UNVEILING OF STURART’S STATUE.

Evening Star, Issue 10656, 22 June 1898, Page 2

UNVEILING OF STURART’S STATUE.

The Dr Stuart statue; which has been erected'in the centre of the open space at the junction of High and Rattray streets, above the Triangle was publicly unveiled by Mrs Robert Glendining this afternoon. The people commenced to' assemble at two o’clock, and by the time the hour appointed for opening the proceedings—three o’clock—arrived there was a very large concourse present. His Worship the. Mayor (Mr E. B. Cargill) presided, and amongst those within the enclosure were Mesdames A. 0. Bcgg, Turnbull, Mackerras, W. Hislop, A. Stewart, S. M'Donald, A. Solomon, Crs Denniaton, Park, Carroll, R. Chisholm, Hardy, W. B. Taylor (town clerk), 8. H. Mirams (city engineer), Revs. E. 6. Edwards, D. Borne, J, Kirkland, the Hon. W. D. Stewart, Captain Thomson, Inspector Tardy, Messrs P. Y. “Wales, A. Burt, R. Glendining, P.: G. A. C. Beggi S. M'Donald, 6. Fenwick, W. Hislop, J. Arkle (Palmerston), 0. M'K. Gordon, G. A. King, J. T. Mackerras, John Davie, B. Sievwright, R. Watson, H. Adam, T. W. Whitson, A. Bartleman, T. H. Dick, W. Leslie Morison (Wellington), J. Reid, and a number of others. The statue is a splendid work, and is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the ornamentation of the City. The pedestal is a little over 10ft in height, the foundation being of Zealand granite, and the centre of Waikawa stone. The statue is 7ft high, thus making the total height of the monument about 18ft from the ground. The pedestal, which has a circular front, is well worked, and has a fine appearance, being in every way suitable for the purpose for which it is employed. The statue shows Dr Stuart in a sitting position, and, as we have previously remarked, the likeness is a speaking one. The site is well chosen, and when the tall lamp-post at present rearing itself above the monument is superseded by four smaller ones—one at each corner which is, we understand, the intention of the Council, the appearance of the monument will be materially enhanced. The figure is placed looking directly over to the door of the Telegraph Office. It would have been better had it looked more in the direction cf High street or Princes street, but there were difficulties, in the way of observing the street lines, which prevented this being given effect to. As is stated by Mr John Davie, in the particulars given below, the monument was designed by Mr Leslie Morison, of Wellington, who is to be very highly complimented on the great success which has attended his labors. Mr P. Y. Wales, architect, supervised the erection of the pedestal, which was made by Messrs Munro and Sons. Mr Morison personally supervised the unpacking and placing in position of the statue, which was cast by Moore, of London. The monument bears the following inscription in gold on the centre of the pedestal“ D. M. Stuart, D.D. ” ; whilst lower down is inscribed in black letters: “Erected by the people of Otago, 1898.”

The Mayor opened the proceedings by calling upon Mr John Davie to read the following statement: — In May, 1894, a meeting of citizens was convened m the Town Hall to consider the propriety of raising some suitable memorial to the late Dr Stuart. The meeting was presided over by the then Mayor (the late Mr Fish), and was largely attended by representatives of all classes of the' community. The following resolution was moved by Mr George Fenwick_ and seconded by Sir Robert Stout That this meeting of citizens, in hearty appreciation of the distinguished public services so ungrudgingly rendered at all times hy the late Rev. Dr Stuart during his lifetime, hereby resolve that the public be invited to raise by subscription a memorial in some degree worthy of these services." This resolution was carried unanimously. A numerous and influential committee was then appointed to give effect to this resolution, with Mr Robert Glendining treasurer and Mr John Davie hon. secretary. In June of the same year a meeting of subscribers to the memorial fund was called to determine the form the memorial should take. Four different proposals were submitted to the meeting, but the one that met the approval of the great majority of those present was a statue. With this instruction from the subscribers the Committee set to work to raise the necessary funds, and, after having collected a sum sufficient to warrant their taking action, and with a view to test whether there existed in the colony the artistic skill competent to execute the work, the Committee offered a premium of 25 guineas for the best statuette of the late Doctor, seated or standing. Several statuettes were sent in for exhibition, but the one that commended itself for approval, beyond all question, was a statuette representing the Doctor seated, and to this statuette the premium was awarded. The sucessful artist was Mr W. L. Morison, of Wellington. The Committee next had to consider whether this gentleman was competent to be entrusted with the commission for the execution of the full-sized statue. Inquiry satisfied the Committee that Mr Morison was eminently qualified to undertake the work, and they accordingly entered into a contract with him for the execution of an enlargement of his model. Mr Morison’s task was a laborious one. He had, first of all, to model tho statue to its full size in clay, and then to cast it in plaster of Paris. That done, ho had to cut tho plaster cast in pieces, pack them up, and ship them to London, there to be cast in bronze, with what splendid success the statue about to be unveiled will abundantly testify. The Executive Committee desire to publicly convey their most cordial thanks for services rendered and favors granted in connection with tho statue (1) to Mr John Ross, of Ross and Glending, for all the trouble he has taken in connection with the casting in bronze, and the shipping of the statue from London, and in financing for the Committee, (8) To tho Sbaw-Savill Company for bringing out the statue freight free from London, being their contribution to the memorial fund. (3) To the Government for remitting tho duty on the statue, (4) To Mr Wales, architect, for his valuable and gratuitous services. (5) To the Harbor Board for remitting the dues. (6) To Messrs Duthie and Co. for carting the statue from the wharf to the pedestal free. (7) To Messrs Munro and Co. for raising the statue on to the pedestal—a work Involving a large measure of care and trouble-free of charge. And, Anally, to the Corporation for granting us this site; and also to the Works Committee, and particularly the chairman of that Committee, for tho trouble taken in fixing the site.

The Hon. W. Downie Stewakt said: Mr Mayor and Fellow Citizens, —We are met this afternoon for the purpose of doing honor to ourselves. We are called on to pay homage to the memory of the late Dr Stuart, who delighted to call Dunedin “his own romantic City.” It is unnecessary to ask why the people of Otago have generously subscribed funds for the purpose of raising a monument to the memory of a man who spent the best part of his life in rendering most ungrudgingly what services he could in laying the foundations of a young nation, which, if not already, is destined to become a not unimportant part of the British Empire. I need not on this occasion refer at any length to the many services rendered by the late Dr Stuart. It is only about four years since he died, and the large multitudes which assembled in Dunedin to attend his funeral may be accepted as some evidence of the great respect in which he was held, and the widespread sorrow which his death called forth. The great gain to this part of the colony by his arrival here about forty years ago may be in some measure estimated by the irreparable loss which Otago, and especially Dunedin, sustained by his death. Hia life was an inspiration amongst us. He occupied a unique position in our community, and hia popularity did not arise from any accidental circumstance, but was the result of his life-long labors. It was based on the calm judgment and the affections of the people. Nor was his popularity evanescent; it was undiminished at the time of his death, and it is undiminished still. Delighted as he was in recalling the hills and glens of his native country, he loved his adopted country with a passionate fondness; indeed I may say with his whole heart and with his whole strength. Although his voice is now still the echo of that sympathetic voice is still heard; although his hand is cold the pressure of that hand, with its magnetic touch, is still felt. His commanding presence is familiar to us, and his gonial countenance still lives in our memory. Filled as he was with a large measure of Celtic fire, ho was able by his fervor and eloquence to influence his fellowmon in a remarkable manner. A lover of nature, it may be truly said of him that he found Tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything. Possessed as he was of a vigorous intellect, a fine constitution, and high moral aims, he overcame many obstacles in early life, and raised himself to a position of importance and, I may add, influence among his fellow-men. These early obstacles called forth many, of those virtues and powers which he possessed, and of which his fellow-men received the benefit.

The word duty was to him of sacred importance. He was well known for bis large-heartedness, and the crowning glory of his life was his widespread sympathy, which was strengthened by the experience of his early life. No man delighted more than he did in promoting the welfare, the progress, and the prosperity of his fellowmen. He never employed the poisoned weapons of invective or sarcasm towards anyone. Endowed with an innate sense of courtesy, all his actions were characterised by dignity and a consideration for the feelings of others. It may be said of him that* he was a lover of what was honorable and of good report. He was charitable towards the faults and errors of his fellow-men, and was essentially democratic in his sympathies, - An important article in" his PQi M ‘ftftliora rra it* ama B

As a citizen ■ he. took the. deepest interest in all public questions. - • His presence at public meetings was always welcome, and his speeches had great influence in directing, and controlling the subjects under consideration. -The citizens relied with confidence on his patriotism,'his disinterestedness, and his wisdom. He befriended the poor; he aided to the beat of his ability those in difficulties; and he was wise in his counsels to those in distress or bereavement. To him the nationality or religion of a needy fellow citizen was of no concern. Dr Stuart was an enlightened and enthusiastic educationalist. He was ever alive to the necessity of a sound and liberal- education in this young country. Not, indeed, a mere knowledge of the arts and sciences, but an education having a religious basis, and he uniformly declared that to the Christian religion we owed our liberties and that degree of civilisation which we possess. He supported to the best of his ability all our educational institutions, and took a leading part in founding our Otago University, of which he was always justly proud, and of which he was its honored Chancellor for many years and at the time of his death. He took the liveliest interest in the Otago Boys’and Girls’ High Schools, and was for many years chairman of the Board of Governors, in which position he rendered valuable services.--Technical education had also his heartiest support. His presence at the annual breaking up of our educational institutions inspired enthusiasm amongst those present. He loved all and was beloved by all. As a loyal, large-hearted, philanthropic, public-spirited, and useful citizen we shall not soon look on his like again. Although the statue about to be unveiled will commemorate him, his real monument is engraved on the hearts of the people and is enshrined in their affections, and we know that to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.—(Applause.) I shall now call upon Mrs Robert Glendining to unveil the statue, after which I shall say a few words. Mrs Glendining then removed the veil and discovered the statue to view, amidst ’be loud applause and cheers of the :gathering.

The Hon. W. D, Stewart then said; The statue has now been unveiled, and I venture to say that it will be an ornament to this beautiful City of Dunedin. We are indebted to tho skill of the artist, Mr Morison, of Wellington, who is here on the platform, for the designing of the statue which is now before ns. I have now formally, on behalf of the Committee which earns into existence to raise subscriptions for the purpose, to hand this statue over to the Mayor and the City Council as representatives of this City as a monument to the lat,e Dr Stuart. I have no doubt whatever that the Council for all timo will preserve and protect this statue in the interests of the citizens of Dunedin. It is- a particular pleasure to tho, Committee that we have at this time as mayor a man who has been a long and lasting friend of Dr Stuart. Ho (Mr Cargill) and every other mayor will, I feel sure, do everything in their power to preserve this monument. I have much pleasure in banding over to you, Mr Mayor and the City Council, this monument, aud hope it will go down to posterity, to generations to como. _ The Mayor : It is a very great gratification to me, and I feel it to be a very high honor that I should be here officially to receive this gift to the City of Dunedin—this memorial of our dear old friend Dr Stuart. As regards the statue, it is, I believe, as Mr Stewart properly described it, a very creditable work, creditable to the artist, and one which will bo an ornament permanently to the City of Dunedin. I believe it is the first work of its kind which has been executed in the colony, and both as respects likeness and the pose of the figure there it is, no one can fail to recognise our old friend which is there set up before us. I believe it will most effectively serve the purpose for which it was intended—namely, to keep alive the memory of that great and good man. I consider that great credit is duo to tho artist for the work. He had no opportunity of knowing the Doctor during his lifetime, and he had to work entirely from photographs and likenesses of that kind. I am much gratified that the memorial has taken this form of a statue. I think no form of memorial is calculated to keep alive tho memory of a man better than a statue, which is a representation of tho man himself, and will stand there before our eyes and the eyes of our children who come after us. As Mr Stewart said, there was considerable discussion at tho time a memorial was first proposed as to tho form which it should lake. Some were iu favor of a scholarship and others in favor of a subscription to the public library, but it is quite clear that none of these objects would have so well achieved the result as the statue. There is Dr Stuart unmistakeably. A stranger walking into the town will ask Who is that? Our children will ask Whose statue is that ? And the answer will bo : Dr Stuart’s—the man who gained the love and respect of the citizens during the long time he lived among them. What could be more effective for the purpose than that? I congratulate the citizens of Dunedin on the erection of this statue. People coming here will ask Who was Dr Stuart ? and they will be told that Dr Stuart was the minister of the greatest congregation in the Southern Hemisphere; he was pastor of that beautiful ohnroh that was built during his ministry. I do not know that it becomes me to say much about his ministry among his own people, although it is hard for me not to do so, as I was associated with him throughout the whole course of his work here. But he was a man who was zealous in all his miuis'torial work, whether in tho pulpit or out of it. In the households he participated in the joys and sorrows of the people; indeed, his bright personality coming in never failed to bring light and sunshine along with it. He came hero in 1860 in the prime of his life, immediately before the breaking out of the goldfields, and his influence was very' powerful in the formation of public opinion and in keeping men’s minds in the right, straight course; being a man who made his presence felt, on overy part of the community. No mt n could do more in that respect than Dr Stuart did, and ho was respected by every one. I hope by tho means of this statue that Dr Stuart’s name will behauded down to many generations. Ido not know that I need say more. lam sure everyone will appreciate the appropriateness of the memorial set up, and will feel, as Mr Stewart has said, that in honoring Dr Stuart we are honoring ourselves and the City of our habitation.— (Applause). Mr W. Leslie Morison (the artist) briefly returned thanks for the appreciation of his work expressed by the speakers. At the request of the Chairman Mr G. Fenwick shortly addressed the assemblage. The proceedings concluded with three cheers being given for the memory of Dr Stuart and for Mr Morison.