PARKER FOUNTAIN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 227, 8 September 1936, Page 5

PARKER FOUNTAIN

Donor’s Public-Spiritedness Praised COUNCIL TRIBUTES The fountain which is to grace the Napier Marine Parade in the near future will officially be called the ‘Tom Parker Fountain’’ —not merely the “Parker Fountain,” by which name it is at present commonly known. The legal formalities in regard to Mr Parker ’s gift of £lOOO for this purpose have now been completed, and the agreement between the donor and the Borough Council has been drawn up and signed.

At last night’s meeting of the council, reference was made to the generous and public-spirited action of Mr Parker.

“Some of us were overwhelmed by this generous gift, and I think that in expressing our thanks we are voicing the sentiments of the whole of Napier,” said the Mayor, Mr C. O. Morse. ‘People will come from all over the North i Island to see the Tom Parker Fountain, which will be the only one of its kind in New Zealand. I hope this action of Mr Parker will be an incentive to other citizens desirous of helping their community.” “I want to associate myself with you in your remarks,” said Cr. M. 8. Spence. He suggested that a list night be drawn up of things which the town needed, to act as a guide in the event of anyone coming forward with an offer.

“I am sure that the people of Napier who have not seen such a fountain will be more than surprised with its beauty, especially at night-time,” said Cr. A. H. D. Mayne. “Mr Parker has shown very great interest in the borough reserves since he returned home after a visit to Scotland.”

Cr. A. C. B. Biggs: May I ask if the fountain is to be called the Parker Fountain or the Tom Parker Fountain? Wouldn’t “The Thomas Parker. Fountain” be a better name!

Cr. Mayne: Wo considered this and came to the conclusion that if it were called “The Tom Parker Fountain,” everybody would know by whom it was donated. We all know Tom Parker; if we referred to him as Thomas Parker some people might not know whom we meant.