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Evening Star, Issue 17369, 3 June 1920, Page 4

The honor that has been bestowed by His Majesty the Sir John Roberts. King upon Mr John Roberts, G.M.G., of Dunedin, is also an appreciable honor to the City. Ifc represents a gracious regal acknowledgment of the fine civic spirit that has always been so distinctive a feature of Dunedin's solid progress—the spirit of loyal and patient service that has, throughout half a century, been given admirable expression and exercise by Sir John Roberts. Always a worthy citizen, he will a worthy Knight. His name has been intimately associated with the civic service that makes for true progress and enduring Solidity of achievement. Perhaps his most prominent work for the City and the Province is known best to the older generations, for in hi 3 early manhood, notwithstanding the claims of a growing business that demanded great energy and careful attention, he was ever in the forefront of public service in municipal, county, and provincial government, throwing into his | manifold activities keen enthusiasm, shrewd counsel, and solid wisdom. In 1889-90 the value of his civic service was recognised by all the people who insisted upon his acceptance of the mayoralty in order adequately to represent the true spirit of Dunedin on the occasion of the Kew Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. That in itself was a unique compliment to the sterling character of the man and the representative scope of hi 3 activities for his City and Following what may bo termed his pioneering work on many public bodies, all pressing forward to solid progress, it was natural, as it was inevitable, that Sir John should have turned to the less strenuous but not less serviceable work of advancing the cause cf Higher Education in Otago. In many respects that has really been his supreme service for the community and the State, for in that sphere of voluntary activity he found scope for the exercise of his well-balanced judgment and the close pursuit of his mature ideas and high ideals. Education in New Zealand owes much to men of the calibre and character of Sir John Roberts. In social service Sir John has been a staunch supporter of all causes that call for material sympathy, and few citizens have been so ready and so steady in the exercise of Eolid generosity without that ostentation which seems so necessary to convince some people of the extent and influence of a citizen' 3 gifts. We do not wish to trespass upon confidences, but we can say out of full knowledge that very many people in Dunedin will keenly appreciate the honor that the King has conferred upon their generous friend. We heartily congratulate Sir John upon the distinction that has. come to him in recognition of his excellent servico for tliis community, and desire to express the wish that he and his revered helpmate will long be spared to enjoy the honor of their King and country.