PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO MR THOMAS BRACKEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10621, 13 October 1896, Page 3

PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO MR THOMAS BRACKEN.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —Some time ago a paragraph appeared in the Times stating that a meeting nf influential citizens had been held to get np a national testimonial to Mr Bracken. I have well-authenticated information to tho effect that at the present time Mr Bracktm is broken down in health, spirits, and pocket, and, considering the valuable services rendered by him to his fellow-—-!! during his residence in New Zsaland, I think it would be a lasting disgrace on colonists if they do nob subscribe to tho utmost limit of their mefins to his pressing wants. Independent of "Tom" Bracken's claim upon us as " New Zealand's poot," a< tho Premier aptly entitled him, tho citizens of Dnnedin—amongst whom he has spsnt tbe b—t y. ars of his life—are well awc.ro of the valuable services be has rendered to every charitable movement initiated during the days of his prosperity, besides which his private benefactions wero unknown excapt to tho recipients tfcet—<elveM, for he never " let his left baud know what bis right hand doe—l." I may cay that I am only casually acquainted with Mr Brackeo, aud I am indebted to my father, who enjoyed his friendship in the old days, for the esteem in which I hold him. The mauy responsible positions Mr Bracken held with credit to himself during his public career hardly need alluding to, but they should not be lost sight of, Trusting tbat Mr Bracken will reap a substantial benefit from the proposed testimonial, and that it will be a thoroughly "national" one, —I am, he , Youno New Zealandek. Dunedin, Octobsr 10