PRESENTATIONS TO W. J. HURST, ESQ., MAYOR OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 5020, 18 December 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATIONS TO W. J. HURST, ESQ., MAYOR OF AUCKLAND.

Mr. Oliver Mays (chairman of the Waitemata Couuty Council), Mr. R. McKay, and Mr. J. Shea waited on Nov. 2S upon the exMayor, Mr. W. J. Hurst, for the purpose of presenting him, on behalf of the residents of the North Shore and Takapuna districts, with a testimonial expressive of their esteem and regard, and regret at hi 3 approaching departure for England. The deputation, having been duly welcomed,

Mr. O. Mays, addressing Mr. Hurst, said he came there to-day to perform a duty very pleasant to himself and colleagues, viz., to present, if not a very substantial or elegant, at least a creditable mark of the opinion entertained of him by his neighbours of Takapuna and the North Shore. Mr. Mays then referred to what Mr. Hurst had done for the district, especially in getting a road formed between the North Head and the Lake. Mr. Ma 3's then read the testimonial, which was as follows:—"To W. J. Hurst, Esq., J.P., Takapuna Lake, Auckland, New Zealand. Dear Sir.—We, the undersigned residents in the Takapuna district, desire to avail ourselves of the opportunity afforded by your approaching visit to your native land to convey to you our grateful acknowledgement of the many benefits you have conferred upon this district by your exertions as a member of the Executive Council of this province. To your efforts and public spirit we are mainly indebted for the new Shoal Bay Road, which has conduced so much to the settlement and popularity of the district, and the improvement of the property therein. We heartily wish you aud Mrs. Hurst may enjoy a pleasant and prosperous trip to the old country, and that you may both return in health and strength to settle again amongst those whose confi. dence, esteem, and friendship you have both deservedly merited.—We are, dear sir, yours faithfully." [Then followed the signatures.]

Mr. Shea, as a neighbour of Mr. Hurst, referred to the many acts of kindness he had received from him and from Mrs. Hurst.

Mr. Hurst feelingly replied, referring to the subjects mentioned by the speakers and in the address. He thanked them heartily for their kind references to Mrs. Hurst, who he was sure would bear them in remembrance.

Mr. Mays explained that the idea of presenting Mr. Hurst with a, testimonial had not been the outcome of a momentary feeling, but a settled determination with the settlers for two years past.

The testimonial was neatly engrossed by Mr. Charles Palmer, draughtsman.

On Nov. 30, prior to the departure of W. J. Hurst, Esq., late Mayor of the city, on a trip to England, a number of councillors and other gentlemen waited on him for the purpose of presenting him with a souvenir, an elaborate silver epergne. The presentation was made by Henry Brett, Esq., the present Maj'or, in the presence of the Mayor of the Thames, and the City Councillors of Auckland. Mr. Brett said : —

Dear Mr. Hurst, — When your intended departure became known, a general desire was expressed that you should carry away some little souvenir to remind you, when wandering among more attractive scenes, of Auckland and the many friend* you havn lefi hen;. The gentlemen you see around, and <»th«is who are unable to be present, have deputed to me the pleasing task of presenting you with this address, expressive of their sentiments : -" W. J. Hurat. Esq, Mayor of the City of Auckland. — Dear Sir,—On the eve of your departure for England, we desire, before saying farewell, to place nn record our high appreciation of your services to the city. During your term of office as Mayor, many important questions hwe occupied the attention of the Council, and several public works of great magnitude have been brought to a satisfactory completion In these and in&ny matt-rs connected wi;h the administration of Municipal uff-iirs, your tact, good judgment, and zeal for the public interests, have b en conspicuously displayed. The members of Council who join in this address, unite in asking your acceptance of the accompanying memento of their esteem. Heartily wishing yourself and your amiable lady a prosperous voyage and speedy return, w.t remain yours very sincetcly, ff'-nry fJrett, I>. ("Joldie, Alex. Fleming, James Mor ton, W. SVaddel, Edward Isaacs, J. L. Wilson, Edward Perkins, Upton and Co., Wm. Krrington, W. H. Kisding, J. C. birth, Owen and Graham, Cruickshank and Co., J. and J. rioppett. J. Losan

■ ami/b'jll, Thoniin Morrin, Thus. WadT»rliine, E. Porter aud Co., flcinrich Ivohn, "\V. Fraser (LI.M.), Edwin Hfi.skoth, G. W. Owen and Co." It is not nee»*ssary that I should add anything tc the graceful tribute to your services embodied in the i«wuti ul form in which this address Ins come from the artist's hand. Jtisthe wi.ih of those who have joined iu preparing this littlefarew.il offering, that you should accept and treasure it, not for its intrinsic worth, but as representing something intlnltely more valuable to uaall—per onal ties of sincere friendship and esteem. May you be long spared to enjoy tt:oars ripened social blessings whioh you h.iv* secure I during your residence in this city. 1 will now say g >odbye, wishing you a prosperous voyage aud speedy return to New Zualaud

Mr. Hurst then delivered the following reply

Brother Councillors and follow citizens, —r am quite un« qual to tin; of expressing in words my fcc'ngs of j>!fMsurc in receiving the kind and handsome address, also the elegant and valuable plate which you now do m* the honour toprusent; for, although I have «'udeavourcd faithfully to discharge the duties appertaiidng to the otlice of Mayor of your city, I could scircelyhtve ventured to hope that my efforts would have been crownml with such success as the terms of your address are good enough to convey. It i-> not only a nif>r>; than ampin reward for past servic-s, but also an encouragement for further exertions iu the future, which, I trust, a kind Providence will permit in*! to spend in AinUlan:!. 1 now bid you a h-arty farewell, with my utmost thanks for these and other tokens of good will, which I will ever treasure with delight.

The cpergnc is to be photographed, and the photograph will be forwarded to Mr. Hurst, but the souvenir will be retained for the present, at least in the charge of Warden Fraser.