HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16820, 24 August 1922, Page 6

HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Being an old ex-fireman, T read with much interest the notes that have appeared in the “ Star” of the 12th and 19th inst. Mr George Hyde refers to Captain C. H. Wilson. I knew the captain well and where he lived, and I also knew all those who signed the testimonal- I have worked with many of them side by side and shared the risks and pleasures of a fireman in days long gone by. Mr Hyde’s notes are mostly correct, but evidently he is under a wrong impression when he says : “Captain Wilson, after his retirement, became first Mayor of Christchurch, That is not correct. Captain C. H. Wilson was not the first Mayor of Christchurch, and I venture to say he never was Mayor of Christchurch at any time. The first Mayor was Mr William Wilson, who was a nurseryman and seed merchant in a large way of business long before and after he was elected Mayor. I was in his employ for two years during that time at the “Grove,” Brougham Street, Sydenham. It was in the year 1867 or 1868. During Mr Wilson’s terra of office Mrs Wilson presented her husband with twins —a son and a daughter. The City Council, to commemorate the event, prosen bed Mr Wilson with a silver cradle. It has been my privilege to handle that cradle and also the twins many times. —I am, etc., R. E. GREEN. 159, Springfield Road.