TO THE "FATHERS" OF WELLINGTON. An Easy Way to Win Distinction.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 51, 22 June 1901, Page 8

TO THE "FATHERS" OF WELLINGTON. An Easy Way to Win Distinction.

THE title of "Father of Wellington" is one that might reasonably make the owner of it feel proud, and one that suggests to the ordinary mind that the owner should have the special claims of long residence and philanthroplnc aims The "fathers" of our other cities have almost invariably been given their titles by the people, who love to do them honour. A recent and notable example is that of Dr. J Logan Campbell, of Auckland, who has shown his paternal rights, not only by associating himself with his city from its infancy, but by living the life of its people, and by sharing his wealth with the community which has grown up around him. • • # And what a chance is here for Wellington ' Just recently, Mr. John Plimmer, who, by the way, is not, by any manner of means, the oldest inhabitant or earliest settler, has got into the habit of subscribing himself on all possible occasions the ''Father of Wellington." And now he has gone the length of bringing out a biography of himself, with that curiously misapplied title, and he has sent the Duke of York a copy of it, with "John Plimmer, the Father of Wellington," printed on outside. Can it be that this was merely a precaution against being overlooked when the honours came to be served out? If so, it is a pity Mr. John Plimmer did not bethink himself of a readier and more effective means of focussing attention upon himself, and winning no end of kudos. * • • Wellington, unlike other cities, has not produced many patriotic benefactors, and there is here a large field for ambitious philanthropists. The John Plimmers of Wellington may keep their memory green and their names revered by merely following the notable examples of other cities' wealthy benefactors. Wellington needs it, the people, somewhat cramped, need it, and the wealthy might easily perpetuate the memory of a life well spent by leaving a lasting benefaction to the community, who would rise up and call them blessed, and establish in the hearts and minds of the people a right to the proud title of "Father of Wellington."