APPRECIATION OF MR JOHN MANCHESTER.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10716, 15 March 1911, Page 6

APPRECIATION OF MR JOHN MANCHESTER.

At the ordinary meeting of the AYaimate Borough Council last evening, hefore taking the business, the . Mayor made the following statement:— "Our first and, I think you will agree with me, our only business this evening will be an expression of sorrowful regret at the death of one who was indeed the Father of AVaimate and its first Mayor. Many of our old friends have recently left us never to return, and it was only at our last meetjng that this Council passed a similar .resolution at the loss of one of her oldest; citizens and most popular Mayors. We little thought when so many of Mr John Manchester's numerous friends met together on June 19th, 1908, to show their appreciation of his good work for the town and district, that in less than three years we should have his familiar figure mo longer with us, and never more be able to seek from him that shrewd and valuable advice refused to none. It is unnecessary for me to refer to the numerous public positions he has held, for they are fresh in the memory of all, and right truly was it stated on the occasion referred to above 'that when the history of AYaimate comes to: be written the name, of Manchester will be found on every page.' I mfl£,„perhaps, be excused for reminding you that his services as Mayor of this Borough extended over nine years —spread over two periods—one from October, 1879 (when Waimate was first proclaimed a borough) up to December. 1881, and then again from May, 1901, to May, 1908, a record unlikely to be ever equalled. Personally I mourn the loss of a very sincere friend and trusted adviser, 'who' has on many occasions assisted mo to solve many difficult problems in public and private business, and I know well that this is the feeling of most,of us. How many are there in this district who owe their present prosperity to his sound advice, frequently backed up by financial assistance, without which it would have been impossible for them to have made that first start. Often have prosperous farmers told meliow Mr John Manchester .persuaded.ythem to buy land, and .when they we're dubious as to their ability to successfully work it promised all the financial assistance that might be required. Never again will anyone here be able to do what he has done for this prosperous community, for did not the .town and district grow up around him? He was our first man (of business, and from 1859 till death removed.him from us, no matter of public interest has been carried through without his having some hand in it. Anticipating that all in the town would wish to pay respect to the memory of 'Waimate's Grand Old Man,' 1 have invited the business people to close their: premises from 2 to 3.30 p.m. to-morrow in order to enable as many as possible to attend the funeral. I now beg to move that this Council desires to express its great regret at the death of its oldest citizen—Mr John Manchester —who for nine years .occupied the position of 'Mayor, and' to place on record the innumerable public services ;reridered by hipi , to- this district during a' period .of $2 years.. It further .wishes to. express its deep sympathy, with his widow and other members of the family in their irreparable bereavement, and, as a token of respect, does now adjourn, until Friday..next 17th inst.,'.at" 7.30 p.m. .-"■-'. '. : ■■ r - :■.;!.-;".: The motion was seconded by Councillor Inkster and carried, Councillors standing,in silence. The Council "then" adjourned.