PRESENTATION TO THE EXMAYOR OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XXIII, 4 June 1898, Page 693

PRESENTATION TO THE EXMAYOR OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

SINCE New Plymouth has been a municipality the civic chair has been filled by several able gentlemen, but, perhaps, the most popular of those who have occupied that- position of late years has been Mr John Barton Boy. He has been returned five times as mayor, and during his terms of office has carried out the duties pertaining to it in a manner that has met with general approval. It was during the. last year of his mayoralty and towards its iclose that Lord and Lady Ranfurly made an official visit to New Plymouth, when Mr Roy entertained the Vice-Regal eoupleduring their stay in the town. Mr Roy’s relations with the Council during his long term of ■office were of a harmonious and friend-

ly character, so it is not surprising that on his retirement the Councillors should wish to present him with a souvenir which would remind him of the cordial feeling that had so long existed between them. It was decided, therefore, that Mr Roy should be presented with a gold watch and chain, and Mrs Roy with a silver cradle, the latter in commemoration of the birth of a son and heir during the term of her husband’s mayoralty. The presentation took place on Friday, May 13, at Mr Roy’s pretty villa residence, when the following gentlemen were present:—His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. Dockrill), Messrs F. P. Corkill, J. Bellringer, 1). Teed. P. R. Carthew, W. Walton, F. Stohr, M. Clow, T. Avery (members of the Council), Mr O. Samuel (Borough Solicitor), Mr T. K. Skinner (Borough Surveyor), Mr C. E. Bellringer (Town Clerk). Mr W. H. J. Seffern, Mr J. H. Parker and the representatives of the local press. Mr Roy introduced those present to Mrs Roy, who was dressed in a gobelin blue cloth tea gown, trained, and trimmed with shot silk to match, shaded jet trimmings, and white chiffon. The

Misses Mariel, Doris and Glady Roy. and Master lan Barton Roy, the infant child, were also present. His Worship the Mayor, in making the presentation, first addressed Mrs Roy. He said the Borough of New Plymouth wisher! to present her with a silver cradle as a memento of the birth of a son and heir, and he hoped

that when the boy reached man’s estate he would not only be a comfort but a credit to them, and would enjoy long life, health and happiness. Mr Dockrill then requested the Town Clerk to read the inscription on the cradle, which was as follows:—‘Presented by the Council of the Borough of New Plymouth to Mrs Roy as a mark of esteem on the occasion of the birth of he;r son, lan Barton, during her husband’s mayoralty. December Uth. 1897.’ His Worship, turning to Mr Roy.

then said, ‘And to you, Sir, it is my pleasing duty to hand a gold watch and. chain. It has been suitably inscribed, 'and the Councillors and myself hope you will look upon it as a memento of the pleasing and cordial relations which always existed, and still exist, between the members of the Council and

yourself.’ He trusted, and he was sure he was echoing the wishes of those present, that Mr Roy would live long to wear it. His. Worship then referred in eulogistic terms to the work done by Mr Roy during his mayoralty, and concluded by saying he hoped when he (Mr Doekrill) vacated the chair the same pleasant feelings would exist between him and the Council as were entertained bv them towards Mr Roy. The Town Clerk then read the inscription on the watch, which was as

follows: ‘Presented by the Council of the Borough of New Plymouth to John Barton Roy. Esq., on the completion of the fifth year of his mayoralty. December, 1897.'

Mr Roy. in reply, said it gave him very g-reat pleasure to see them all there that day. especially on such an occasion. On behalf of his wife ami only son he heartily thanked them for their kind congratulations, ami for the present made to Mrs Roy to commemorate their son's birth. Amongst the many congratulations he had received on that occasion was one expressing a hope that at a future time his son might be elected mayor. It was no doubt a shot at random, but at the same time he considered the boy might do worse. If he was ever so honoured he hoped that when leaving the position he would feel the same regret as he (Mr Roy) did, after being so closely connected with them for so many years. It was true all

present were not in the Council during the whole of the ]>eriod he was majyor, but those who were could speak of the harmony and good feeling which always marked their discussions—times he would always look back upon with pleasure. With regard to the present to himself, he thought it most suitable, as well as being a useful one, and when he eeased to require it it would be handed down to his son. who-was really the indirect recipient of it. Mr and Mrs Roy then entertained the gentlemen present, when the health of Master lan Barton Roy was drunk in a bumper of ehanqmgne. The health of ‘Mr and Mrs Roy' and ‘The Borough Council’ were also drunk and responded to. when the pleasant proceedings were brought to a conclusion. Mr J. B. Roy. who is a well-known legal practitioner in New Plymouth, has been a member of the Board of Governors of the High Schoo! for many years. and of which he is the chairman, and although he has retired from active civic duties, he still continues to take a lively interest in all matters of local importance. The cradle, which is of solid silver, is a beautiful piece of workmanship, and is a model of the Queen’s own cradle; the scroll work being imitation of ferns. The gold watch is an English lever, and the chain is a very heavy, massive one. They were supplied to the order of Mr .1. 11. Parker, of New Plymouth, by Messrs Beaver Brothers, silversmiths nnd Jewellers, of Dunedin.