Empire, and it is fitting it should distinguish one of the streets in Hokitika.
Jollie Street—Mr Edward Jollie, who did much exploring and pioneering work in the later fifties and early sixties of last century, gave his name to Jollie Pass, the road leading from Hanmer Plains to the Clarence Valley, long before his name was perpetuated in Hokitika. He was in the House of Representatives for a single session of the second Parliament, from 1859 to 1860, but he had a longer record in the Canterbury Provincial Council, being a member from 1866 till the eve of the abolition of the Provinces ten years later. He was Chairman of the Executive in 1866, 1868 and 1869. Both the opportunities he enjoyed, and with his vast energy and persistence, he did much. for Westland, as well as for Canterbury, and the town has done well to commemorate his services.
Davie Street.—Mr Davie was one of the Chief Surveyors during the early days of Westland in Canterbury (and it must be remembered that at that time Westland was part of Canterbury). He was distinguished for his conscientious perseverance of his professional duties, his ready resource, and his sound judgment. He earned the gratitude of the West Coast by the assistance he gave in the development of its resources.
Hamilton Street.—William John Hamilton was one of the earliest Collectors of Customs in Canterbury, and as in those days the occupation of such an office did not debar a man from entering politics, we find this studious, eager man as a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council in 1863 and 1864, and a member of the Executive. His inclination however, drew him towards outside work, and quite early in the days of settlement he found his way across from Christchurch to the West Coast. As that of an able administrator, a loyal friend and a broad-minded man, his name stands high among those workers of history in New Zealand.
Stafford Street.—Between 1855 and 1878 Sir Edward William Stafford took a prominent part in the politics and government of New Zealand. He was thrice Premier, from 1856 to 1861, from 1865 to 1869, and from Sept. 10th, 1872, to October 11th, 1872. The last period was during one of the shuffles of the cards which occasionally took place in politics, but the other periods covered some of the most serious stages in the Maori wars. His administration was vigorous and capable, and though he is not numbered among the most capable of New Zealand statesmen, he retained in a marked degree the respect and regard of his political friends and political opponents. Having first taken up his residence in Nelson (which city first sent him to Parliament) he always retained a keen interest in this part of the country, and Hokitika is marking its appreciation of the man and of his work, by associating his name with one of its principal thoroughfares.
Cass Square.—No other member of his profession, not excepting the pioneers of the Canterbury Association, had so much to do with the “laying out,” so to speak, of Canterbury and Westland, as had Mr Thomas Cass—who, for many years was Chief Surveyor of the Canterbury Province. A man of exceptional ability, great courage and power of endurance, he gave splendid service to the State and the Province, and his works live after him in many parts of the South Island. Hokitika’s tributes to this upholder of all the best traditions of his profession may be only a small one, but it is
