HOKITIKA.
THE BIRTH OF THE BOROUGH.
NAMING ITS STREETS.
(Read before Hokitika Beautifying Association).
TOWN HALL, August 23rd, 1921.
It has been a very pleasant duty to endeavour to follow up the suggestion made by Mr G. Davidson a couple of months ago, to trace out the naming of the streets of Hokitika. The information gathered has come from various sources. Mr A. J. Harrop, of Christchurch, has helped with some notes. Also, while tarrying lately in Christchurch came the good fortune to be introduced to the Librarian (Mr Bell) of that City, and by him was given access to some of the earliest records of both the Canterbury and Westland Provincial Councils, and by this means the information now supplied becomes more authentic.
Hokitika in point of fact, has quite a romantic history, and the task still remains of compiling that history and presenting a volume of unusual public interest. From the many volumes of works on New Zealand in general a mass of matter could be collected, and the story of the town would be as interesting as it would be instructive and romantic.
Hokitika is a native name, and was applied to the locality before Europeans came this way. Originally it was spelt Okatika, and as such, is recorded on the earlier maps. It is a word of two syllables: “Hoki”—to return, and “Tika”—straight, direct, in a direct manner. It appears to have derived its name when the Native tribes were searching for the much coveted greenstone. The Hokitika river was the point beyond which greenstone could not be found, and having come this far the injunction given by the name was “to return direct” further search being fruitless. As to the pronunciation of the word, that given by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales when here is the more correct and embraces the two syllables as given above, but with equal value (in sound) to each, thus Hoki-tika.
West Coasters dearly love their land. Westlanders do so in particular and there is a quotation from Hochstetter given in E. W. Payton's work published in 1888 “Round about New Zealand” which is quoted (as adapted) to suit our beloved Westland:
"Was it the ties of friendship that I found there? or was it the grandeur and peculiarity of the natural features of a country appearing in its isolation like a world of its own, that attracted me so strongly? I cannot say; but I will still look back with enthusiasm to my stay in Westland."
Westland was separated from Canterbury in 1867 and became a separate province. As leading up to this, Revd. James Buller (the first Methodist clergyman to visit Hokitika) in his “Forty Years in New Zealand,” gives some interesting notes. But Mr Buller was not the first priest here—he gives that distinction to the Roman Catholic clergy—though the name of the priest is not mentioned. Mr Buller, however, was the first horseman to cross the mountains and make direct for Hokitika. He took six days to accomplish the journey and mentioned he had to cross the Teremakau river twenty-six times. Mr Buller was the pioneer to prepare the way for the Revd. Harper, who was appointed to Hokitika and came later by sea. Speaking of the gold find here in 1865, Mr Buller comments: “Nothing populates a waste howling wilderness” like gold. When Mr Buller debauched on the ocean beach at the Teremakau he found a stampede of miners going north to a new rush at Greymouth. The beach was alive with men, pack horses and teams tearing north.
Speaking of Hokitika as he found it at the time of his advent, he says he came to the river and there he found a mushroom sort of a town on the north bank. The forest reached to the waters’ edge. The houses were on the sandy beach. Revell Street, a mile long, was a succession of stores and hotels—the latter so called. Afterwards Revd. Buller writes of visiting Te Kaniera.
It might be of interest to record that Mr Buller, while in Hokitika, was the guest of Mr Alcorn and slept on a bed under the shop counter. Alcorn’s corner is now the vacant site opposite Mr E. J. Lloyd’s store and now separated from the Don store by a right of way to the sea beach. Revd. Buller held the first Church service in the Corinthian Hall—then a building without floor, seats or windows. Afterwards it was a drapery emporium, then, the citadel of the Salvation Army, and laterly a private residence. In the Revd. Buller’s time, Thatcher, a local entertainer held forth every evening, the admission being one shilling. Entrance was through the bar of the hotel. On the Sundays the shops were open for business, and the first Church service was announced by the bellman. There was not a large congregation at the morning service, but the evening service was well attended.
Writing of the town when his book was prepared for publication (1378), Revd. Buller says as he left it (after his second visit) it was in the first stage of the transformation of a permanent and prosperous town, which now enjoys all the advantages of an organised community—churches, schools, and other institutions.
A reference has been made to Mr Payton’s work. This gentlemen offers his opinion on the East and West Coast railway which it is instructive to reprint as showing the point of view in the brave days of old on the subject in questions:
“Some of the people appear to think the first thing a new colony wants is railways, and are trying to get a railway constructed from Springfield to Hokitika through the wonderful mountains and gorges. There is already good communication by sea, and nothing whatever to warrant the enormous expenditure that a railway would cost, both to construct and repair. I sincerely hope that these ridiculous people may not be permitted to increase the already enormous debt of the colony for such a purpose.”
It is interesting to note that at this moment, Canterbury and Westland are alike hungering for the completion of the East and West Coast railway. Other times, other views.
THE BIRTH OF THE BOROUGH.
The Borough of Hokitika was asked for by petition dated April 22nd, 1866, addressed to His Honor Samuel Bealey, Superintendent of Canterbury. The Provincial Secretary at that time was Edward Jollie, Esq. The petition set out that there was a population of at least 2,000 householders, and that answering the prayer of the petition would conduce to the welfare and advantage of the town. Some 157 signatures were appended to the petition, but of these the only two known to be surviving are—Mr John Solomon, now of Sydney, and Mr Hugh Cassidy (Cobb & Coy.), of Springfield. On May 30th., 1886 the proclamation of the Borough of Hokitika was gazetted, the area consisting of two square miles—one on the south side of the river and one on the north side.
On June 27th 1866 at 4 p.m. a public meeting was held af the Prince of Wales Opera House (where Keller’s sample rooms now stand next to Perry and Coy.), to elect two persons to act as assessors at the election of the first municipal council and for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Hokitika Municipal Council. The Gazetted advertisement convening the foregoing meeting was signed by Messrs Prosser, Bonar, Reeves, Bracken, Munro, Wagner, Hall and Finlay and Coy. Mr George Samuel Sale was appointed Chairman to preside at any meeting called to elect the first Municipal Council.
Those duly elected on November 6th 1866 were:—
John Russell Anderson, merchant.
James Alexander Bonar, merchant.
Francis Leake Clarke, merchant.
Andrew Cumming, storekeeper.
Robert Ecclesfield, merchant.
James Fitzsimmons, publican.
Alexander George Hungerford, timber merchant.
William Shaw, printer.
Charles Williams, publican.
And so the Borough of Hokitika came into being.
Cornelius O’Regan, a West Coaster, gave promise of being a West Coast poet. Of him it was said he “died in the morning of his manhood,” but he has left some lines which vividly describes the Diggers who rushed the Coast, and helped to lay the foundations of Hokitika upon which the town has been reared. He wrote of the Diggers:—
“Scorners of despair and fear,
“Who roughed it by wild forest, craggy fell,
“And through swirl of roaring waters, for many and many a year,
“Daily faced the face of Death, and bore it well.”
And of the times he wrote, one Digger talking to a comrade:
“What days of cheerful toil, what wild uproarious nights:
“What happy days, what glorious nights where then;
“Such mirth and merry making, such drinking and such fights—
“Old mate, such times may never come agen.”
NAMING THE STREETS.
The early association of Westland with Canterbury was a very happy circumstance in many ways. In regard to Hokitika in particular the intimacy was of paramount value, for it resulted in the borough being well and faithfully laid out. Canterbury had its settled form of government, and an efficient staff, and as a consequence the professional officers to do the duty of laying off the town thoroughly. It was laid off on old English lines—with a generous disposal of special reserves and parks for the many purposes requisite for a complete civic life. We of this day cannot be too appreciative of the very admirable way in which the task was performed, and the complete thought given for all purposes tending to meet the common weal. The Canterbury official was of the right stock, and to-day and for all time the splendid service performed by those gentlemen stands as their lasting monument.
In the naming of the streets of Hokitika a very happy system was followed, and the town is honored indeed by having in the names of its streets the closest association with many splendid men who in their day and generation were outstanding citizens in the young colony, and whose work in the various walks of official life in which they practiced was of special prominence. There were statesmen, high officials, medical men, and other high professions from which names were chosen for the various thoroughfares. Also there were squares etc., named after notable explorers, so that the town has reason indeed to be proud of the names which grace its streets. It must be remembered that when the town was laid off by the surveyors, the streets were all forest-clad. As Mr Buller said, “the forest reached to the waters’ edge.” The importance of each particular street could then only be guessed at, but the choice throughout has been always a happy one, and the selection is in every way complimentary to the town. “What is in a name”? is often asked, and we know Shakespeare’s rejoinder in “Romeo and Juliet” is to the effect; “that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But the happy choice of names for our streets gives them a pleasing distinction, and associated with deeds of the men who bore those names, a marked importance, quite befitting the capital town Hokitika was destined to be.
There are some thirty streets in all in Hokitika, or one less in number to be correct, because Haast Street is now officially closed. Also we have three large squares, averaging some ten acres each. These public places all bear the names of men who in some way more or less important, and nearly always official, were identified with the birth of the town, and the making of Hokitika as a municipality.
Our main or principal thoroughfare, Revell St. was named after William Horton Revell, who came to Hokitika in its earliest days as agent for the Provincial Government of Canterbury. At the time of the “rush” here Mr Revell, assisted by Sergeant Broham, marked off business sections which were taken up with great eagerness, and thus in the Christmas time of 1864, Hokitika was created and blossomed forth as a town. The somewhat winding nature of Revell Street is explained by the fact that neither Mr Revell nor Sergeant Broham were surveyors, and in the demand for sections the work had to be very hurriedly performed, hence the lack of perfect alignment which is noticeable in the other streets of the town, subsequently laid off with due form. On the proclamation of the goldfield in March 1865, Mr Revell was gazetted Warden and Resident Magistrate. It was on the 21st March of that year he issued the first miner’s right on the Coast to his brother, Mr Henry Revell. After a long and useful life, Mr Revell passed away at Timaru where he died on the 22nd September 1898.
The short street off Revell St. known as Camp Street was so called because in the earliest days before the forest was cleared, the police camp was adjacent thereto. There is a well-known photograph on record which shows the police camp and “logs” (as the watch house was called) behind where the Bank of New Zealand now stands, and occupying the area on which the Drill Shed now stands. Subsequently the police quarters were shifted to the reserve in Weld Street, where barracks were erected, and a considerable force (including several mounted men) was domiciled there. Many will recall memories of the members of the force daily drilling in the reserve, and particularly carrying out sword exercises, for the mounted men’s accoutrements included swords. The foot police carried batons in those days and there were occasions when they had to use their truncheons.
Off Camp Street leads Wharf Street, which as it name implies leads to the Wharf on Gibson Quay. The Wharf in the very early days was a scene of very busy activity, and photography has preserved for posterity many inspiring scenes of the crowded shipping moored along the wharf. The river in these days was used for mooring purposes well up to Kortegast’s brewer, for near thereto were two or three large sawmills from which many of the vessels loaded outward freight.
[Note.—William Evans Esq. of Timaru, the well-known merchant, in a letter to the writer (extracts from which appear in this pamphlet) states he was the first to peg off a section in Wharf Street, when it was first decided to open the street, and Mr Evans actually named the street on the day he erected his tent in the first bush clearing made in the locality.]
There is another small street in the same locality known as Beach St. Its name is associated with the particular location it serves. Now it is mainly residential, but once it was a busy commercial thoroughfare with bonds and warehouses, and extended much further down the beach, for the river in the early days made its way to sea very much further south. Hotels and eating houses also dotted Beach Street, but the locality suffered severely in one very high flood when the river broke through, and its ravages carried many buildings and dwellings to sea, the occupants fortunately escaping.
Gibson Quay is said to be named after a waterman who plied on the river, but this has not been verified as his name does not appear in the first list of licensed watermen published. But he may have been engaged as a ferryman prior to licensing becoming necessary. Many watermen were engaged on the river for years. There was the ferry to the South Spit at the lower end of Revell Street. There was also a punt crossing at the foot of Brittan Street near where the Boating Shed stood. In those times all traffic was by the sea beach, and as “rushes” broke out at Totara, Jones Creek (Ross) and further south great throngs of men were continually on the move. In view of the growth of the mining south, it was decided to establish the hospital at the South Spit, and attached to it was a special ward for mental patients also. A regular boat service was established between the town and the South Spit, which became the starting point of the coach service to Ross. A considerable township grew up there. Later a road was made through South Hokitika across Wadeson’s Island to junction with the punt which was particularly useful for the crossing of stock etc.
[Note.—D. Stuart, Esq. of Timaru, an old identity of Hokitika, writes:— “Touching Gibson Quay it is almost certain that it was called after Captain Gibson, the then Harbormaster of Lyttelton.” From another source it is gleaned a daughter of Captain Gibson is resident in Christchurch, and confirms the foregoing suggestion.]
Weld Street, was one of the four streets of the town named after notably prominent politicians of that period. It was named after the leader of the Weld Ministry, Sir Frederick Weld, which was in office in the stormy days when the seat of Government was moved from Auckland to Wellington. The Weld Ministry was defeated on the casting vote of the Speaker, and was succeeded by the Stafford Ministry.
So we have the name of Stafford Street accounted for. In profile Sir Ed. Wm. Stafford was of the Atkinsonian type. He was Superintendent of the Nelson Province, and was twice Premier of New Zealand within 13 years, first for a period of 5 years and then for a period of 4 years. His biographer was very frank about him, stating: “He talks too much; puts himself too much in the foreground, and is wanting in suavity of manner.” But behind this there was a large reserve of genuine public worth. He had a well balanced mind of the “golden mean” which is set down as being a “rare and valuable statesmanlike quality.” His politics were moderate and his administration capable.
Sewell Street is another connection with a name distinguished in the early political life of the colony. Mr Henry Sewell is described as being “a man of culture and considerable ability. His conversation sparkled. with cleverness and wit. He was happy in classical quotations.” Also he was “fussy, restless, too easily impressionable and full of false dreams. This natural disquietude taught him to be what he was—fertile in resource and skilful in evasion.” The biographer concludes in this unkind vein: “Being fond of office and not exclusive in his political associations.” Mr Sewell in features was of the Gladstonian caste. By profession he was an English solicitor.
Then as the fourth statesman of the time, we have Sir William Fitzherbert’s name drawn on for the street which has become the main thoroughfare linking up the great north and great south roads. “A great speech from Sir William” (says Wm. Gisborne—the biographer who has been quoted) “was an intellectual treat. He was able and astute—the Ulysses of statesmen—of great debating power.”
Next we have Bealey Street named after His Honor Samuel Bealey, who was Superintendent of Canterbury in April, 1866, when the petition for the Borough of Hokitika was lodged. The petition in point of fact was addressed to His Honour.
Hall Street was obviously named after he whom so many of this generation knew later as Sir John Hall. When Hokitika was laid out, Hon John Hall was a member of the Provincial Executive, and took a very intimate part in the early fortunes of Westland. Ultimately Sir John Hall became Premier of New Zealand.
Brittan Street it may be justly assumed was named after Joseph Brittan, who was a member of the Canterbury Board of Education from June 1865, and was identified with educational matters on this Coast. Brittan Street appropriately lends to the present site of the public school.
Sale Street recalls the most memorable of names associated with the birth of Hokitika—or for the matter of that, with Westland at large. He was known here officially as Warden Sale, but he was more often dubbed “King” Sale, for he was a veritable Pooh Bah in those early days, being everything the 
WESTLAND EXPLORERS' MONUMENT AT HOKITIKA.
REVELL STREET, HOKITIKA, LOOKING SOUTH FROM WELD STREET
REVELL STREET, HOKITIKA, LOOKING NORTH FROM WELD STREET
WESTLAND PIONEERS' MEMORIAL, STAFFORD STREET, HOKITIKA.
town and district needed in the way of leadership and direction. George Samuel Sale was a native of Rugby, Warwick, and proved to be one of the finest type of men the Motherland sent abroad to build an Empire across the seas—for he was essentially an Empire builder of the most acceptable type. Mr Sale came out to New Zealand. He is, (for he still lives, happily) a man of high classical attainments, and he possessed the fullest confidences of the Canterbury Government by which he was employed. When the “rush” to Hokitika took place Mr Sale was transferred from a responsible and lucrative post on the Treasury at Christchurch to Hokitika, with unlimited powers to deal with all judicial and financial questions. Under the comprehensive title of “Commissioner” he performed the onerous duties of Deputy Superintendent, Treasurer, Magistrate, Warden, and a host of other duties which came to his supervision in those rude times. Every case of sickness he cared for, and he was literally besieged by applicants for assistance or advice on all kinds of subjects. Also he had to be his own architect. Supreme Hall, as we now know it, was designed by Commissioner Sale, and erected under his supervision for the Provincial offices, courts. etc., and this is another example of the variety of his every day duties.
A diversion in the narrative is necessary here to trace another aspect of Mr Sale’s services. It appears that at one stage, Government oppression from Canterbury led to an attempt to establish Westland as a separate province. A local committee went to work in earnest and prepared such a bill of indictment—a full statement of Westland’s grievances—as was never before witnessed in the Southern Hemisphere. Hundreds of names were attached to the petition and sent to Sir Edward Statford G.C.M.G. (then Chief Secretary at Wellington), and to the Hon. John Hall, his colleague. To the energy of those two gentlemen, Westland was indebted for separation from what she then regarded as an evil stepmother. Westland was given a simple form of local Government, while all this time Mr Sale administered the affairs of the district unswervingly and without his advice nothing was done. On being invited to stand as a candidate for a seat in the new County Council (which had much wider powers than the present form of County Government) as a representative ef the Borough of Hokitika, he consented, and was accordingly elected. Unfortunately business affairs soon called him to England, and he was lost to Westland. On returning to New Zealand Mr Sale became Professor of Classics at Otago University and on his retirement in later life full of years and honors, went back to England where he is still residing.
Hokitika is becoming a town of memorials, and it is suggested that the life and work here of George Samuel Sale is worthy of some recognition, however simple in form that memorial might be. Might it not be suggested to the Beautifying Association that a memorial oak tree be planted at the foot of Sale Street, and enclose it with a permanent fence, placing therein a tablet in stone setting forth something of the work and achievements of Commissioner Sale in this town. In the same way too the Association might mark the services of Warden Revell by some notable form of memorial in front of the Town Hall in Revell St. Posterity which has enjoyed so much by reason of the labor of the leaders in civic life here in the early days, can well afford to honor at least two of the men who in official positions did such typical services affecting the foundation of the town to which now we are all so much attached.
And so we pass on to Rolleston St. This it is very easy to decide was named after William Rolleston who was Provincial Secretary for Canterbury at the time Hokitika came into being. Like Sir John Hall, Sir William Rolleston, as he afterwards became, served well into the later years of his political life. A fine monument to deceased is placed in Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, in front of the Museum. Sir William Rolleston was a notable figure in New Zealand politics over many years, and to his credit stands much land and educational legislation.
Davie Street was called after Mr Cyrus Davie who was Commissioner of Waste Lands in 1866 in the Canterbury district.
Edward Jollie was Provincial Secretary to Samuel Bealey, Superintendent, in 1866, when the petition went forward from Hokitika asking for the municipality. From this fact we may take it, Jollie Street received its title.
Hoffman and Livingstone Streets have not been specially associated with any celebrities in those far off days, and it is not proposed of course to guess why the particular names referred to were chosen.
Now comes a group of four streets the names or location of which will be known to but few even in this room. The streets are Harper, Dalton, McDermott and Beswick. They are all adjacent to the Hokitika racecourse on the upper side of Hampden Street. Harper street abuts the racecourse grounds. This street was not named after the first resident Anglican Clergyman as might be supposed, but after Charles John Harper (possibly a relative of the Clergyman) who was commissioner of the Rakaia Road district at the time the town of Hokitika was founded.
The derivation of the name of Dalton Street is not clear, but Beswick Street was doubtless named after Samuel Beswick who was the first Coroner of Hokitika, or Joseph Beswick, who was Secretary for Public Works. The former Beswick is favoured because McDermott Street was no doubt named after Doctor McDermott who (along with Charles Lloyd Morice) appears to have been the first medical men here to submit their papers for registration to Mr Sale R.M. Dr McDermott had his rooms in Revell Street where Mrs Roberts’ sweet store now is, and Joe Sellers still living here, was batman for the Doctor, who was a very worthy and popular figure about the town in those far off times.
[Note.—D. Stuart Esq. of Timaru writes:—“With reference to Dalton Street, a resident in that locality, Mr Michael Dalton had a hotel in Hampden Street. He was a grand figure of a man. He occasionally gave Shakesperean readings. He was afterwards well-known in Reefton.”]
While referring to the comparatively unknown streets of the town, there are two others, or strictly speaking one, for the second street has been officially closed now for some time. Haast Street and Ross Street are the two referred to. Both were laid off at angles in order it is said to facilitate the driving of stock through the town. Haast St. ran from Stafford Street at the intersection with Davie Street, right across the town to the ocean beach—which was the high-way north in the old days. The name was no doubt derived from Sir Julius Von Haast, scientist and explorer, after whom so many physical features in the South Island are named. Ross Street crosses from Hampden Street at the intersection with Livingstone Street, out to Spencer Street whither a way could be made to Fitzherbert Street which became the highway north as the inland road was made. This street was named after George Arthur Emilius Ross, who became Provincial Treasurer in Canterbury when Mr Sale resigned in April 1865 to take up his work in Hokitika and Westland generally. Probably the town of Ross was named after the same official.
Tancred Street it should have been noted earlier in this paper was named after Henry John Tancred, who was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Canterbury in January 1866.
Hamilton Street so named after William John Hamilton, Collector of Customs, Christchurch. Hamilton street led to the original Customs office here and the earliest photographs show it was not joined as at present to Revell Street.
Hampden, Tudor and Spencer Streets cannot be fitted in with the available records of public officials of the period dealt with, but they are evidently the names of individuals who were considered important enough to be associated with the work in hand.
And so we come to the last street as yet undealt with, and in some respects those who laid off the town must have considered it destined to become one of our most important thoroughfares. The reference is to Park Street which was not named after any individual, but was so called because it led the way to the Public Park of something like 200 acres which the founders of Hokitika placed on the outskirts of the town’s eastern boundary, and which is now a municipal endowment. In addition Park Street leads past Whitcombe and Howitt Squares, each of eleven acres. There are other educational and endowment areas along the route of the street all undeveloped, so that it is clear the thoughtful founders of the municipal area intended Park Street to be the main thoroughfare tapping all sources for outdoor recreation which should be the lungs of the city to be. Out of the Public Park, the Hokitika racecourse reserve was taken, and Hampden Street was developed as the highway to the course and the Park reserve, though the latter has not been developed as it should have been.
Of the two Squares along Park Street the areas likewise undeveloped, Whitcombe Square was named after Henry Whitcombe the fated road surveyor who was drowned in the Teremakau river on May 6th., 1863. He had been engaged in surveying the road from Christchurch. His name is engraved on the Explorers’ Monument which stands in the Hokitika Cemetery though it was first erected in Weld Street where the Clock Tower now stands. It has been suggested that the Explorers’ Monument might be moved to Cass Square, but it occupies a commanding site where it is and is in reverent surroundings. Mr Whitcombe has a monument too in Whitcombe Pass in the high mountains, whence rises the Whitcombe river, the largest tributary of the Hokitika river.
Howitt Square was likewise named after a lost explorer—Charles Howitt who was drowned in Lake Brunner in September, 1863. The exact date is not known; but it is known he was crossing the lake for provisions and later the upturned boat was found and some of his possessions in the way of maps and records encased in a water-tight compartment were recovered. Mr Howitt’s name likewise is engraved on the Explorers’ Monument on Sea View Hill overlooking the Tasman sea with the mountain landscape crowded behind, a not unfitting setting for such a memorial.
There remains Cass Square—now “the lungs of the town,” and our popular playing field. This was named after Thomas Cass who was Commissioner of Crown Lands in Canterbury prior to Cyrus Davie named before. Travellers by the overland route also pass a well-known locality likewise named after Mr Cass. Cass Square, too, is to become the object of special attention by the Beautifying Association, and the members and public alike while this necessary civic work is being done, should also feel that honor is being done to the pioneer officials of the past who had so much thought for the future generations by providing so generously for the people who were to come after them.
With these thoughts, this paper may be brought to a close. The desire has been to stimulate an interest in our town, so that the citizens will pride themselves on its well-being. A long list of notabilites are associated with the naming of our streets, men who did their country great service. They were all men of splendid spirit. Longfellow has put it in his memorable lines from “A Psalm of Life”:
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”
Let the lives of the pioneers inspire us so that as a corporation we might see the town further progress and be made more and more worthy of the honor done it by associating with its fortunes for all time the names of men distinguished in their professions and in their public life. Let our motto be: “Forward, Hokitika,” and work and strive to achieve that municipal importance which will come from honest effort and unquenched endeavour.
D. J. EVANS.
