TOLOCA BAY HOTEL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2266, 11 August 1908, Page 1

TOLOCA BAY HOTEL.

A OEKEMONIOUS OPENING

At tho invitation of Mr. J. I*. 'Murphy, liconsoo of tho now Tologa Bay Hotel, about 80 persons assembled last ivook for tho opening ceremony in connection with that building, tho leading settlors of tho surrounding districts woro present, together with about twelve visitors from Gisborne. On arrival, the guests were shown through tho building, which is handsomely finished, and reflects much credit on both architect and builders. The furnishing has boon tastefully done on an elaborate scale, and no expense has boon spared by tho licensee in his endeavor to make this place one of tiie best country hotels in the Dominion. The building is equipped with every modern convenience, and as one visitor remarked, “will do much to popu.lariso Tologa Bay as a seaside resort.” In tho evening the guests sat down to a sumptuous champagne dinner, the menu of which would have done credit to a metropolitan chef. Mr. John Sheridan, 0 f Gisborne, occupied the chair, and was in bis best form. Tho following wore the principa toasts: —“The Xing” ;“Tlio A isitors, proposed by Mr. E. Richards, and ably responded to by Mr. J. B. Gow, ouo of the candidates for the Bay ot Plenty soat. “Tho Commercial and Shipping Interests of tho East Coast” was proposed by Mr. J. F. I’ettio, in a neat speech, and was responded to by Messrs J. B. Morris, G. H. AVil--lia ms, and R. Holder. “ r l lie Sheepfanning Industry,” proposed by Mr. C. H. Adair, brought an. interesting response from Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald. Mr. Geo. Thornton, in a witty speech, proposed “The Ladies,” which was replied to by Messrs Galloway and Cowl rick. . “Tho Host and Hostess” was proposed by the Chairman, in a neat and well-cliosen speech, and was received most enthusiastically. Mr. Murphy feelingly replied, and Mrs. Murphv, at tlio request of the ladies present .also thanked tho company for tho kindly manner in which they had received the toast. Mr. Murphv proposed “The Architect, which was replied to by Mr. \Y. O. Skeot, in the absence of Mr. H. J. Brownlee. . During the evening songs and recitations wore given by Misses Lynch and Hale, and Messrs Sheridan, Pettie, Galloway (2), Cowlrick, Thornton, O’Moore, and Dr. M eeks, and a piano solo was excellently played b.v Miss Nellie Murphy. The H unt) Brass Band was also in attendance, and played Several line selections. Tho gathering finally concluded with tho singing of “Auld Lang Syne, and cheers for Mr. and 'Mrs. Murphy. . . ~ Some of the visitors were weatherbound for three days. They were the guests of tho landlord during tills period, and spent a very pleasant time.