GOVERNOR HOBSON

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 205, 30 August 1935, Page 9

GOVERNOR HOBSON

MEMORIAL OBELISK. ERECTION AT ORAKEI. GENEROSITY OF MAYOR. As a tribute to the memory of the late Governor Hobson, a monument in the form of a shaft or obelisk, mounted on a base and steps, is to be erected at a spot near the eastern end of Orakei Bay. The structure will be 20ft in height and will be composed of about 300 cubic feet of granite and will mark the spot of Governor Hobson's landing at Orakei. This tribute to the memory of Governor Hobson is to be erected at the expense of the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, who was granted permission to do so by the City Council last evening. The Mayor said his action was tlit result of a conversation he had with Mr. G. W. Hutchison during the term of his Mayoralty when he expressed the opinion that this historic landmark should be permanently identified by some form of monument. "I then indicated," said the Mayor in his report, "that providing the authority could be obtained, I should like myself to donate an obelisk. As a result of cabled inquiries through the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, Sir James Parr, I have under offer for the construction of the obelisk a sufficient quantity of granite from the famous and beautiful Waterloo Bridge, opened on June 18, 1817 (the second anniversary of the historic battle which gave it its name), and which is now in course of demolition. Hpbson must have crossed the bridge frequently in the course of his lifetime. The stone from the elliptical arches is available in sizes suitable for the purpose referred to. A plan of the site where the landing took place has been prepared. Council Appreciative. The deputy-Mayor (Mr. B. Martin) said that the citizens of Auckland would appreciate the generous action of the Mayor. It would be appreciated by the people of New Zealand as well, as Governor Hobson was not only an Auckland figure but a national one. There would be added interest in the monument because of the fact that the granite was to bo brought from Waterloo Bridge. The city had had many evidences of the generosity of the Mayor and members of his family said Mr. Martin, and he conveyed to him the thanks of the council. Mr. J. S. Stewart said that the gift would be appreciated by all the citizens of Auckland. Sir George Richardson said that from his association with Maori returned soldiers lie could say that the proposal would give the greatest pleasure to the Maoris. It was due to Governor Hobson that- the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. The work of Hobson in establishing the British flag had never been properly recognised. A statue for Hobson should be a national matter. The Mayor's action was a very generous and patriotic one. The Mayor said that he would like to see a "statue of Hobson somewhere else. It was only a privilege to do what he had done. The Mayor was applauded by the councillors when he resumed his seat.