DEPARTURE OF INSPECTOR BROHAM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 10, 13 January 1893, Page 3

DEPARTURE OF INSPECTOR BROHAM.

A PUBLIC PRESENTATION,

This morning, a representative meeting of citizens was held in the Exchange, for the purpose of presenting Inspector Brohatn with a suicable token of the regard ho has won on all hands during his residence in this part of the colony. A large number of leading citizenß were present to witness the presentation, which took the form of a purse of 150 guineus. Inspector JlickpOD, who arrived from the South yesterday to take Inspector Broham's place, was conspicuous in the room. Hia Worship the Mayor, who occupied the chair, eaid that he was pleased to see so many representative citizens present on the occasion of the presentation to Inspector Broham. There were sevoral other gentlemen including Mr McMillan, who bad intended to be ab the meeting, but had been unavoidably detained. The subscription list whioh had been opened only a very short time ago, he was pleased tosay had been tilled up most rapidly, and the sum he collected was still being added to, he bad just received another guinea on his way to the meeting. If there were any others who desired to testify their regard for Inspector Broham by contributing to the list, they could send the money to him (the Mayor), and be would sea that it was forwarded to Mr Broham. He then read the following representative lettor addressed to Inspector Broham on the evo of his departure :—

To Thomas Broham, Esq., Inspector of Police.Auckland.January 12bh, 1893. Dear Sir, —On behalf of the citizens we take this opportunity to express the greab regret we feel ab your removal from this district over which, during the past four and a-half years, you have exercised police control with great 3ucceas. To a large number of citizens you have been known personally for many years, and speaking for the whole community we feel sure that you take with you their respect and esteem, as well for your sterling qualities, as for the able and actful manner in which you havo filled your offico. The duties of your position ore at the best of times onerous; but we have no hesitation in saying that you have ever and always discharged them impartially and fearlessly. Although we regret your departure we trust that your new sphere will be as congenial as your term of office has been in our midst. As expressing tangibly in a small measure our appreciation of your services for the public of Auckland, we have much pleasure in presenting you with the accompanying purse of sovereignscollected during thopastfewdays. Again wishing you every success in your future career, we remain, yours faithfully, W. Crowther (Mayor), J, Logan Campbell, J. Keid, H. C. Tewsley, B. F. Luks, M. Gallagher, Alf. Nathan, H. B. Morton.

The Chairman then called on Mr Reader Wood to make the presentation. Mr Reader Wood, addressing Inspector Brohatn, said that he had been asked, as one of his oldest friends, to present him with a purso of sovereigns on behalf of the citizens of Auckland. The Chairman had called upon him to say eometbing on the occasion, but now that he had listened to Mr Crowther's remarks, he felt that he could not possibly express himself more appropriately or better than that gentleman had done. The purse, ho believed, contained 150 guineas, and, holding it in his hand, the speaker said that it looked a small &urn, and was a email sum, being not so muoh as had been collected ab Christchurch or Wellington for other inspectors who had bean removed. The present could have been more imposing if the donors had chosen to alter the form. Supposing that the gift bad been in tho shape of a salvor or silver tea service ib would have looked more important, but the present form had its advantages, and in illustration of this Mr Wood related a story of Bishop Selwyn's of a clergyman who had beon presented with a eilver tea service which he was in constant trepidation of_ getting stolen. Continuing ho said that Inspector Broham would value the gift not for the gold, but as an expression of the goodwill of the Auckland citizens towards him. They all recognised that while in their midst he (Inspector Broham) had filled his position with the greatest credit. He had fulfilled his duty because it was his duty to do so. He hud fultillod it_ fearlessly and without favour, and with the greatest tact and courtesy. That might be called £he public side of his character. But there was another Bide of more interest, the private Bide. Speaking for himself, Mr Wood said that he had never known anyone whose character he had venerated more, nor anyone in whose society he bad felt more pleasure. He then wished Mr Broham all happiness in his future career, and coupling Mrs Brobam's name in the wish, said he had much pleaßare in handing over the puree of sovereigns. Inspector Broham on receiving the gifb thanked those present for the kind manner m which they bad manifested their esteem. He said he had never felt his shortcomings more than on the present occasion. He felt he had a hundred things to say but could not find words to express himself ab that moment. He knew thab when he left the room, he would remember all the appropriate things he ought to have said. It was the same with him always. He always came away disgusted with himself. He had been 23 years in Auckland, and during that time he had been most kindly dealt with by the public. The same kindness had been shown to the police force under him. Indeed, he knew no part of the colony m which the police were better treated. For himself, he must say thab he appreciated most warmly their kindness. He valued the gift, but he valued the kindness of the donors far more. On behalf of his wife he thanked Mr Wood for his kind expressions, and feelingly remarking that that was his last appearance on the stage, shook hands with the gentlemen present. Inspector and Mrs Broham leave for the South this afternoon.