1915-01-11sl

“A number of friends of the new Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario who are members of the Hamilton Club gave a dinner in Col. Hendrie’s honor, to celebrate his appointment.”

Hamilton Times.     January 11, 1915.

It was a memorable occasion at the exclusive private club in downtown Hamilton. One of the club’s long-time members, John S. Hendrie had just taken the office of Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Ontario.

The relatively small, but luxurious, building at Main and James streets, only had a capacity to accommodate 60 guests for a meal in its dining hall and every invitation was accepted.

After a lovely meal, two toasts were made, one to “The King” which was followed by the singing of “God Save the King” and a second toast to “Our Guest.”

Mr. J. J. Morrison had been selected as chair of the gathering and he began proceedings:

“He referred, in a most happy and becoming way, to the career of the guest of the evening, reviewing step by step, his progress in public life from the time he entered the Fourth Field Battery and passed through all stages of military advancement; then entered municipal life, where he distinguished himself; then entered Parliament and became a member of the Provincial Cabinet, and finally was appointed to the highest position in the gift of his native people.

“He referred to all he had done for his native city and the great example his life had been, speaking of his commercial career also, and referring to his success in that sphere, now being president of the Bank of Hamilton.

“While his absence from Hamilton would be quite a loss, all his friends would look forward to his return a few years gence.

“Mr. Morrison also spoke of the services rendered by His Honor’s estimable wife, referring to Mrs. Hendrie’s position in the social, benevolent and patriotic life of the city, and her gracious influence upon the women of Hamilton.”¹

¹ “Honored the Lieut.-Governor : Dinner to Col. John S. Hendrie at Hamilton Club.”

Hamilton Times.    January 11, 1915.

In response, the newly-appointed Lieutenant- Governor began by saying how happy he was to be back in Hamilton :

“He said how pleased he was to be so honored by his friends in the Hamilton Club, and he thanked the toastmaster for his kind references to him.

“He expressed regret that more men such as those around him did not go in for public life in its various forms. It would be better for them and better for their city and country if they did. To occupy the position of Lieutenant-Governor  of Ontario was a high honor indeed, and he greatly appreciated it and realized the greatness of the responsibility.

“He and Mrs. Hendrie were happy in Government House, and the people of Toronto had already be very kind.”¹

Col. Hendrie’s immediate predecessor as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario was another prominent Hamilton, Sir John M. Gibson who detailed, for those gathered, the life and duties of the office.

Speeches followed by Messrs. Robert Hobson and F. C. Bruce, and the glittering gathering came to a close at 11 o’clock.