CIVIC DINNER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18872, 26 May 1923, Page 8

CIVIC DINNER.

PKl'.bltA IAI lUN TO MK J. S. DOUGLAS. There was a large attendance of councillors, ex-councillors, and representative citizens in the Somerset Lounge, Savoy Buildings, yesterday evening, when the Alayor (Air H. L. Tapley) ami councillors tendered a- dinner to Air J. S. Douglas, the retiring mayor. After the loyal toast had been honoured, the Mayor, in proposing the toast of ‘I he Retiring Mayor,” said that it was a special pleasure to him to propose the toast, and it was fitting that ho should do so as he was his successor. It was not necessary for him to enumerate Air Douglas’s good qualities, because they were well known to his hearers and to the people of Dunedin. —(“Hear, hear.’’) During his term of office Mr Douglas had done a great work, and had always carried out his duties most assiduously and effectively. It would be a great difficulty for him (Mr Tapley) to follow in his footsteps. Besides his mayoral duties, Mr Douglas did a groat deal of Work, and no worthy object had over been refused his assistance. It must bo a great satisfaction to Mr, Douglas to know that ho would carry the good wishes of the City Council and the citizens. Ho was glad that Air Douglas had not retired from public life for a space, as he might reasonably do after hi? strenuous term of office, but was giving ins services again to the city in the capacity of councillor in order that the affairs of tne city might be carried out effectively. The Mayor assured Air Douglas that he had the good wishes not only of the past, hut of the present council, lie hoped that he would be long spared to take an active part in city affairs. On behalf of the city councillors, ex-councillors, and heads of departments, the Mayor presented Mr Dougins with the usual mayoral ring bearing the coat cf arms of the city, and hoped that he would be spared many years to wear it, and that .he would look oack with pride and pleasure on his term as mayor. For Mrs Douglas the ex-mayor was presented with a . silver tray and an entree dish, bearing the inscription: “Presented to Airs J. S. Douglas by the members of the Dunedin City Council in recognition of her husband’s services us Mayer, 1921-23.” Unfortunately, continued Mr Tapley, Airs Douglas had suffered from ill-health, and consequently she had not beep able to take such an active part in the city’s life as otherwise would have been the case. The Mayor desjred Air Douglas to convey to Airs Douglas the kind wishes and sympathy cf the council. The Mayer also presented ,to Mr Douglas an illuminated address, which read as follows:—“That the thanks of the Dunedin City Council be tendered to Air J. S. Douglas for the highly efficient services rendered by him to the City of Dunedin during his term of office as Mayor for the term 1921-23, and that this resolution bo recorded in the minutes and an engrossed copy be presented to Mr Douglas.”—Signed by J;ho Alayor and councillors. ■ Gr Shaddock said',that the council had appreciated the t ime and energy Mr Douglas had put into his term of office. No matter how busy he was, or at any time of the day or night, he was always ready to listen to any claims in the interests of the city. Cr Wilson, in adding his tribute to the worth of Air Douglas, said that they had not had a. more kindly or courteous Alayor than Mr Douglas. The public appreciated his services, and he himself wondered How Air Douglas’s health had not broken-down under the strain of his arduous duties. 1 CT Hayward also expressed his pleasure of voicing his appreciation of the ex-mayor’s not,,know of any instance in which ill-feeling had been aroused at council meetings although some very keen discussions had taken place. Mr Douglas had indeed made it difficult for his successors to carry on as he had done. In reply, Air Douglas said that his firsl thought was one of gratitude, and he was more than glad that he had had the privilege of serving his fellow-citizens. It wa R a matter to be grateful for that there were so many men who were willing to give their services to this and to other cities. We were endowed to a certain extent with gifts, and it was the duty of the citizens to exercise these gifts in the interests of their fellow townsmen. There was also the influence of a good home, which was sometimes overlooked.—(“Hear, hear.”). Air Douglas paid a tribute to his mother, who had brought him up in the right way, and who had taught him to become a good citizen. Continuing, in reminiscent mood, Mr Douglas said that about 30 years ago he had learnt discipline under Colonel E. R. Smith in the old Dunedin Gity Guards, and he had advanced step by step till ho became a captain. Ho regretted that Mrs Douglas suffered from ill-health, but, whenever she was well enough she 'was oply too pleased to take an active part in the city’s life.—(“Hear, hear.”) Air Douglas paid a tribute to, the services of ex-Alayors Clarke and Beg" during their respective terms of office, and to the progress made during the last .16 years in respect to electric power; • the library, sports grounds. the Botanic Gardens, etc. He expressed his apprecia tion of the work of the councillors and the heads of departments. The city owed them a debt of gratitude. If it had not been for the recent floods the city would have progressed greatly, as the time was ripe for considerable improvements. However the new council would ptlll through.—(“Hear, hear.”) The Dunedin Drainage Board and the City Council did their best in the interests of the city. Mr Douglas also acknowledged the worth and ready services of Mr G. A. Lowin (the town clerk), ana he thanked him and. his staff for their loyal cooperation.—(“Hear, hear.”) Messrs D. Tannook, H. H. Henderson, W. B. M‘Ewan, and W. D. R. M’Curdie, at the head of their respective departments, also did 'valuable work for the city. He welcomed Mr MacManus to the council, who would see what they had to contend with, and that (hey were not quite so black as they were painted.—(Laughter.) On behalf of Airs Douglas, Mr Douglas repeated his thanks, and stated that he would be ready at all times to assist the Alayor and councillors.— (Applause.)

Cr Shacklock, in propping the health of “Our Visitors,” apologised for the absence of Mr W, F. Alexander. He said that the councillors were very pleased to see visitors at the council meeting, but, in a general way, they did not see many visitors. If they had more visitors they could sec that the council had nothing to hide and that it was not a kind of secret society. It was very many yejirs since they had had a clique in the council, and the councillors all did their best in the interests of the citizens. For years there had been agitation for city improvements, us the council was anxious to provide conditions .which would improve, the health and happiness of the people. —(Applause.) Air J. Hutchison, in reply, said that he was very glad to have, an opportunity ot paying his tribute of respect to the ex Mayor. It had been thought that perhaps Mr Dougins would not make the successful Mayor he had proved himself to be, but there was no doubt whatever that ho had been a Mayor of extraordinary fidelity, and that he deserved all the encomiums that had been bestowed upon him. The people of Dunedin had a fine heritage, and it behoved them to carry out their heritage in a worthy manner. Mr Benncll also replied. Cr, Begg, in proposing the toast of the “Retiring Councillors,’’ said that ho did not know whether to congratulate them or to condole with them. He referred to the inestimable services of ex-Counoillors Hayward, Larnach, and Gilkison, who had servocl the council well and faithfully. Ho expressed regret at their absence from the' Council Chamber and hoped that they would welcome them back before long.—(Applause.) Crs Gilkison and Hayward suitably replied. and regretted that they had severed their connection with the council. They also added their tribute to the remarks made concerning the ex-Mayor and the City Council staff. Or Sincook. who proposed the toast of the “New Councillors,’’ extended a welcome to Councillors Mitchell, Holliday, and MacManus, and said that ho felt confident that they would do their best in the interests of the citizens. —(Applause.) Cr MacManus, in reply, expressed his appreciation of the work of Mr Douglas. It would be his endeavour as a Labour member to ventilate grievances and to suggest practicable schemes whereby difficulties could be overcome. As a councillor he would .use his best judgment and ask pertinent questions on all matters which would bo of benefit to the citizens. Ho might differ from his fellow councillors in criticisms, hut they would agree to differ. Crs Mitchell and Halliday also suitably replied. The following toasts were also honoured: “The Staff,’’ coupled with the name of Mr Lowin, proposed by Cr Wilson, and responded to by Mr Lewin; “Our Musical Friends,’’ and the “Press,” proposed by the Mayor, and responded to by Mr S. G. Angcll; and “The Mayor,” proposed by Ci- J. J- Clark. During the evening enjoyable songs were given by Messrs S alter th waite, S. G. Angcll, and 11. Ferguson. Major F. 11. Dampen gave an entertaining humorous sketch. The function was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem,