PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLOR MARLOW, DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, 21 May 1914, Page 41

PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLOR MARLOW, DUNEDIN.

WELL-DESERVED TRIBUTES TO HIS ABILITIES. '

A complimentary social to Mr. Marlow, who unsuccessfully contested the mayoralty with Mr. J. B. Shacklock, was held in-the Town Hall, South Dunedin, on Friday night. The Mayor of Dunedin' (Mr. J. B. Shacklock) presided, and on the platform were the guest of the evening, Messrs. W. Downie Stewart (ex-Mayor of Dunedin), C. E. Statham, M.P.,'ahd T. K. Sidey, M.P. There -was a good attendance, including many city councillors. The Mayor said they were there to pay a tribute to Cr. Marlow for the work he had done in municipal affairs in the district. The speaker had been associated for some time with Mr. Marlow in municipal work, and he was pleased to be able to testify to his qualities as a public man and a citizen. For some years Mr. Marlow, had been on the South Dunedin Council, and since the amalgamation of that borough with the city he had represented it on the City Council. Persons who represented' the public in municipal matters had to devote a lot of time to the work, and the public often had a tendency to be ungrateful. It should be remembered that this work was done freely and ungrudgingly, and that those who did it were actuated by public-spirited motives. It was with diffidence that the speaker had consented to preside, after having contested the mayoral seat with Mr. Marlow, but he could honestly say that, during the election campaign, there was not one word of ill-feeling on either side, and not one word which •either need regret. Between them there had been nothing to give occasion and the speaker was pleased to be present to add his testimony to that of others concerning the energy that Mr. Marlow had devoted to- municipal work'. Mr. T. J. Hussey said that, as chairman of the canvassing committee, the full returns were not yet available. However, they were expected to reach three figures. Mr. Sidey said he would like to express his pleasure at being present, and to thank the organisers of the function for having given him the most important duty to performthat of making the presentation. The speaker could not help recalling that about the same time last year he had the privilege of occupying a precisely similar position as he occupied that night. On that occasion he was called upon to make a presentation to the then unsuccessful candidate for the mayoralty, Mr. Shacklock. History was said to repeat itself, and if history repeated itself this year in the same way as last year, Mr. Marlow would next year occupy the same position as Mr. Shacklock, who was previously feted as the unsuccessful candidate, now occupiedthat of being the Mayor. The speaker was very pleased to hear of the good relations that had existed between the candidates during the campaign, and he was sure that those who heard the remarks made by Mr. Marlow on the declaration of the poll would commend the excellent spirit which he showed. The electors recognised the faithful service of those who represented them—of this the speaker was corifidetit—the majority of the electors at any rate. In the councils were required men of common sense and some judgment, who might rely for specialised knowledge upon the services of experts. For the past 18 years Mr. Marlow had rendered services to the public which were well known, on various bodies* and all would agree that he had taken a broad, fair, and liberal view of public questions. — (Applause.) It was in recognition of these facts that the presentation was being made v The form it had taken was due to the fact that, in the performance of his public duties, Mr. Marlow had had tc devote much time from his private business to municipal work, and it was because of that that it had been thought best that the form of the presentation should be monetary. ■. - - Mr. Sidey then made the presentation to Mr. Marlow, and a number of other addresses of a complimentary- character were delivered. , , r }pn-* <

Mr. W. Downie Stewart said he was very pleased to join in the good wishes extended to Cr. Marlow. The speaker had sat for six years with Mr. Marlow in the City Council. Mr. Marxow was a man of great native ability, and that was a rare enough gift. He had great industry, great powers of attention, and great ability for expressing his views in a lucid and clear fashion. He had great courage, and did not wait to consider if his views would be popular with the council or the public. When a man had all these qualities, the public could congratulate itself on having him, and could hop© that he would remain in public life. Mr. Marlow was also a man of sound common sense and shrewd judgment' and he was now meeting With a recognition of his good qualities from' the citizens of Dunedin.— (Applause.) Mr. .Marlow briefly responded. He appreciated the kind remarks made about himself, and felt complimented at seeing so many councillors present. He was grateful to the people for what ‘they had done. In speaking about the campaign, his Worship the Mayor had been saying only what was true of the kindly feelings that had characterised the contest, and such a state of affairs the speaker trusted would always be so. He trusted that Mr. Sidey would prove a prophet, and that he would follow the example set by Mr. Shacklock. He would be candidate at the next mayoral election, and, whether successful or not, it would not make any difference in his feelings towards his constituents. As a public man, he recognised that he must be open to criticism. He might make mistakes, and if. he did the public was free to turn him down. As far as his own concerns went, it might be better for him if he were shut out from public life. But, anyway, it was a good thing when the persons on behalf of whom one was working made complimentary references concerning one. In conclusion, the speaker reiterated his appreciation of what had been said, and assured all that he would, in the future, do his best in their interests. During the evening a number of musical and elocutionary items were rendered.