38 
DINNER TO MR. EDWARD STANLEY. 
200 signatures to the testimonial, including many of the 
gentry of the neighbourhood ; and stating further that the 
object of the parties would be promoted if he (the Mayor) 
would take the chair on the present occasion, and that by so 
doing he would oblige the committee and the friends of Mr. 
Stanley. (Applause.) He knew very well how very unfit 
he was to occupy that chair — ( u No, no”) ; but it was impos- 
sible he could receive such a communication without being 
aware that it conveyed necessarily, though tacitly, a respect 
for the office which he had the honour to fill. (Applause.) 
There were many duties which they had to perform, and 
which they could perform with pleasure, although they arose 
solely upon the representation of others ; but the pleasure of 
performance was materially enhanced when their own know- 
ledge enabled them to acquiesce in the propriety and truth of 
the representations made. (Applause.) And it was because 
he could from long experience — for twenty years and more — 
of Mr. Stanley in this town alone, concur in those represen- 
tations, that he had a ten-fold pleasure in taking the chair that 
evening. (Loud applause.) And now gentleman (said the 
Mayor,) and Mr. Stanley in particular, let me say to you 
with what pleasure I have read the letters now before us, and 
with what further pleasure too have I read that which, with 
the consent of this meeting, I will read again, viz., the testi- 
monial of esteem which is so numerously signed : — 
“A testimonial of esteem, presented to Mr. Edward Stan- 
ley, veterinary surgeon, on his leaving the town of Banbury. 
— We, the undersigned, many of whom have benefited by your 
professional skill, desire to express our regret that you are 
leaving the town and neighbourhood of Banbury, and we beg 
that you will accept this short address as a tribute of respect, 
and testimony of the high sense we entertain, not only of 
your professional ability, and great attention as a practitioner, 
for a period of twenty years, but for the uniform uprightness 
of character which has always accompanied your transactions 
in business. You will, at the same time, allow us to express 
our sincere regard for your future welfare and prosperity, and 
a hope that your removal to Birmingham may only increase 
the reputation you have so well earned in this town and 
neighbourhood. We trust, Sir, that you will value this 
declaration of personal respect and approval of your pro- 
fessional practice, by knowing, from the signatures attached 
to it, that we are actuated only by a desire to extend that 
reputaion of character which you have so justly merited.” 
(Loud cheers.) 
This memorial is signed by Lord Yilliers, Colonel North, 
