PRESENTATION TO MR. COMMISSIONER NAUGHTON.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 123, 1 June 1870, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MR. COMMISSIONER NAUGHTON.

At twelve o'clock noon to-day, Mr. Commissioner Naughton, who is about to retire from the service on leave of absence, was presented with a splendid silver breakfast service by the members of the Auckland Police.

Previous to the presentation SergeantMajor Morrison, on behalf of the Force, read the following address : —

" The occasion for which we are met this day is such an one as we have not met upon before. It is an occasion on which many feelings of sorrow and joy are combined.

" We are sorry to have to meet for the purpose of bidding farewell to one under whom we have served for so many years, with such satisfaction and general pleasure ; an.l while we are sorry • for t his, we are also glad to be able to present you with some token of the esteem in whicli you are held by the members of the Force you have so long been at the head of in this province.

" It is useless to multiply words on such an occasion as the present, and, without further preface, I may inform you that those members of the Force you have so long commanded, who are now present, are a deputation of the whole Police Force of the province, and the proceeding of this day is to be looked upon as the unanimous expression of that body.

'• Allow me, therefere, in the name of the members of the Force, to present you with this breakfast service of silver, as a small token of the respect we entertain of you as a man and an officer, together with this illuminated address, I have the honor to hand to you.

'' May you be long spared to act the same straightforward part as you have done these sixteen years, during which you have had command of the Police of this province, and you may be assured that, whatever station of life you may hereafter- enter, the best wishes of those you have so long commanded, will follow you."

Mr. Naughton replied in a neat and appropriate speech. He briefly referred as to his leaving, or rather, as to the leave of absence be was obtaining. It had uot been known to many, and until the silver set had been exhibited in the window of Mr. ICohn, ifc was only known to a few. With regard to the presentation, he did not come prepared to make a long speech; but for himself, his wife, and family, he begged to return the Force his heartfelt thanks. It was, indeed, a substantial and elegant gift, as well as the splendid illuminated address .It had been said that he was " always on the spot." He was sure the Force would not deny that fact. Indeed, he had been too often on the spot for his health's good. It would be remembered when crime was rife he was instructed to raise Ihe Force. This he did promptly, and got a body together second to none in the colonies. It was true the clothes they wore were not of the best character, but still it was the admiration of all. He would not detain those present from their duties, but again thanked them from the bottom of his heart, and affectionately bid them, one and aIJ, good bye; but before doing so, he must not omit to mention the name of Mr. Cunningham, a gentleman who had always given him every assistance he could.

Mr. .Naughton here shook hands with the members of the Force present, and appeared greatly moved while doing so. The following is a copy of the address presented with the set of plate. It has been beautifully illuminated by Mr. Hall:—

" We, the undersigned non-commissioned officers and privates of the late Auckland Armed Police Force, have heard with great regret of your intended retirement from the post of Commissioner of tbe Provincial Police.

" For the last ] 6 years, at the head of the Police Force, you have laboured assiduously and not unsuccessfully, in the suppression of crime and in the maintenance of peace and good order amongst the large and mixed population of the province. During the ■whole of that time we have always found that whilst you insisted upon the enforcement of strict discipline and the faithful discharge of duty, you left nothing undone, which kindly and considerate behaviour, impartial disti-ibution of rewards and promotions, and unceasing attention to the comfort and well-being of those under your command, could effect, to create and foster those feelings of confidence nnd emulation without which discipline is of little avail.

" Knowing and feeling these things, we cannot permit your connection with the Police of tbe province to be severed in silence. We therefore respectfully request your acceptance of this address and the accompanying testimonial as proof of our respect and gratitude, and with, the best wishes for the future success of yourself and family, we remain dear

" Your obpdient servants, "John" Morrison, " Joseph Reilly, "William Evehs, "James McCaffebty, " .On behalf of the remainder of the Force."

The service is now on view in the window of Mr. Kohn, and it is indeed a magnificent piece of workmanship, and will well repay an inspection.