THE ATKINSON MEMORIAL

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2341, 1 February 1893, Page 2

THE ATKINSON MEMORIAL

(PER PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

WELLINGTON. February 1. The adjourned meeting to consider a memorial to the late Sir Harry Atkinson, was fairly attended. Tbe Mayor presided, and read a letter from the Premier regretting tbat ill-health prevented bis attendance. Hon. Mr. Reeves represented tbe Government, and numerous letters received from old colleagues, present Ministers, and others were read expressing sympathy with the movement, and regretting inability to be present. The Mayor declared the meeting not of a party character, and considered it a duty to future generations to suitably acknowledge the sevices of a worthy man such as Sir Harry Atkinßon. Mr. Bruce, M.H.R., eulogised tbe qualities of the late departed chief, and said be possessed many of tbe attributes of a born loader. Sir Harry Atkinson had devoted tbe whole ot bis life to the service of the colony, and he died a poor man. If ever Imperial federation was brought about it would be by such men as Sir Harry Atkinson. He moved that a public memorial to tbe great services rendered by Sir H. Atkinson be erected in the capital of tbe colony. The Hon. W. P. Reeves thonght the memory of Sir H. Atkinson should be regarded as a national possession, and he recognised his genuine and thorough honesty of obaraoter iv the administration of public affairs. As a political opponent he was proud to bear testimony to his dauntless courage and ability, and declared tbat in times of depression tbe dead Premier had faced tbe situation with sreat determination. He admired Sir Harry's conduct in the House : be never struck below the belt, and his demeanour was always fair and courteous. The movement had bis (Mr. Reeves') hearty sympathy, and he concluded by seconding the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Hon. Mr. Hislop, as one of the late Sir Harry Atkinson's colleagues, spoke at length of the career of that gentleman, and moved that subscriptions to the Atkinson Memorial be invited from all parts of the colony, no subscription to exceed two guineas. Mr. Kirk, Mayor of Petone, seconded. Dr. Grace, M.L.C., briefly addressed tbe meeting, and the motion was carried unanimously. Tbe mayors of the city and suburban municipalities were appointed a committee to confer with tbe committees appointed in other parts of the oolony.