THE FATHER OF WELLINGTON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 170, 29 June 1900, Page 2

THE FATHER OF WELLINGTON.

A DESERVED PRESENTATION. ADDRESS BY THE PREMIER. [PUB PEESS ASSOCIATION,] Wellington, June 28. Mr. John Plimmer was presented today, which is his 88 th birthday, with a portrait of himself in oils, by a number of citizens. The Premier, who officiated, mentioned that Mr. Plimmer had been a resident here for 59 years, and spoke in high terms of his services as a colonist, espeiially of his efforts to further the construction of the Manawatu line and his generous donations towards the expense of the contingents. The function was of an extremely enthusiastic and spontaneous character. At a later stage, in response to the toast of his health, tha Premier said his medical advisers had given him their assurance that he was perfectly sound and that hjs indisposition was only temporary. Mr. Seddon then went on to say that although the idea might be adversely criticised he had ha 4 it in his mind for some days to send troops to China. They had a battery just arrived and six or seven Maxims, and rather than Great Britain should lose prestige for want of men he would send a contingent to the East. H e believed such a course would njso be of great advantage to the colon •-, as the arrival of a strange body of soldiers would make the name of New Zealand known among the nations.