PRESENTATION TO JUDGE JONES.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 992, 11 September 1903, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO JUDGE JONES.

CONGRATULATION'S OF GISBOENE CITIZENS. The citizens of Gisborne determined not to allow His Honor Judge Jones to depart from public life without some recognition of his many years’ services, and took ad- o vantage of the Hospital Concert last even- £ ing, to present him with a very handsome illuminated address, whilst the Liberals oi tbo distiict also availed themselves of the occasion to present Judge Jones with a 1 beautiful gold watch, suitably inscribed, There was a crowded attendance at the concert, and the presentations wero made duriDg the interval. j The presentation of the address was made by Mr E. P. Joyce, President of the Liberal Association, wbo made an excellent speech. In the course of his remarks, Mr Joyce expressed the pleasure he felt iu being allowed to make the presentation on behalf of tho Liberals and citizens of Gisborne to Mr Jones of such a handsome testimonial, marking, as it did, the hieh esteem in which Mr Jones was 1 held by tho residents of Gisborne. They were all pleased with Mr Jones’ appointment to the several offices that he now held. They desired to show their appreciation of his past services, at 1 the same time congratulating him on his appointment as District Land Begistrar, Judgo of the Native Land Court, and President of the Maori Land Council. (Applause.) He (Mr Joyce) had known Mr Jones from his boyhood, and had followed with interest his career. He had always found him to be au honorable, trustworthy, aud conscientious lawyer. (Applause.) He had no hesitation in saying that he would be a great credit to the positions to which ho had beeD appointed. (Applause.) In conclusion Mr Joyce said, I may say, ladies and gentlemen, without tho slightest hesitation that there are many treasures hidden in Mr Jonos which are not visible upon the surface, bis innate modesty preventing them from becoming too prominent.” (Laughter and applause.) The following is the text of the address : [ To Bobert Noble Jones, Esq.—Dear Sir, —We, the undersigned, your fellow citizens, on the occasion of your giving up the practise of your profession to take up ’ the honorable positions of District Land ! Begistrar, Judge of the Native Land • Court, and President of the Maori Land , Council, desire to offer you our sincere 1 congratulations. r We ask you to accept the accompany--3 ing momento as an expression of our best “ wishes for your welfare, as well as an acknowledgment of our appreciation of the 1 many useful services reuderod by you for i. years past to the residents of this district, e both as a good Liberal in general politics, 1 and a strong steady worker in all matters I. for the good of Gisborne.—We remain, - yoursincere friends, John Townley, Mayor, and 130 others. e In handing Mr Jones the address Mr e Joyce expressed tho hope that it would be g handed down to many generations. He hoped Mr Jones would long be spared to k look upon it and remember the kindness shown him by the citizens of Gisborno. a (Applause,) Mrs Maynard then stepped forward, and ’ r in a neat and appropriate speech presented Mr Jones with a beautiful gold watch, suitably inscribed, the gift of the Liberals of Gisborne in appreciation of tbe excellent work dono by Mr Jone 3, whose future wel- ( fare they all desired. lB Mr Jones, in replying, was much moved. He said that he was quite at a loss to express his thanks for che kindness shown i- towards him. He owed so much to the 6 citizens of Gisborne and district. All he 1- had he had to thank them for, and they i- seemed to be heaping good tilings upon 1 him. He came to Gisborne 25 years ago, ; and started work as a poor boy. He ! started out under one .of Gisborne’s preJ. sent citizens, Captain Ferris, and was r- engaged at what was then termed 11 cowIi spanking.” (Laughter and applause.) ! Now it was known by a higher title, being 5 called the dairy industry. (Laughter.) To let them into a secret, ho might inform [t them that he got the sack the second day after he took up his duties, but at the end q of the month he was told that he could it stop on, and he remained until he r parted with the business to someone else, q He thought that ho should tike the prep sentation that evening rather as an indi,f cation of this—that in New Zealand there t . was no avenue, no position, no matter •s how high, that was not open to the young ; r men and women of the colony. (Proit longed applause.) “ Whatever I have in q this world, I owe to the people of Gis- . borne,” continued the speakor. “ What- ’ ever lifctlo I have gathered together, it has been obtained here. I got my wife here, 1 " and my family have bean born here, and 6 great kindness has always been shown L ' towards mo by the people of Gisborne.” n Touching upon the question of politics, u Mr Jones said : “ There is the question of 8 my being a Liberal. I might say that I ® have always considered that those who J? serve their country best, serve their party best. I have had gathered round me I such a solid gathering of men and women ’ who have stood shoulder to shoulder that *' victory was easy, and it is really to them l ' that the credit is duo. (Applause.) Un-

fortunately, they have had nothing for what they have done, whilst I have received all the honors. (Applause.) This beautiful watch I shall treasure for its intrinsic value, but I shall value it more for the kindness and esteem of the donors. I shall take this address and look upon it as far more valuable than gold and silver, being evidence of the esteem of one’s citizens. 1 thank you sincerely for your kindness, and am sorry that I cannot say more to express tho deep gratitude that I feel.” (Warm applause.)