Mr Dobson’s Retirement

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1921, Page 4

Mr Dobson’s Retirement

(Lyttelton Times)

In retiring from the service of Christchurch city after twenty years as city engineer and surveyor, Air Arthur Dudley Dobson will carry with him thj* most affectionate wishes of the whole body of citizens, and we have no doubt that the City Council will mark, in no merely formal manner, its appreciation of the splendid work that he lias done for the city during his term of office. It is bard to realise that Air Dobson is one of the pioneers who came to Canterbury in tho first four ships over seventy years ago. Landing from tlie ship Creasy when a boy, be did bis schooling at Christ’s College, and served an invaluable pupilage with bis father, particularly in connection with the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel. In 1863 lie undertook a contract to survey and explore he AA’est Coast from tlie Grey River to Abut Head, and while trying to get his horses through to the AA'est Coast lie discovered the pass into the Otira which was named after him— Arthur’s Pass. Air Dobson’s early surveying work linked bis name insepuiably with the Canterbury, Nelson and AA'est Coast provinces, and his experiences of “moving accidents by flood and field” cover some of the most striking incidents of the early days. Air Dobson luis preserved a degree of mental and physical alertness that might be envied bv men of half bis age, and it is pleasing to know that bis wide experience will still be available to the city in his consultative capacity. AA'c trust that be will long enjoy the relaxation that lie lias so well earned in an honourable and unusually useful career.