On Wednesday night Mr H. Cooke, late editor of the 'Galloway Gazette,' was entertained to a public banquet, and presented with a silver salver and a purse of £130 sovs., on his leaving Newton-Stewart for the editorship of the 'Hull Packet and Times.' The banquet took place at the Galloway Arms, where a most recherché repast was provided by Mr and Mrs Pettigrew. The Rev. John Barclay occupied the chair, and Mr W. T. Solomon, of Chemery House, the vice-chair. The salver bore the following inscription:—" Presented with a purse of 130 sovs. to Mr H. Cooke, on his leaving Newton-Stewart for Hull, by his friends, in recognition of his high talents as a journalist and also of his services for the public good," The testimonial included a subscription of £25 from the proprietors of the `Gazette,' and the committee of managers made Mr Cooke a private present. Mr Cooke as D.P.G.M. for Galloway, was also entertained to a banquet on Friday, and was presented with a valuable provincial officer's jewel.