The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1913.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3416, 21 August 1913, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1913.

It is pleasing to note that so much enthusiasm is being

Honor to Whom Honor is Due.

shown in connection with the pro-

posal - originally made in these columns—that something should be done in the way of publicly recognising the long and valued services which Mr Townley rendered to this town in the capacity of superintendent of the fire brigade.

When the matter cams; before the Cook County Council,' it will be remembered,' members cordially approved the movement. Next it was mentioned at the latest meeting of the Hospital Board, with the result that a similar view was taken with reference to the proposal. In turn the “City Fathers” have considered the suggestion, and the sequel is that they also have unanimously decided to give the matter their support. That the Harbor Board when it next meets will be only too delighted to adopt the same attitude goes without saying. In a previous article we dealt with the value of the services which Mr Townley has so ungrudgingly given the town in this as well as in so many other directions. What is generally felt in the matter is, we think, echoed in the letters which were read at, and in the remarks which were made at, the meeting last night. “We have never had such devoted service from anyone as from ‘Little John.’ No one has ever stood so high in public estimation and in public confidence as he. And no one occupies the place in people’s hearts that is his - . . earned by a long

service of years of faithful, self-sacri-ficing, disinterested, and able public service. It is not likely we shall ever have such another for the strenuous, not to say dangerous, times which cal 1 forth men’s best qualities have passed away, and cannot again recur.” So wrote Captain Tucker in expressing regret for his unavoidable absence from the meeting last night. Or, again, one finds public opinion reflected in the remarks which were contained in Mr Howard Keway’s letter. “It has,” said Mr Kenway, “been my honor and deepest pleasure to know Mr Townley intimately ever since I came to Gisborne 31 years ago, and I can only say that every year has only served to deepen my admiration for his character as a self-sacrificing citizen, and my affection for him as a personal friend. The Borough, and indeed the whole district, owes him a debt which no practical acknowledgment, however substantial, can ever repay, etc., etc.” Now, in this connection, we think that the’ decisions which were reached at the public meeting last night will meet with general approval. What is proposed, it will be seen, is that Mr Townley should be presented on behalf of the citizens with an illuminated address and a memento, which will be a fitting reminder of his long term of office as a fire-fighter. To this end public subscriptions will be invited, and although no canvass is to he made it can, we think, he taken for granted | that within a few days the full amount j necessary, and much more, will be in the hands of the committee which has been appointed to deal with the matter. In regard to the proposed testimonial, a very wise suggestion was, it will be agreed, made viz., that the number of signatures should not he restricted, but that provision should be made so that all who wish to have their names attached may do so. There can be no doubt that Mr Townley would have deprecated any movement having for its object a presentation that would have been in the character of a monetary recognition of his services to the town in this particulai direction. With all Ins modesty, however, he should, we think, agree to accept from the citizens a presentation such as it is proposed to arrange. In bringing the matter before the public, we should just like to add that the gifts which it is intended to make to Mr Townley will in reality constitute a totally inadequate recognition of. his services to the town as fire brigade superintendent for such a lengthy period as that of just upon 30 years. At all times and in all weathers and under many difficulties ho lias shown himself ever ready to serve the town in this as well as in other directions without any idea that he would ever he rewarded for his efforts. The very least the public can do, therefore, is to show that they fully appreciate the great interest he has taken on their behalf—and this they can, and, we believe, will do by assisting with the utmost enthusiasm the movement to which we have just been alluding.