PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLOR HOBBS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1002, 11 September 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLOR HOBBS.

After the transaction of the ordinary business of the City Council yesterday, His Worship the Mayor, rising, said there devolved on him one portion of the duty of that day’s meeting, which he was afraid he would not be able to do justice to, and if he failed in language it would not be the fault of his intention, us bis personal feelings were in unison with the whole Council. The duty he had to perform was to present Councillor Hobbs with a memento ol the esteem which he had gained from .his brother Councillors during the time lie had held the position of Councillor for five years, and as Mayor for two years in succession, which meant the devoting a vast amount of valuable time and a great deal of mental study. He had worked with Councillor Hobbs for a number of years, and could bear testimony to the services that had been rendered by him to the Council and to all matters appertaining to the city. _ He had had the honor of proposing Councillor Hobbs for the first time as Mayor. The expectations which ho had formed of him then had been fully realised, and ho (Councillor Hobbs) had well earned the address which be W&s now about to present him on behalf of

the Council. [Applause.] The address was as follows : To Frederick Hobbs, Esq. Sir—At a meeting of the City Council of Christchurch, New Zealand, held on the 10th clay of September, 1577, the following resolution was unanimously passed—“ That on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch the Council awards a cordial vote of thanks to Councillor Frederick Hobbs for the energy and ability with which he has discharged h s duties as City Councillor for a period of seven ye a’s, and for the devotion to the interests of the ratepayers displayed during his term of office as Mayor of the city for the years 1875 and 1876, and that an illuminated copy of this resolution he presented to Councillor Hobbs with the seal of the Council attached.” His Worship addressing Councillor Hobbs said —I have much pleasure in presenting you with this address, and wish that you and Mrs Hobbs may enjoy a long and prosperous life, and may your children live to look upon this address with honor to themselves and pride to their father. (Cheers.) Councillor Hobbs said he had to thank the Council most sincerely, and his Worship in the first place for the very kind remarks made with reference to his wife and himself. It was very satisfactory to feel that one’s efforts had been appreciated and more especially by one’s confreres in the Council. Ho would retire into private life, so far as his duties connected with the city wore concerned, with the knowledge that he had made lasting friendships. It was on occasions of that sort that one’s feelings were rather apt to interrupt any flow of language which a person might ordinarily command, and lie then experienced a degree of difficulty in expressing what he felt towards the gentlemen who had been kind enough to show him such an act of their esteem. His position that moment was similar to many others in similar circumstances. During his seven years’ term of office lie knew he had been guilty of many shortcomings, but lie had, so far as his judgment, energy, and strength would allow, endeavored to do his duty to the best of his ability. Humanity was frail, and no one was ever so wise as not at times to err in judgment, and he had erred in his. So far as his connection witli the City Council was concerned the citizens generally had kindly looked over his shortcomings, and had approved of what he had done in the Council. Some had disapproved at times of action he had taken, but he had seen nothing which looked like personal opposition to himself or his efforts either as Mayor or Councillor. Ho had given his services to the citizens when in his thirtieth year and now he was thirty-seven. These were the best years of his life, and what he regretted most now was that he was not retiring in the same vigor of health as when he first entered the Council. That was his reason now for retiring, but he hoped that after a few years’ rest, without the necessity of neglecting his business or his family, he would be able to again place his services at the disposal of the citizens. [Applause.] It was an old saying that knowledge comes and wisdom lingers. Since lie had been in the Council he had learnt a great deal by experience that he might not otherwise have done, but he had yet to find out whether he had acquired wisdom. He would retire from the Council feeling very much gratified to know his efforts had been appreciated by the citizens, and more especially by bis brother Councillors. [Applause.] The address was very handsomely illuminated, and as a work of art rellected very great credit on Mr J. Goodman, by whom it was executed. Its appearance was enhanced by being set in a massive and elegant gilt frame.

The presentation to Councillor Hobbs of a silver tea and coffee service, an epergne, and silver cradle, which have been subscribed for by ex-Mayors, Councillors, and a number of citizens, will be presented at the Council Chambers to-day at 4 p.m.