CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 6, 6 February 1892, Page 130

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

THE MA YOB AXI) TOWN CLEKK. Mr William Prudhoe, who was elected to the position of Mayor of Christchurch for the year 1892, was born in Sunderland, County Durham, England, on the 14th January, 1832, and is consequently now 60 years of age. In his native town he received an ordinary education, and was in due time apprenticed to the building trade. Being possessed of the enterprising spirit which characterised most of the early colonists, he at the age of 27, resolved to emigrate to New Zealand, and accordingly took passage with his wife and children in the Kegina, a barque of some 650 tons. After a voyage of 96 days —in

which the splendid provision made for the comfort of passengers in the ships of to-day were conspicuously absent —he landed at Lyttelton in the month of December, 1859. The tunnel which connects Lyttelton with Christchurch was not at that time in existence, and the journey had to be made in a small steamer by way of Sumner and the river Heathcote to the steam wharf. The distance of four miles from the latter to the city in embryo had to be

covered by shanks' pony. Christchurch in its infancy had no knowledge of coaches, trams, or trains, but the difficulties which the early colonists had to encounter did not deter the subject of this sketch from making his way. In the City of the Plains he made his home, and followed his occupation, and from time to time was entrusted with the erection of prominent buildings. In that city, persevering, and gradually making his way he has remained ever since. For the past nine years he has occupied a seat in the City Council, and during ths last five years has acted as one

of the City Representatives on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. As a member of the Relief Committee of the latter Board, and as Chairman of the Works’ Committee of the City Council, he devoted a large amount of time to the interests of the public. In November last the ratepayers, desiring to recognise the faithful and painstaking labours performed by Mr Prudhoe, elected him to the honourable position of Mayor. He is also a prominent member of the Grange Society, and has held the post of Grand Master to the Middle Island of New Zealand. THE TOWN CLERK OF CHRISTCHURCH. Mr F. T. Haskins, the present occupant of the post of town clerk at Christchurch, is one of the oldest residents in Canterbury, having arrived there in the year 1854. He first appeared in connection with municipal affairs as assistant to the town clerk and collector. This was in the year 1866. His appointment to his present office took place sixteen years ago in 1875, and his continued occupancy of it shows that the way in which he fulfils his functions is appreciated by the community which retains him in it.