, Esq., Manager at Wellington for the Panama Company, responded.

Towards ten o'clock the festivities dosed, and an adjournment was made to the Hall of tho Assembly, where the bull was to be held. The ladies were very numerous, and tho dancing was kept up to tho strain of an excellent band till an early hcus.' in the morning, when all hied homewards, heartily satisfied at the pleasxire they oxperienced.