PRESENTATION TO MR. HERMAN BROWN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8930, 14 July 1892, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO MR. HERMAN BROWN.

An illuminated address from the citizens of Auckland was presented yesterday at the Auckland Harbour Board offices to Mr. Herman Brown, who is to lea for San Francisco, on his way to Europe, on Saturday next. Mr. C. C. McMillan, chairman of the Harbour Board, presented the address. There was a large attendance. An apology for absence was received from Mr. C. Atkin, who expressed his best wishes toward Mr. Brown. Mr. McMillan said that Mr. Brown had been in Auckland for the past 25 years, and his record was an admirable one, for he had proved himself a worthy citizen. (Applause. ) He had also been a successful business man—not like some successful men, who in their keen desire to make money, disregarded the wants of those around them ; he had been a business man in the best sense of the term. In business dealings, he had always been actuated by mercy towards those who had failed ; when a debtor had been disposed to do his best, Mr. Brown had shown the greatest leniency, and had endeavoured. to give him a .fresh start in life, Many, a Loan in Auckland owed that to Mr. Brown, and many a man had to thank him for his kindly assistance in enabling him to weather the storms of adversity. In his visit to Europe, he might still do us a great deal of good, for there was no better emigration agent for the colony than the successful business man. Mr. McMillan hoped that the success of Mr. Brown in the past would be only the forerunner of success in the future, and that ho would return to Auckland with renewed health and strength to remain in this community. (Applause.) The address is as follows

To Herman Brown, Esq., H.I.G.M. Consul, Auckland, New Zealand.—We, the undersigned citizens of Auckland, feel that we cannot allow you and yourjlady to leave New Zealand without giving some expression to the feeling of friendship, esteem, and respect which we v bear towards you, and which during your long residence in our midst you have so fully merited. During the 25 years we have had the pleasure of seeing you amongst us as a leading merchant of the city you have always allied yourself with every movement having for its object the welfare and advancement of the community, and we shall lont? bear in grateful remembranae your untiring energy in promoting every good object of local or general interest. We beg to add our testimony to the distinguished ability and kind courtesy with which you have discharged your duty in your honoured position as Consnl of the German Empire. Your amiable nature has secured a large circle of friends and well-wishers; and while regretting your absence, we desire to wish you all happiness and prosperity, and a pleasant and speedy voyage to your native land. Hoping tnat we shalL-have the pleasure of welcoming you and your wife back to Auckland, we remain, dear Mr. Brown, yours very truly— [Then follow the signatures].

Mr. Bbown, replying, said that most of them were aware that even under ordinary circumstances he was a very inferior speaker, bub how much more so when he was overcome with the pleasure of receiving their kind testimonial. Parliamentary and civic honours were right enough in their way, but there was a far greater honour in the good-will and good wishes of his fellowcitizens for 25 years. He promised them that wherever he went he would tell the people that the people of this dear colony of New Zealand were social without being Socialists—(applause)—that they were kind in the extreme; and that while they formed themselves into societies and classes to suit themselves, they all united to reward a fellow citizen. Ho would tell the people that the people of Mew Zealand were guided by public opinion, tempered by a few grains of good colonial sense ; he would tell that any man, no matter what his religion or his nationality, could aim to the highest honours of the country, when he deserved them. (Applause.) He again returned his sincere thanks for the address presented that day. The address, which was engrossed and illuminated by Mr. W. Gulliver, is a bandsome and striking specimen of the designer's art. It Las a neat border, with tastefullyworked scroll-pieces, and above the text are the Imperial arm* of Germany. The address is now on view at Mr. Kohn's, jeweller, Queen-street.