THE COLONISTS AND LORD MAYOR McARTHUR.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1032, 4 February 1882, Page 4

THE COLONISTS AND LORD MAYOR McARTHUR.

After the liberal hospitality of Mr Aiderman McArthur, M.P., during his term of office of Lord Mayor of London, it was only to be expected that the Australian Colonists in England would come forward at the close of his mayoralty and present him with some fitting testimonial, as a mark of their high esteem and respect for one w’ho is admitted to have discharged the high and important duties in connection with the office of Lord Mayor in a most admirable and successful manner. When it was announced, therefore, that a meeting of colonists and merchants would be held at the Bank of New South Wales on Nov. 16, with this view, no surprise was felt. We looked in at the appointed hour—3 o’clock—and found about 20 or 30 gentlemen connected with New Zealand and Australia present. Mr D. Larnach, who was voted to the chair, explained the object of the meeting, and said a desire had been expressed on the part of some Canadian colonists to join them. Sir J. Rose was present, and he assurred the meeting that the Canadians were quite as anxious as the Australians to show their appreciation of the consideration ■ showed to them by the late Lord Mayor during his term of office. It was then resolved that colonists generally should be asked to join, and the following resolution, proposed by Sir D. Cooper, Bart., and seconded by Sir C. Clifford, was unanimously carried : —“ That the ex-Lord Mayor, Aiderman William McArthur, M.P., merits some fitting recognition from British colonists and all others interested in the colonies and dependencies of the Crown, for the ability, cordiality and generous hospitality with which he, an Australian merchant, has so successfully discharged the duties of his important office.” On the motion of Sir A. Blyth, seconded by Mr Saul Samuel, C.M.G., it was also agreed that subscription lists should be opened with the view of collecting funds for some fitting testimonial. A discussion then ensued as to what form the testimonial should take. Sir E. Stafford thought that at any rate one recognition of Mr McArthur’s services should be a public banquet, but both Mr Westgarth and the chairman (Mr Larnach) expressed their opinion that during his term of office the late Lord Mayor must have had enough public dinners to last him for the rest of his natural life ; and it was afterwards resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the committee, w’ho will doubtless ask Mr McArthur what form he would like the testimonial to take. The committee appointed, with power to add to their number, consist of the following gentlemen D. Larnach, Esq., Sir J. Rose, Sir A. Galt, Sir A. Blyth, T. Archer, Esq., Sir F. Dillon Bell, SirC. Clifford, C.M.G., andseven others. Before the meeting separated a paper was sent round, and about £l5O was subscribed in the room.— European Hail.