PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLOR FISHER.
About thirty gentlemen met in the Princess Hotel last night. to make a presentation toCouncillor Fisher. The presentation consisted of a very handsome silver coffee service and a timepiece. The chair was occupied by Mr. M. L. Marks, and the-presentation was made by Mr. G. E. Barton, M.H.R., who, in making the presentation; referred in landatory terms to the amount of good Councillor Fisher had done to the ratepayers and city generally during his term of office. The present testimonial was a different sort of thing to silver pencil cases and those kind of presentations that were frequently made. The present testimonial was subscribed by nearly 200 of the citizens of.. Wellington, including merchants, doctors, soli-, citors, and the leading tradesmen. During Mr. Fisher’s term of office he had shown up what was known as the “ ring" system. Some of these “rings,” Mr. Barton safd, had been represented by their own special organ and special reporters. This presentation,' however, showed to him that the public were having their eyes opened, and would not stand 1 the “ring" business any longer.■ ’ ' 1 Mr. Fisher said in ordinary circumstances a presentation was regarded as a commonplace event; but this one was far. different. It would hot be difficult to prove that his actions in the Council had been productive of good results. The affairs of the Council had drifted into 'a state of chaotic confusion. Some of his friends had been kind enough to say that since his appearance in the Council a new. era had . dawned on that - body. He his seat in . the Council with the full determination' to expose everything bordering on unfairness. He carefully, examined every document, and ; the “ ring ” saw that, he was at then- heels, and finally by his perseverance/ and attention they were put to 1 the rout, and the great contracting power had collapsed. He could, if necessary refer at great length to the doings of the “ ring,” but he thought there was no need for it on the, present occasion. He considered that he had saved the Council £3400, and had placed the workings of the Corporation on a good footing; so that he 1 thought he had done'some good. He knew the antagonists that he would meet at the Council-board ; and he also knew that dealing with them in half measures would be no good, and he was determined to make ah impartial stand.' It wa q , however, fair to state that Councillor Diver worked hand in baud with him throughout. Any man that tried to destroy a monopoly must necessarily, meet with strong opposition, and every member of the Corporation should have a peculiar. interest in Corporation work, , and there should be. a well-defined line to show this. This had not - been the custom in the past, nor was it the case now. He thought the Council should be composed of men of integrity—men who could look into the'future. He had-not come, out of the Council scatheless. He was aware it had been •said by' many, “ Wait until Councillor Fisher’s .time comes and you will, see that he will be like other people.” His time had come and passed, and he left those present to consider if he was to blame - for his actions. ■ If he had chosen to let unpleasant. facts lie dormant, he had very good reason to believe that he would have heard of something to his advantage. He considered his achievements, in a great measure, were due to the proprietors of the Evcning Post, who had at all times given him space in their columns for the insertion of his letters exposing the workings of the Corporation. This was more than he could say of the other papers. He again thanked those present for the very handsome gift. He well knew the trouble there was in bringing matters of this kind to a successful issue ; they must have made great personal sacrifices. An illuminated address, executed by Mr. E. Brandon, also accompanied the coffee service. A vote of thanks to the chairman tertniuated the proceedings. I:
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5340, 9 May 1878, Page 2
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683PRESENTATION TO COUNCILLOR FISHER. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5340, 9 May 1878, Page 2
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