adequate. Even at the best, a dinner seems to me a very ephemeral compliment for substantial services which have been gratuitously contributed. Besides which, it is not altogether free from a taint of selfishness, inasmuch as those who partake of the feast get back a very fair equivalent in the wines and viands they have consumed in honour of the guest; and when they have all eaten and drunken nothing remains but the fragments, and the function is at an end. One might almost address the guest in the words of Horace,

Lusisti

atque bibisti; Tempus abire tibi est;

which may be freely translated: "You have enjoyed yourself sufficiently at our expense, you have eaten enough of our good cheer and drunk enough of our wine; it is time for you to depart." Perhaps this is rather a cynical view to take of a complimentary banquet; but I feel assured our friend, will highly value the form in which our regard for him has been exhibited on the present occasion, and which will prove a more enduring evidence of our esteem.

It seems scarcely necessary that I should particularise the various services performed by Mr. Cowper during his ten years' residence amongst us. Everyone present must

be aware of the obligations under which he has placed us, and which embrace every object calculated to advance the social and material welfare of the district. To him we are mainly indebted for the high position our Agricultural Society has taken amongst kindred societies in the colony, and the marked success achieved by our shows. Ever since its formation he has filled the office of honorary secretary, and it was only recently, when the duties became too onerous, that a paid secretary was appointed to lighten his labours. I might also refer to the valuable and important services he has rendered in connection with the butter factories in the district, two or three of which he has been largely instrumental in establishing, and to one of which (the pioneer one at Westbrook) he has acted as honorary secretary during a period of six or seven years. These factories, I need not say, have proved an immense benefit to the district, and have revolutionised the whole system of dairy farming throughout the colony. Then he has taken an active interest in the School of Arts, and long served on its committee. He has also been a prominent member of the Rifle Club, the Dramatic Society, and the Philharmonic, besides being ever ready to afford his services

at concerts or bazaars, in aid of good and local objects.

Such a record of useful and gratuitous services so cheerfully rendered is, I venture to think, quite unique in the history of this district; and when it is considered that, in addition to these, he has most faithfully and zealously discharged his duties in connection with the bank, it is matter for wonderment how he has managed to find the time for such multifarious services. Every client of the bank will, I am sure, bear willing testimony to his marked efficiency, his courteous and obliging manners, and his thorough devotion to duty; and his employers have stamped their approval of his management by according him full pay durthe whole period of his absence.

I should ill discharge my duty here this evening did I omit a reference to Mrs. Cowper, who has been to our friend a veritable helpmate in all the work he has been enabled to perform. Not only has she cheered and encouraged him with her sympathy, but she has helped him in much clerical work; and within the last few days, when her family and preparations for the voyage might well have occupied all her time, I found her busily engaged in matters connected with the recent show. In all the

relations of domestic life, whether as wife, mother, or companion, she has been a pattern which all might imitate, and personally I would thank her for the warm welcome I ever received from her during my visits to the bank, and for much genuine hospitality which I fear I have but poorly repaid.

It now remains for me to wish you, Mr. and Mrs. Cowper, in the name of your Camden friends, a most enjoyable holiday. May your visit to England thoroughly recruit your energies and afford you much happiness. But while you revel amidst the beauties and wonders of the old world, I feel assured your thoughts will often revert to this sunny land and your old home at Camden, which must for ever remain dear to you for many early and pleasant memories. It falls to the lot of few who have resided long in one locality, and who have conscientiously done their duty, to avoid making an enemy, or incurring the displeasure of some captious individuals; but you will leave the district with the good wishes of everyone in the community and with the approbation of all classes. I only hope that all who have met here this evening to bid you farewell may be spared to greet you on your return, and welcome you back to the scene of your past labours.

SPEECH AT A BANQUET TENDERED

TO MR. CHISHOLM.

(Camden, December 3, 1896.)

MR. DOWNES AND GENTLEMEN,

I know not how to thank you for the high compliment you have paid me in asking me to be your guest this evening, and for the enthusiastic manner in which you have received the toast of my health. It is all the more gratifying to me as I have never courted popularity, but simply tried to do my duty conscientiously, seeking no further reward than the approval of my own conscience and the respect of my fellow men. I have rather a serious complaint to make against my good friend, the chairman, who has so misrepresented my character, that I feel almost doubtful of my own identity. He has completely ignored my defects and exaggerated my merits; but although I cannot feel that I am entitled to such praise, I feel assured he is most sincere in what he has said of me, and I highly appreciate the kindly motives which have prompted his remarks.