The Death of Captain William Cargill - the first leader of the colony of Otago - in 1860, came as the dreams of the Scottish immigrants seemed to be coming true. Dunedin was a small town at the centre of a developing rural area, beginning to export wool and grain to pay for further farming development. The Otago Gold Rush was not anticipated - at least, those who thought it might occur were doing their best to prevent the social disruption and loss of farm labour that it threatened.
The life of William Walter Cargill; hero of the Peninsular War under Wellington, pillar of the early days of the Otago project, first Superintendent of the Province of Otago, was acclaimed as worthy of commemoration by his fellow colonists. The tender price accepted for a memorial to the Captain was - at today's values, $168,943. It was a large sum for what was then a small budget.
The life of William Walter Cargill; hero of the Peninsular War under Wellington, pillar of the early days of the Otago project, first Superintendent of the Province of Otago, was acclaimed as worthy of commemoration by his fellow colonists. The tender price accepted for a memorial to the Captain was - at today's values, $168,943. It was a large sum for what was then a small budget.
The erection of the Cargill Monument, in the centre of the Octagon, may be said to have been commenced; so that equestrians who have been in the habit of scouring across the Octagon at night, careless of the safety of pedestrians, had now for their own safety, better keep to the roadway. The contractor for the work is Mr John Young, of Stephen-st., Melbourne; the contract price is L1515; and the work is to be completed by the 3rd December next. The greater proportion of the cutting and dressing of the stones will be done in Melbourne; but the site was taken possession of yesterday, a quantity of blue stone for the basement being deposited on the ground, and men set to work to dress them. This stone, we believe, is being got from a quarry in the Town Belt, near London-st., opened by Messrs Cornwell and Horsman, contractors for the Exhibition Building. -Otago Daily Times, 16/3/1864.
| Dunedin's Octagon in the 1850s - before the death of Captain Cargill. Hocken Library photo. |
WANTED, Tenders from Draymen for the Cartage of 50 tons of Stone from New Wharf to the Octagon. For particulars apply to John Collen, on works, Cargill's Monument. -Otago Daily Times, 1/6/1864.
The erection of the Cargill memorial in the centre of the Octagon has been commenced. The contract price is £1515, and the work is to be completed by the 3rd of December next. A philosophic stranger visiting our town now, and after learning that public works up the country were suspended for want of funds, seeing the Exhibition building and the Cargill monument, would most assuredly set us down as a mob of beings pleased with rattles, baubles, and gew-gaws. Perhaps he might even go further, and think it a great blessing if Otago could become a complete tabula rasa, and begin again: she is so full of anomalies and fatuities. -Lyttleton Times, 16/6/1864.
We suppose an architect, besides being an artist, should have some conception of the appearance his designs will wear when transposed from paper to reality. Many pretty pictures make very unsatisfactory structures. The Cargill Monument is a case in point. The design seemed very pretty, but now that it is erected, one shudders at its ill taste. Instead of the enduring lasting appearance which is appropriate to a monument, it is a flimsy, light, trifling structure, more fitted for a pleasure garden than anything else. In fact, it has somewhat of the appearance of a Chinese Pagoda, and a stranger who approaches it will think he is nearing the entrance to a Cremorne or Vauxhall Gardens. It is an insult to the memory of Captain Cargill that such a trumpery unsubstantial looking thing should be considered a fitting recognition of his services. It surely is paying him a poor compliment, to erect a memorial that as long as it lasts must be an eyesore to the people of Dunedin. Modern taste revolts at the expenditure of nineteen shillings on ornament to one shilling on substance. Dunedin is a sufficiently queer City without barley-sugar ornaments of this description. It is not yet too late to undo the work. Captain Cargill has well earned a public memorial, but an unambitious obelisk of marble — of marble from the Province his labors founded and settled — would not only be a more fitting recognition, but one which we are sure would be more pleasing to his family. In such a matter expense should be no consideration — anything is better than the ridicule which will be showered on the present Pagoda affair by the visitors from other parts of the Colony, who will throng to the Exhibition. Mr. Farley might be induced to purchase it for Vauxhall. -Otago Daily Times, 19/9/1864.
| A Burton Bros. photo (1870s) of the Cargill Monument in its original position. The first St Paul's Anglican church is behind it. Hocken Library photo. |
THE NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION (excerpt)
With the paintings are several architectural drawings and plans, principally by Messrs. Mason and Clayton, of Dunedin, the architects of the Exhibition buildings, who show their complete designs for this and many other public works of the colony, including the present and prospective Government houses at Auckland. I believe that Mr Mason is now in Wellington, engaged in designing the required public buildings for the new capital of the colony. One of the architectural drawings is a design for what is called the 'Cargill Monument' now in course of erection in the Octagon, Dunedin. Captain Cargill, the founder of the settlement, is not to remain unhonoured after death; but, instead of sending to a sculptor of renown in another land, the people of Otago raise a monument to the dead brave man, designed and executed in the land of his adoption and built out of its substance. Mr. Swyer, C.E., puts his name to the original drawing which hangs on the wall of the Exhibition; and I see the monument every day as it stands in its place, scarcely finished, cut out of the beautiful limestone of Oamaru. Who actually executed the work I do not know. Whoever he is, he has spoiled the design by increasing the scroll work and foliage at the top till the work seems ready to fall by its own topweight. In general conception the monument is after the pattern of Sir Walter Scott's; and there is not much more to be said about it; the general effect is pretty, but the detail is somewhat laboured and unmeaning. -Lyttelton Times, 31/1/1865.
| Again, in The Octagon. Bell Hill can be seen above and to the left, Princes St to the right. Hocken Library photo. |
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
(To the Editor of the Daily Times.) SIR — I do not profess to know very much of the science of heraldry; but of this, I am fully confident, viz; — That the Crest is the ornament of the helmet as the Shield is the protection of the body, and to emblazon the Crest in the Centre of the Shield, as is done in this Monument, is most monstrous and most ridiculous. I am only surprised no one has (to my knowledge at least), pointed out this most egregious blunder. I am, &c, -Aug. Armiger. -Otago Daily Times, 20/5/1865.
The 'Evening Star' says, "that unfortunate architectural victim, the Cargill Monument, seems doomed to dishonor. After being boxed up for months within a hideous hoarding, it has now emerged only to be surrounded by a graveyard looking paling, which almost entirely shuts out its proportions from view, and imparts a most rickety, gimcrack appearance to the whole affair. Really, it is a wonder that, in these spiritual days, the ghost of the departed founder of the Otago settlement does not personally protest against the vandalism which appears determined to spoil his unfortunate memorial." -Lake Wakatip Mail, 16/8/1865.
The Cargill Monument, more popularly known as 'The Gingerbread Cake' has now been surrounded by a sepulchral-looking wooden railing, and a view of it by the old Captain Pioneer of Otago would not improve his taste for public improvements. The Octagon, where it stands, is a nightly trap for the unwary, steady and unsteady, who are compelled to walk through it, and it is a wonder to me how the citizens have escaped fractured limbs, by the great irregularity of its surface. -Bruce Herald, 17/8/1865.
OAMARU STONE IN MELBOURNE (excerpt)
I am strongly of opinion that the stone that came under the observation of the Melbourne Committee must have been wetted with salt water, as I have not found even the worst quality giving way under the action of the weather, unless it has been accidentally touched with salt water during the passage from Oamaru, or has been experimented upon with Ransom's solution. In fact, I think the quality of Oamaru stone to which I refer is a much superior building material to any of the Hobart Town stone that I have seen in this Province. There is much of the Hobart Town stone used in our Custom House, Dunedin, already fast decaying; and several stones can be seen in the Cargill Monument, which are going the same way. But there is a probability that in every case the particular stones may have been salted during the passage, as may have been the case with the Oamaru stone in the Independent Church, Melbourne; and there is no freestone but will soon show symptoms of decay under the action of salt water. I have, indeed, been informed as a fact that very much of the Oamaru stone that went to Melbourne has been salted more or less; and hence the appearance of decay. Had the Melbourne Committee made it their business to make an impartial inspection of the good quality of the Oamaru stone to which I have referred, I am convinced that they would have decided differently. I have only taken up the subject to prevent those in this Province, who think favorably of the stone, from being influenced by the Melbourne decision. -North Otago Times, 12/11/1867.
CITY COUNCIL
CORRESPONDENCE. The Directors of the Water Works Company wrote, offering to supply water to the drinking fountains at the Cargill monument free of charge, if the Council would give access to them. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. -Otago Daily Times, 26/11/1868.
TO DUNEDIN AND BACK.
( BY A CORRESPONDENT. ) (excerpt)
The Octagon, to be anything like an ornament to Dunedin, should have been built all round, and in the same style of architecture, a thing which may be realised, probably, about the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy. While writing of the Octagon, I must remark that the present condition of the Cargill monument is a disgrace to the city. High up on an ugly pile of rock and earth, and enclosed by palings which resemble nothing so much as those often surrounding graves in country cemeteries, it looks not only a miserable attempt at the grand, but even an example of slovenliness and carelessness which one does not expect to see in the very heart of Dunedin. The whole thing should be pulled down and put up again, if a better site cannot be found — and I think there could — on a stone base approached on all sides by steps, and surrounded by a neat and ornamental iron railing. -North Otago Times, 8/3/1870.
THE MARCH OF INFIDELITY
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir — In common with every right-minded man (for those who differ from me cannot be right minded men), I cordially endorse the high-minded sentiments of your corespondent, "A Scotch Presbyterian;" yet I am unable to find in Holy Writ that the "world was made in six days of twenty-four hours each." As to the miscreants who dare to walk out "in the fields on the Lord's Day," and who, vile wretches, fail in payment of the Sustentation Fund, let them be...well, let them be punished as they deserve. I would humbly suggest that a petition to the House of Assembly be got up, and held for signature at, say Cargill's monument, to the effect that the General Assembly would be pleased to pass a law, enacting that hence forth and for evermore it shall be penal for any man to differ from any other man on theological matters, and, above all, compulsory on all men to contribute to the Sustentation Fund. Then, Sir, and not till then, may we hope for peace and prosperity to this benighted province. — I am, &c, August 5th. An Orthodox Man. -Otago Witness, 13/8/1870.
CITY COUNCIL
Mr Livingston having moved “That the unexpended balance of the allocation money set apart for the improvement of the Octagon be expended in removing the Cargill monument further on the reserve, and forming a clear carriage way from Princes-street to George-street,” there was a general expression of opinion that it was highly desirable that the monument should be removed from its present position, and in accordance with a suggestion by Mr Barnes the mover altered his motion by substituting ‘‘the open space in front of- the Custom-House” for farther on the Octagon reserve. In the course of the discussion that ensued it was stated that the relatives of the late Captain Cargill favoured the proposed change; and that the consent of the Superintendent thereto would have to be obtained. The motion, as amended, was carried.
The other business was unimportant. -Evening Star, 23/11/1871.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
To the Editor. Sir, — Would it be out of place for me to suggest now that the City Council contemplate the removal of the Cargill monument from its present site to a site in front of the Custom House, that they should not neglect to provide what was, I believe, originally intended in connection with the base of that monument — viz., a “drinking fountain.” Doubtless our teetotal friends, who now muster so strongly in this City, will not be behind in their advocacy of so great a desideratum.
I am, &c., Aqua. Nov. 23, 1871. -Evening Star, 23/11/1871.
CITY OF DUNEDIN. — Tenders will be received, at the Town Clerk's Office, Manse street, on or before Wednesday, 13th December instant, at 3 p.m., for taking down the Cargill Monument, and removing, and re-erecting the same, on a new basement, at a site fronting the Custom House; Specifications at City Surveyor's Office.
The accepted tenderer will be expected to furnish, to the approval of the Council, bonded security to the extent of £400, in two bonds of £200 each, for the due and careful completion of the contract. J. M. MASSEY,. Town. Clerk. 5th December, 1871. -Otago Daily Times, 6/12/1871.
The Cargill Monument, — From what has transpired at recent meetings of the City Council, our readers must be aware that it has been proposed to carry Princes street through the Octagon, and to remove the Cargill monument, the only obstacle to the proposal being carried into effect, to the space in front of the Custom House. It will therefore be not uninteresting if we give a few particulars regarding the proposed alterations of the monument, which have been designed by the City Surveyor, Mr Mirams. It is intended to place the monument, when on its new site, on a basement of bluestone, which will be of an average height of twelve feet from the ground, and octagonal in form, with projections on four sides. In these projections there will be four arched recesses for drinking fountains, which will be supplied with spring water, from the Corporation's well in High street. The face of the basement will be axe-dressed, and a richly ornamental band of Hobart Town stone, about four and a half feet from the ground, will tend to relieve the heavy appearance of the bluestone. The basins for the water, which will come through finely curved lions’ heads, will also be of Hobart Town stone, while the pediments of the basins will be of polished bluestone. The basement will stand on a circular sub-base, of twenty-three and a half feet diameter; and the height of the whole structure from the ground to the apex will be fifty-two feet. There will be an underground passage communicating with the central chamber, so that repairs to the waterpipes can be easily effected. Some objection has been made to the proposed basement, on the ground that the sombre color would not be in keeping with the character of the edifice that will crown it; but we are inclined to think that the substitution of the ornamental band of Hobart stone and other ornamental work of the same material, instead of bluestone as at first intended, will go a long way to remove that objection. Besides, we have authority for saying that Mr Swyer, the designer of the monument, contemplated its being placed on a basement somewhat similar to that designed by Mr Mirams. There can be no question if the work is carried out, it will be a decided and important City improvement. -Evening Star, 18/12/1871.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
To the Editor. Sir, — It is with much regret as a ratepayer, that I observe that our civic rulers have made such an attack upon the Cargill monument. There are many other ways of spending the money that would be beneficial to Dunedin. If they want the entrance to George street from Princes street improved, why not make the street pass each side of the monument, and make the base of it a fountain for horses to drink at, and do away with the unsightly water troughs in our streets. In this respect they might take a copy from Melbourne, where many years since the City Council placed a fountain at the junction of Collins and Swanston streets, and another in the Burke and Wills monument, at junction of Collins and Russell streets. Compare the traffic in those streets with ours. But I hope some abler pen than mine will take this matter up. I say, let the monument remain where it is.
Yours, &c., Alex. Wallace. Dowling street, Dunedin, December 18. -Evening Star, 19/12/1871.
CITY COUNCIL.
At this afternoon’s sitting of the Council, a letter was read from Messrs Maclean and Milner, complaining of the decision of the Council to allow Messrs Driver, Stewart, and Co., Wright, Stephenson, and Co., and Power the exclusive use of the new cattle market. On the same subject the City solicitors wrote that the Council had not power to grant this privilege. The Council thereupon rescinded its former resolution.—The Mayor intimated that Mr Cargill had suggested that the Council should reconsider its decision in regard to the Cargill monument. He was of opinion that to place it on the proposed base would be out of keeping with the original design, and suggested that steps leading to the monument should he substituted. The Mayor said to adopt this proposal would give loafers a convenient resting place, as well as to local democrats to hold forth. — The Public Works Committee recommended the adoption of Mr Core’s tender for the removal and re-erection of the monument, which was agreed to. -Evening Star, 20/12/1871.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
To the Editor, Sir, — Mr Alexander Walker “hopes that some abler pen than his will take this matter up.” as one assuming that position, I write nevertheless to vote its removal, if only to prevent ranters and torturers of Holy Writ stopping a short cut for myself and wife into George street, when we want to go shopping on Saturday night. I believe one of the species above mentioned was ordered off to another locality not long ago, and should like to know why fish should be made of one and fowl of another.
Yours, &c., A Hater of Humbug. Dunedin, December 22. -Evening Star, 23/12/1871.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir — I am very glad "Civis" has taken up the matter of the Octagon orators. I cannot think the police are doing their duty in allowing the thoroughfares to be stopped on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and I hope His Worship the Mayor will see to it. If any politician is inconvenienced by being prohibited from using the Cargill monument, he will have some sympathy from me, but those of the Chadband species will have none, as they have their own tabernacles to rave in.
— I am, &c, Move on. -Otago Daily Times, 12/1/1872.
"Chadband is one of Dickens's oily Evangelical clergymen. From the beginning of his career, the novelist presents Evangelicals preying upon women, and although Chadband is not quite as despicable as Stiggins from the Pickwick Papers, since he does not appear as an alcoholic cadging food and drink from a poor family, his combination of self-satisfaction, clichés, and rhetorical questions makes his preaching to Jo particularly despicable. Bleak House contrasts the hypocritical self-serving false religiosity of Chadband with the truer Christianity of both Esther and Woodcourt. Note the adjectives Dickens uses to describe Chadband, which I put in bold type." - George P Landow, writing in "The Victorian Web."
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The Dunedin Champ de Mars is now no more. The open space in front of the Custom House has been fenced in, and the grand field evenings and battalion parades will have to give place to the Cargill monument. -Otago Witness, 27/1/1872.
DUNEDIN
(from our own correspondent)
Operations have been begun for the removal of the Cargill Monument from its present site in the centre of the Octagon, to a new one in front of the Custom House, where a space has been railed in for the purpose. I cant help thinking this an ace of sheer vandalism for the improvement proposed to be carried out, that of forming the street straight across the Octagon instead of going round the outside, is a very questionable one. There are two very good footpaths across, and the extra turn taken by a cab or a dray to go round is so very trifling that it is not worth counting on and besides it is just giving the city so much extra street to keep up, as they cant shut the present road round. It is a piece of gross extravagance in the present state of "the Corporation's exchequer. Some alterations are to be made on the base of the monument on the new site, including a drinking fountain, &c. as well as the providing of a flight of steps so as to raise the whole building farther off the ground, but it is doubtful whether the effect of the monument as a whole will be improved by the alteration of the site, and the room it will occupy on the open space will be sadly missed by our gallant Volunteers, for it is the only level space in the town which possesses space enough to allow them to drill in company, and for this purpose they have long used it. -Grey River Argus, 31/1/1872.
A small gang of prisoners, both Maoris and Europeans, commenced on Wednesday to remove the mound of earth in the Octagon on which the Cargill Monument lately stood. The material is being used to raise the road around the Octagon to its proper level. -Otago Witness, 10/2/1872.
We have received a letter signed "New Chum," the writer of which has neglected to enclose his real name and address, which prevents our publishing his letter. He complains that "a glass of water cannot be found" in Dunedin, and that there is not a single drinking fountain in the city. "The inhabitants of Dunedin," he says, "can provide splendid churches, and cram the town with grand hotels, but they will not give a drink of water to the thirsty stranger, but compel him to pay 6d for 1d worth of ale." For the information of our correspondent we may state that drinking fountains will be constructed at the base of the Cargill Monument, now in course of reerection. -Otago Daily Times, 22/2/1872.
DUNEDIN
(From our own correspondent.)
We are to have a public demonstration at the opening of the fountain in the Cargill monument, the first thing of the sort in the Province — I don't know if I can also say in the colony. This will be a fitting occasion for our Sons of Temperance to make a display. The water fountain is all in their line. -Bruce Herald, 6/3/1872.
News of the Week
We are given to understand that it is definitely determined to open the fountains in connection with the Cargill Monument on the afternoon of Saturday, the 13th inst. The ceremony will be performed by His Worship the Mayor on behalf of the City Council. -Otago Witness, 6/4/1872.
 |
| One of the two fountain basins - water poured from the lion's head. The iron fittings either side would have held chains attached to drinking cups. |
The Cargill Monument. — This afternoon the drinking fountains at the Cargill Monument were formally opened by his Worship the Mayor. The weather interfered much with the attendance, but wet as it was, about five hundred persons were present. A short platform had been laid for the convenience of the speakers, and at three o’clock his Worship came forward, and in a short speech gave an account of the removal to, and re-erection of the monument on, its present site. He made a few remarks illustrative of the character of the late Captain Cargill, to whose memory the monument is erected, explained the reasons why it was thought desirable to remove it, and stated that he considered it now in the best position in which it could be placed. It had been removed at a cost of abut L400. Mr Gore, the contractor, then handed his Worship a silver cup, and the tap having been turned, it was filled with water from the fountain. Mr Reynolds and Mr Bathgate followed with short speeches, and the proceedings were brought to a close by cheers for the Water Company, who supply the water gratis, his Worship the Mayor, and Her Majesty. Mr. J. G. S. Grant then said something, but the weather was too wet to induce many to listen to his spouting. -Evening Star, 13/4/1872.
THE WATER COMPANY AND THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir — At the ceremony in connection with the opening of the Cargill Fountain on Saturday, the Chairman of the Dunedin Water Works Company was conspicuous by his absence. This was singular, as the Mayor, professedly with thanks, acknowledged that the Company gratuitously supplied the water for the fountains. I would ask His Worship whether Mr Gillies's name was omitted from the list of those who were invited "to be present," by oversight, or purposely, in consequence of the views (in the interests of the shareholders) he holds in the matter of a sale of the works to the Corporation.
— I am, &c, Spectator. -Otago Daily Times, 15/4/1872.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
The establishment of a public drinking fountain, at the Cargill Monument, recently removed from the Octagon to the present site, opposite the Custom House, was celebrated on Saturday. A number of gentlemen, including His Worship the Mayor, Messrs W. H. Reynolds and J K Bathgate, the Representatives for the City in the General Assembly, and the members of the Corporation occupied a temporary platform, which had been erected for their accommodation, and, despite the unfavourable weather, there was a numerous gathering of the citizens. The proceedings were opened by
The Mayor, who, after, remarking that the event had been deemed of sufficient importance to celebrate it by some public ceremonial, explained that the monument was first erected in the Octagon by the Provincial Council of Otago to the memory of Capt. Cargill, in the year 1863, at a cost of about £1000, and he had no hesitation in saying that it was one of the most beautiful specimens of Gothic architecture which it was in the power of man to design. He referred to the opinion which had been expressed, during recent years, that the site which the monument occupied in the Octagon was unsuitable, as it prevented the continuance of a straight line of traffic from Princes street to George street, and said that its erection, therefore, in front of the Custom House, would be regarded as a great boon. It might be said that the Council had interfered with the reserves of the city in an unwarrantable manner, yet it must be generally admitted that by removing the monument they had done much good; and, if any injury had been done to a small number, surely, in such a case, the interest of the few should not be allowed to interfere with that of the community as a whole. The cost of the removal of the monument, together with its re-erection, was about £400, and it would be improper to neglect to mention a fact, which many, no doubt, would hear with surprise and pleasure, namely, that the Water Works Company had consented, in the most generous manner, to supply water for the fountain, free of cost. — (Laughter.) He hoped that that was only the first instalment of that public duty which they intended to perform in the future, by disposing of the works to the citizens. — (Applause.) The contractor for the work was Mr James Gore, who had exercised the greatest skill and care in carrying it out. It would ill become him (the Mayor) to allow the proceedings to close without adverting to the late lamented gentleman, whose memory the monument was intended to perpetuate. It might not be generally known that Captain Cargill left England with the first settlers, in the John Wickliffe, in December, 1847, and landed in Otago on the 23rd March, 1848. He came here as the New Zealand Company's agent, and in that capacity, and as the representative of the Otago Association, the business of founding the Colony rested on him. He continued to hold that position until May, 1850, when, by the cessation of the Company's operations, and the surrender of their charter, his official position ceased. Captain Cargill was afterwards appointed to the office of Commissioner of Crown Lands, which he held until 1852. Subsequently, when the Constitution was granted, Captain Cargill, who had experienced some difficulties at the instance of the then Governor of the Colony, was unanimously chosen by the people, in recognition of his services and the treatment he had received, as Superintendent of the Province. That took place on the 6th September, 1853. He was re-elected in November, 1855, and continued to hold office until the 3rd January, 1860, when failing health compelled him to relinquish his official position. Thus, for a period of thirteen years, he laboured hard for the good of the Colony, and this Province in particular, and he had been the means of laying the foundation of what was now the most important and flourishing Province in the Colony of New Zealand. He (the Mayor) could not speak more fully of the virtues and good conduct of the gallant Captain, because he arrived here after the decease of that gentleman; but he had frequently heard him spoken of as a man of the strictest integrity and straight-forwardness of character; as a man who, knowing that he advocated a good and just cause, worked zealously and fearlessly; as one who, possessing a kind and genial disposition, gained the respect and esteem of all classes. — (Applause.) Captain Cargill died in the year 1860, esteemed, he believed, by all, and regretted by everyone. — (Applause.) It had been said that one of his descendants, Mr E. B. Cargill, now a member of the City Council, somewhat resembled the gallant Captain; and although some persons might not hold the same opinions as: Mr Cargill in regard to public matters, all must admit that his career had been characterised by strict integrity and manly straightforwardness, and that the more he was known the better he was liked — (Applause.)
Mr Gore, the builder, after making a few appropriate remarks, handed to the Mayor a handsome silver cup, which bears the following inscription: — "Presented to H. S. Fish, junr., Esq., Mayor of Dunedin, on the occasion of the reerection of the Cargill Monument, and opening of the first Public Fountain in the Province of Otago, by the builder, James Gore, April 13, 1872."
The tap having been turned on, the cup was filled with water, and the ceremony was proceeded with amidst the cheers of the spectators.
Mr Reynolds, M.H.R., said that as his name had been referred to in connection with the carrying of the road through the Octagon, he might say that he had no objection to the road being carried through, because it was an advantage to the citizens; but an Act of Parliament ought to be obtained before public reserves were diverted from their legitimate purpose. The Mayor had told the citizens what he knew from report about the late Captain Cargill, but he (Mr Reynolds) knew Captain Cargill as an intimate friend, having been connected with him to a great extent from the time that he (Mr Reynolds) arrived here, until Captain Cargill died; and he had always regarded him as a real patriot; as a gentleman who sought not his own interest, but that of the public; and he regretted to say that there were very few left who took up a similar position. — (Hear, hear, applause, and laughter.) The greatest desire of Captain Cargill was to advance the interests of those who had been induced to come to this Province, and settle with him. There was one circumstance having reference to Captain Cargill which he would like to mention. When that gentleman was first elected Superintendent, the salary voted, he (Mr Reynolds) thought, was from £180 to £200 a year. Captain Cargill's Executive, however, ultimately finding that the Province could afford to pay a larger salary, proposed that the salary of the Superintendent should be increased, whereupon Captain Cargill threatened to dismiss his Executive if they raised his salary by a single penny. There are few who, at the present day, would do that. — (Laughter, applause, and a Voice, "Especially Reynolds." — Renewed laughter.) Well, he could not say; he had got nothing from them yet, but he was looking forward to something. At any rate, there were few who would now act as magnanimously as Captain Cargill did on that occasion. — (Applause.) He congratulated the assemblage upon having opened, that day, the first drinking fountain in the city, and although he was not a teetotaller, he hoped that many would go to the fountain and drink there instead of in the public houses. — (Applause.)
Mr Bathgate, after alluding to the satisfaction with which the ready acknowledgment of virtues and patriotism in good men, on an occasion so auspicious, was witnessed, said a more appropriate site than the original one for the Cargill Monument, where they then stood, could not have been selected, being also the place where the Provincial Council of Otago first held its meetings. In alluding to what had been stated by the Mayor regarding the Water Works Company, he might say that, if the Company presented the citizens with the works, he would not object to another £400 being spent in commemoration of their virtue and patriotism; indeed, he was quite sure that the citizens would adopt such a course when that highly auspicious event occurred. — (Laughter, and applause.) He called upon the spectators to give three cheers for the Mayor and the Municipal Council of Dunedin.
Three hearty cheers having been given, Mr John Barnes, on behalf of the Council, briefly acknowledged the compliment.
Near the base of the monument there are two shields which serve as doors to facilitate entrance to the interior, and which are to bear the following inscriptions: — "This public drinking fountain has been provided by the Corporation of the City of Dunedin for the use of the citizens; inaugurated on the 13th day of April, 1872, in the thirty-fifth- year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria." "Erected by the people of Otago in the year 1863 to the memory of Captain William Cargill, the founder of this settlement, and the first Superintendent of the Province. He landed with the first party of settlers on the 23rd day of March, 1848, and died on the 6th day of August, 1860. This monument was removed from the Octagon and re-erected on this site by the Corporation of the City of Dunedin in the year 1872, being the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria."
The proceedings terminated with cheers for the Water Company, and cheers for the Queen. -Otago Witness, 20/4/1872.
 |
| The "shields." Note that each has a keyhole, for opening the hinged plates of metal for access to the plumbing. |
CITY OF DUNEDIN. — L5 REWARD. Whereas on the night of the 1st May, some evil disposed person or persons did maliciously break off and remove a Drinking Cup from the Cargill Monument. Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Dunedin will pay Five Pounds (L5) Reward to any person not being the actual offender, for such information as may lead to the conviction of the guilty party. J. M. MASSEY, Town Clerk. 2nd May, 1872. --Evening Star, 2/5/1872.
Events of the Month
The Dunedin City Council offer a reward of £5 for such information as may lead to the conviction of "some evil disposed person or persons who did maliciously break off and remove a drinking cup from the Cargill Monument." The cup was found hung up on a lamp post. -West Coast Times, 1/6/1872.
Passing Notes.
It is to be hoped that the City Council will not proceed any further in their crusade against verandahs. Of course there are some objections to them, more especially to some of those at present erected, but the many advantages far more than counterbalance their few discomforts. Where they interfere with the passenger traffic they might be indicted as nuisances, but this is very seldom. Very particular people might object, no doubt, to the temptation they afford for groups of men to congregate. Still, human beings must meet somewhere, and if not "Under the Verandah," where? What is wanted is a rule declaring that in height and width they must all be uniform, and then, by dint of varying the colours, a very pleasing and artistic appearance would be presented. Verandahs are indeed the only thing that give a picturesque air to our modern streets, and relieve the tedious monotony of the present styles of architecture. Abolish them and we shall, I think, seriously impair the appearance of the town. Possibly the pure and high minded city legislators are possessed with the determination that there shall be nothing shady in this city of ours. If so I go for them, and admire their courage.
There is something very alarming about the telegrams of the Hon. Mr Reynolds: — "On receipt of citizens' petition re railway workshops, I will present it. However, I caution, you that present agitation may possibly do much harm." Dear me, how very frightful; wouldn't it be better for the citizens to ask for their petition back again, promising not to do it again? On the omne ignotum pro terribili principle, (everything unknown induces terror) I should conceive of the citizens' hair curling up on end with terror at their presumption in asking for what they wanted. Since the day when poor Oliver flabbergasted the workhouse superintendent's heart by asking for more, nothing so alarming has I think happened. "However, I warn you"; the words imply so much. One can fancy the Honourable Mr Reynolds kinder counting one, two, three, and as the last fatal word passed from his stern lips, doing it. Only what is it? What is going to happen? Everyone seems quite unable to go on with their business. Is the Executive going to transplant Dunedin bodily to Mussel Bay, as the only way of carrying on successful reclamation there? Would it avert the wrath of the powers that be, if a day of general humiliation were proclaimed? You see we might all humiliate ourselves by going to look at Mussel Bay. A good many people would, I think, improve their knowledge of geography if they were to do this. I should propose to forward the Mayor and Councillors to Wellington at once, with halters round their necks, to, if possible, sooth the savage heart of the outraged Reynolds. In my prophetic vision, I think I see grass growing in the centre of Princes street, and a luxuriant growth of nettles just in front of the Government Buildings. Seated on the broken ruin of the Cargill Monument I can discern the honourable gentleman in the costume of the "last man smoking one last cigarette." -Otago Witness, 27/9/1872.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
To the Editor. Sir, — Noticing a letter in your issue of last evening regarding the waste of the company’s water, I should like to call the attention of the proper authorities to the disgraceful state of the fountain at Cargill s monument, which, instead of being an ornament and a credit to the town, is really a disgrace. The basins which receive the water are fitted with a covered drain or overflow to take off the water. This has become so choked up with dirt and other matter as to be quite useless for the purpose, consequently the water runs over the top of the basins, and down the carved stonework into the road, causing great inconvenience to persons wishing to use the fountain. If the same quantity of water as flows from the fountain into the road was to run from any private dwelling, causing as great a nuisance, I have no doubt long before this we should have heard of it from our zealous Inspector of Nuisances. Before the fountain is illuminated at night (which will be a great improvement to the town), I hope it will be made the duty of some one to see that it is kept clean and creditable by day.
I am, &c., Good Templar. Dunedin, October 17. -Otago Daily Times, 1/1/0/1872.
City Council
LIGHTING OF THE CARGILL MONUMENT:.
The Lighting Committee reported having taken into consideration the proposition made by Mr Burt — that the Cargill Monument should be lighted up at night. Owing to the expense which would be involved, the Committee recommended that the proposal should not be carried out. -Otago Daily Times, 19/2/1874.
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| The winged monkeys - I have not seen any explanantion for their presence. There are 56 in all, in sizes becoming smaller closer to the peak. All of the larger ones are different. |
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
To the Editor. Sir - some time ago I wrote you with reference to the disgraceful condition in which the authorities allowed the Cargill Monument and fountain to be in. For a few weeks afterward it was improved by an occasional brushing down and cleaning, but has been permitted to get in as bad a state as ever again. The drain for the overflow of water is stopped up, and in consequence a quantity of water is running over the front of the basin and down into the road, causing a great nuisance, as well as destroying the beauty and utility of the fountain. I think it is time it was appointed the duty of someone or other in the Corporation employ, daily or weekly, at least, to clean and brush down so conspicuous and worthy an ornament to the town.
Good Templar. Dunedin, July 4. -Evening Star, 4/7/1874.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
To the Editor. — I beg to call your attention to the filthy slate of the fountain in connection with the Cargill Monument. It is a disgrace to the City, and ought to be looked to. Iron basins fixed in the stone would answer much better, and would prevent the water from soaking through, or if the man employed to keep the steps clean were to use a brush, I think the filth would soon disappear. The monument is the only fine one in the City, and surely it is the least the councillors can do to see that it is kept in. order. I am, &c.
An Observer. Dunedin, October 13. -Evening Star, 13/10/1874.
CORPORATION NOTICES.
CITY OF DUNEDIN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of Dunedin did, on the 4th November instant, by a resolution, order and direct that on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in each week, from daylight until 9 a.m. during the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March: and from daylight until 9.30 a.m. during the months of April, May, June, July, August, mid September, the open space around the Cargill monument may be used as a Public Market for the general convenience of the citizens. This enactment will continue during the pleasure of the Council.
J. M. MASSEY, Town Clerk. 13th November, 1874. -Otago Daily Times, 19/11/1874.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC.
DAWSON will stand with vegetables at Cargill Monument Wednesday and Saturday mornings from half past7 to 9; cheap and good. -Evening Star, 15/4/1875.
At the Princess's Theatre last evening "Henry Dunbar" was repeated. To-night Mr Dampier will make his first appearance in "Hamlet," and his interpretation of the melancholy Dane is spoken of by the Melbourne papers as a most scholarly one. Mrs Hill will appear as Ophelia, and the Ghost will be represented by Mr Steele. The notices on the City Council order paper for Tuesday have reference mainly to increased lighting and street formation in Leith Ward. Cr. Walter wishes two water troughs cut in the basement of the Cargill monument, if it is practicable, and moves for the substitution of crossings level with the footpath for those now used. -Evening Star, 7/10/1876.
The following should rightly feature in a history of the abolition of the Provincial system in New Zealand and the substitution of a central government. But it features the Monument - and is so well written that I present:
REVOLUTION IN OTAGO.
THE CUSTOMS SEIZED.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
MACANDREW PRESIDENT.
[By Pigeon Express ]
(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)
Dunedin, November 1st.
The news that Parliament was prorogued, and that Otago would on the morrow be absorbed into New Zealand, fell like a deadly blow on the hearts of the people of this City last night. All the papers issued extras, with deep mourning borders, announcing the fact that Otago had been denied justice at the hands of the Assembly, and that abolition of the rights, liberties, and very birthrights of the people would result to-day. In deep black characters each extra made the significant enquiry, "Shall we submit?" As the sound of a rushing, mighty wind, a deep emphatic "No" went up to heaven from the very hearts of the people, and firm determination and resolve impressed itself on every countenance. The Political Association sat in consultation in the Provincial Council Chamber, and the streets around were thronged with people. Not a whisper of what was intended leaked out until the last clerk in the telegraph office had departed. Then, silently and swiftly, two members of the Association were seen to issue forth—Mr R. K. Murray and Mr James McIndoe. A cab was waiting, and they drove rapidly to the North Dunedin telegraph station, where Mr Murray speedily made his way in through a broken window, and took possession in the name of the Sovereign State of Otago, opening the door to Mr McIndoe thereafter. Simultaneously, at the head station, Mr John Barnes applied his brawny shoulders to the door of Mr Lubecki's office, and speedily was in possession. The clock struck midnight. It was the knell of the Provinces. Abolition was accomplished. Macandrew was no longer Superintendent. There was no Provincial Council, Otago was but a part of New Zealand; its revenues and properties had been seized by the colony. A deep feeling of indignation seized the surging crowd, and a great cry, "We will not submit," disturbed the midnight air, and sweeping across the smooth waters of the Bay, was echoed back from Grant's Braes and Black Jack's Point. Ere the echo had died away the members of the Political Association, headed by Mr Macandrew, appeared on the balcony where the result of all elections are usually declared. At this supreme moment Mr Macandrew was as calm as ever, but Mr George Turnbull looked ill at ease, and Mr Stout seemed decidedly mischievous. The crowd scarcely breathed — not a sound save the gentle moan of the night wind was heard — as Mr Macandrew, holding in his right hand a roll of something, came forward and said, "My friends — I am no longer Superintendent of Otago; Ichabod! our glory has departed. A corrupt and tyrannous majority in the village of Wellington has declared that we shall not do what we like with our own, as well as have a share of that of other's. They presume to think the Colony is superior to the Province — that New Zealand is greater than Otago. We are a great people, inhabiting a country possessed of great capabilities — all that is wanted to make a country great, glorious, and free. Let us then be free. Let us proclaim our independence, and hoist the flag of freedom." Suiting the action to the word, Mr Macandrew shook out the flag he held in his hand, and by the fitful moonlight it was seen to be of pure white, with a Scotch thistle, a flaxbush, and a rabbit embroidered in colours, and the motto, "Cuncta mea mecum." ("All my property is with me") A deafening cheer arose, which was heard in the suburbs, from whence crowds hurried to the scene. Mr Stout then advanced and read a declaration of independence, which, although very long, was patiently listened to. Three more cheers were then given for the Sovereign State of Otago, and Mr John Sibbald formally proposed Mr James Macandrew as the President. This was carried by acclamation.
At the Telegraph Office, no messages are allowed to be sent without approval, and by preventing steamers leaving, it is thought a week or so may be gained before the rest of the Colony becomes aware of what has taken place here; but fortunately your idea of sending down carrier pigeons was not suspected, and I am thus able to send you particulars of this great, though happily, as yet, bloodless revolution. Captain Wales is appointed commander-in-chief, Mr John Barnes, second in command, and Mr Sibbald, commissary-general. Judge Williams has been removed from the Supreme Court Bench, and the appointment given to Mr D. F. Main. Mr Bathgate as Resident Magistrate and District Judge is to be replaced by Mr Thomas Birch. Mr Grant and John McLaren are to be tried for treason. All the public houses are open free to-day, and the cost to the landlords is to be a charge on the land fund. The President is busy forming his Government. Sentries have been placed over all the banks, and it is intended to amalgamate them all into a new State bank, for the managership of which there is already great competition The new steam dredge Vulcan is being heavily armed as an ironclad. Further particulars by next pigeon.
November 2nd. The national colours are still floating proudly in the south-west breeze. Every public building and a great many private ones are decorated with flags. Yesterday everything was quiet and orderly. Although the public-houses had been open all day, the strong temptation of free whisky had been steadily resisted. In this great crisis, with the fate of an infant nation trembling in the balance, let it be recorded that not a man forgot himself. There could be no greater proof of the intense earnestness pervading the people. Some disappointment is felt at the apathy displayed by the country districts. Political agents are to be sent to them to wake the national spirit and stir it to enthusiasm. As yet the excitement has not spread southward beyond the Abbotsford bridge. It is to be hoped a day or two more will find it extend over Saddle Hill.
Some of the large firms seem chary about paying their Customs dues, and Cargills and Co., have flatly refused to do so. All their goods are consequently to be seized. Mr Bathgate has been sentenced to a heavy fine for being illegally on the premises. He persisted that he had a right to sit in the R.M. Court, after being warned that he was a trespasser on the Bench.
To-day a grand ceremony took place. All the Volunteer officers assembled in front of the University and solemnly burned their commissions. The President, standing on the steps of the Cargill monument, presented them with new commissions, of higher rank in each case. Wales is made a full General, and if actual hostilities take place is to be made Field Marshal. The Harbour Master, Captain Thomson, has been made Admiral of the Fleet, and hoisted his flag on the Vulcan. All the small steamers are being plated and armed. Kincaid and McQueen have commenced the manufacture of rifled cannon, and A. and T. Burt claim to have invented a most destructive torpedo. They are now completing a large order. The Rev. R. L. Stanford is appointed Chaplain to the forces, and last night delivered a most stirring and warlike address to the men. His text was, "Smite, and spare not."
This morning, some men in the employ of the Harbour Board attempted to take possession of the Wharves and Quays Preserve, under the late Act of Assembly. The members of the Corporation and Lieutenant General Barnes were promptly on the spot, and forcibly resisted, refusing to recognise the right of the Assembly of New Zealand to legislate for Otago. The Harbour Board does not like this phase of the revolution, and Mr Tewsley has telegraphed to Melbourne to know whether Sargood and Co.'s duties are to be paid to the new Government. Mr John L. Gillies's allegiance is said to be wavering, and that nothing but the managership of the new State Bank, added to his Harbour Board Secretaryship, will confirm it.
There was great excitement to day when the Hinemoa was announced to be approaching the Heads with the Hon. Commissioner of Customs on board. The Geelong was chartered, and Admiral Thomson took command. His Honour the President and a number of members of the Political Association, with a strong guard of Volunteers, were received on board, and the Geelong went down to meet the Hinemoa. As the latter crossed the bar, the Geelong ran alongside, the volunteers jumped on board, secured Captain Johnston, and took possession of the steamer in the name of Otago. Immense crowds cheered as the national colours were run up, and the Hinemoa was brought alongside the Graving Dock. The seizure is justified on the ground that the vessel was purchased chiefly with Otago money. McLean was below when the vessel was seized. As he came up, he was seized also, and immediately taken below again. He asked for a private interview with the President, and it was granted. Shortly afterwards, the President emerged, white with rage, and said he had been offered the appointment of Government Agent with £1000 a year, and the promise of a grant of 5000 acres of land if he would betray his country, and give up Stout and De Lautour to be made examples of. He indignantly refused.
George McLean is to be tried for his treason, as being an Otago man, and as having attempted to bribe the officers of the State. He has been handed over to the custody of Mr J. C. Brown, who is to be Provost Marshall of the forces. A carriage and pair was provided for Brown on landing, and Lloyd's fish-barrow was impounded for the conveyance of George McLean to the gaol. In the barrow, he was wheeled backwards, with his hands tied behind his back. Chief Justice Stout is to preside at his trial, and Mr Attorney-General Hislop is to prosecute.
Captain Johnston was offered promotion to a flag in the new navy, but refused. He is treated as a prisoner of war. — Wellington Argus. -Otago Daily Times, 7/11/1876.
The Cargill Monument became something of a "speakers' corner" - probably due to the evening foot traffic and the ability to climb a few steps of the platform and be seen and heard. One of the features of this podium, as well as those with spiritual matters to share, was one John McLaren. I repeat a story regarding him which I have shared in the sad tale of Margaret McIntyre. Mr McLaren has been on my list since then and there will be more to share of his story.
There being no evangelistic service at the Queen's Theatre last evening, a local preacher took up a position on the base of the Cargill Monument, and attracted a few passers-by to listen to his harangue. -Otago Daily Times, 1/1/1877.
CITY POLICE COURT.
Monday, July 16,
(Before his Worship the Mayor and J. Bock, Esq., J.P.) Drunkenness.—Alex. McIntyre, Ellen Crowley, Charles Findlay, and John Ansley were discharged; James McMillan and Michael Altston were each fined 5s, or twenty-four hours' imprisonment.
Abusing a Jury. — John McLaren was charged with behaving in a manner calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. — Constable Lyon stated that on Saturday night prisoner was haranguing a meeting of the public from Cargill's monument. He was delivering a boisterous speech on the subject of Mrs Reid's trial. A number of persons were assembled round the monument. McLaren said the jury was packed, that they were a lot of Freemasons, and that their conduct was villainous and a disgrace to the community at large. He also stated that Mr Stout, the counsel for the defence, was a loafer, a vagrant, and a vagabond. Witness's object in arresting McLaren was for his own protection as well as for the preservation of the peace, as if any of the friends of the jurymen or of Mr Stout had been present it might have led to serious results. — His Worship: There is no question that the language is grossly improper, more especially as it was spoken in a public thoroughfare; and had any of the jury you so grossly libelled, or Mr Stout, whom you so grossly insulted, been present there might have been a breach of the peace occasioned. No matter how good-tempered people are the using of language such as that complained of is likely to cause a breach of the peace. If you got your deserts the fullest punishment allowed by the Ll0, or three months' imprisonment would be inflicted; but the Bench, in the hope that you will be more guarded in the future, are not inclined to deal so severely with you. You are fined 40s, in default forty-eight hours' imprisonment. -Evening Star, 16/7/1877.
Town and Country
McLaren in Trouble — John McLaren (says the Otago Guardian) seems determined to win his way to notoriety as a public commentator. When the question of Provincial Abolition stirred Otago to the soul, he sat in judgment on Provincialism, and soothed the ministry at Wellington with unfounded telegrams; when the Governor visited Dunedin he flaunted in his face the banner of the unemployed and when the Local Option meeting took place in the Temperance Hall he took a leading part in an exciting scrimmage. His latest adventure happened on Saturday evening at the Cargill Monument. From the steps of the fountain he commenced haranguing the passers-by on the subject of the recent trial for manslaughter. As a large crowd was quickly collected, and it was feared that his somewhat vigorous comments on the conduct of the jury and their verdict might lead to a breach of the peace, he was interviewed by a policeman. From the rostrum he was followed by a large assemblage to the police station, where a sum of £l0 was exacted as a guarantee that he would allow the popular excitement consequent on the result of the trial to blow peacefully over. The following morning he was fined 40s. -Lyttelton Times, 23/7/1877.
RUSH-ON TURKISH WAR ! ! !
or, THE CREDIT SYSTEM.
HAVING made Raids, Conquered and subdued that Extensive Territory in and around Maclaggan street, it becometh us to go on Conquering and to Conquer.
Having Received Large Reinforcements a General Attack will now be Made upon the Fortresses in Princes street.
Mustering Rendezvous: The Cargill Monument
War Cry — the Fiery Cross.
By order, T. BROWN, & CO. -Evening Star, 25/9/1877.
Late Advertisements.
CARGILL FOUNT CO-OPERATIVE STORE.
Encouraged by unparalleled success, the Proprietor of the COOPERATIVE STORE, Maclaggan street, have dealt another blow to the Credit System by removing to those centrally situated Premises in Princes street, opposite the Cargill Monument, lately occupied by A. and J. Macfarlane. A discriminating Public testifies to the immense advantage derived from
CASH PURCHASES,
Come and see. Judge for Yourselves. Nothing but first-class Goods sold. Every article marked in plain figures the lowest possible prices.
The business will be conducted upon the most economical principles, so that the Ready-Money Purchasing Community may derive the utmost benefit obtainable from the Co-operative System. The war cry now is — "Economise your earnings by purchasing groceries, good and cheap, at the
CARGILL FOUNT COOPERATIVE STORE.
T. BROWN & CO. -Evening Star, 4/10/1877.
DUNEDIN
A severe gale prevailed throughout yesterday and to-day. A good deal of damage has been done, and a vessel was blown from her moorings at the Rattray street jetty. The Age says there was a free distribution of wearing apparel in Princes street to-day, accompanied with a heavy gust of wind. A whole shower of hats and bandboxes descended on the Square at Cargill's monument. Where they came from no one seemed to know, but a splendid scramble ensued, and new hats became speedily the order of the day. Probably some drapers in the neighbourhood were clearing out their stock. -Thames Star, 18/11/1878.
| Burton Brothers photo, from the Hocken Library. Taken before the arrival of a tram system. |
City Council
THE OPEN-AIR SERVICE. Cr Isaac, before the reports were considered, asked why the grass plot on the Octagon had been allowed to be used as it was on Saturday night last. - (Hear, hear.) A platform was erected on the grass, and a congregation of people gathered upon it. There were a number of mountebanks and quacks travelling about just now, attempting to get rid of their medicines, &c.
The Mayor: These were not mountebanks or sellers of medicine.
Cr Isaac: If you give it to one you must give it to another. He would like to ask whether permission was asked, and pointed out that Cargill's Monument afforded a proper place for such gatherings. The Mayor explained that he had given the permission upon being applied to, and would do so again upon being asked in a similar manner.
Cr Fish, after referring to the delicate nature of the subject, said he wished to express the opinion that the green should not be allowed to be used in the way referred to. He did not think the cause of true religion was advanced by such gatherings, and was of opinion itinerant vendors of religious nostrums should pay in the ordinary way for meetingplaces. A crowd collected; smoking, chaffing, and light observations went on, while Gospel truths were being disseminated from the platform. He did not think the Octagon should have been granted for such a purpose. — (Hear, hear.)
The Mayor: The next business, gentlemen. -Otago Daily Times, 11/2/1879.
Within the past day or two four gas-lamps have bean placed in position around the Cargill Monument, and they were lit for the first time last night. The lamps are of the new pattern, with the ornamental globes, and Custom-house square now looks quite brilliant under its fresh accession of light. -Otago Daily Times, 13/3/1879.
The tramways were in partial operation to-day, and were largely patronised, free trains being run. Until more powerful engines are obtained traffic will be confined to the Castle street route, the present engines not being able to take the cars up the steep rise in the Octagon. The journey from Cargill's monument to the Water of Leith, nearly two miles, is done in ten minutes, including stoppages. The tram runs very smoothly. -Evening Star, 7/7/1879.
As well as a meeting place, tram terminus and speakers' platform, another public use is suggested for the Cargill Monument...
| Another from the Hocken Library, showing passing trams and telegraph lines connected to the local Telegraph Office. |
Passing Notes
Confounded be all plagiarists, say I! Just when I was meditating a Note on Judge Richmond's recent remarks about larrikinism, and was intending to confide to the public an ingenious derivation which I had invented for the word "larrikin," the Daily Times comes out with a leader on the subject, and suggests the identical derivation! The word "larrikin," remarks the Times, "is said to have been the expression of an Hibernian policeman in Victoria, who, with his strong native brogue, was accustomed to say to the boys, 'none of your lar-r-r-king,' and was promptly mimicked by the audacious youngsters." Now, as I am confident that I invented this derivation out of my own head, and have never given publicity to it, I am naturally staggered and stuck up by its appearance in print as something already well known. This is as bad as the "Maoria" case, in which it happened that an original word devised by myself had been feloniously appropriated, years before, by some unscrupulous writer, and even used as the title of a book. The plagiarists who steal your ideas before you have thought of them yourself are the worst sort of plagiarists. A man can't guard against depredators who filch his goods before he's got 'em, so to speak, and if he proclaims his wrongs people laugh at him. As respects "larrikin," I shall continue to regard as my own the etymology given in the Times, and pride myself on its ingenuity. In Victoria, where "Paddy's billet" when Paddy could choose it for himself, has always been the pound, the public-house, or the police force, Irish policemen are one of the characteristics of the Colony, and it was the Irish policeman's nocturnal and perennial troubles with "thim lar-r-r-kin' b'ys" that gave a new and expressive word to the English language. "Larrikin" from "larking" may be compared with a similar instance of lengthening in "begorra," from a common English adjuration not quotable here. It is a derivation quite as credible as "alms" from eleemosune, or "Goat and Compasses" from "God encompasseth us," and has at least as much cleverness as Dr Johnson's "ostler from oat-stealer (!)." Having elucidated "larrikin," I now proceed to show what ought to be done with larrikins. I would revive for their benefit an old English punishment undeservedly fallen into decay — I would whip them at the cart-tail. Not being quite sure that I know what "the cart-tail" means, I change the expression and say that I would publicly whip them. The steps of Cargill's Monument would be a very good place. Hobbledehoys who make the public ways hideous by expectorating oaths and tobacco juice, by insulting women, and hustling (when they dare) inoffensive men, should not be sent to prison, but when caught — and there's the rub — should be magisterially sentenced to an adequate fustigation to be inflicted in a public place. That would cure larrikinism in a month. -Otago Daily Times, 16/10/1880.
Cargill's Monument requires attention at the hands of the city authorities. It is not in a creditable state, having the glass over one of the inscription-plates broken, and looking dirty arid dilapidated generally. -Otago Daily Times, 4/4/1881.
Postscripts
By all means let his countrymen honor the genius and memory of Burns by a suitable memorial in Dunedin, but it may be hoped that when erected this memorial, whether in the form of a statue or otherwise, will not be allowed to fall into the condition of the Cargill monument, the dirty, disreputable looking state of which is a disgrace to the City. The glass covering the inscription has long been smashed and starred across, and the steps seem to be the special nightly rendezvous of a lot of dirty fellows who constitute the steps a sort of open-air divan, and expectorate freely on and about them. -Otago Daily Times, 4/7/1881.
It may not be generally known that the "Salvation Army" movement has been started, though upon a small scale, in Dunedin. Every Sunday evening a number of the male members of the choir connected with Mr Brunton's services in the Garrison Hall meet at Cargill's Monument, there sing a hymn, and then march — singing the while — to the Garrison Hall. Last evening one of the number gave a short address also from the steps of the monument. It need scarcely be said that a curious crowd gathers round to hear the singing; but, save that there is a tendency to strike up opposition lyrics of a comic kind on the part of lads, the proceedings are orderly. Last night an unsympathetic sergeant of police gave the little band of singers the hint that they should not take up the streetway, but intimated that the steps of the monument were at their disposal. -Otago Daily Times, 19/12/1881.
City Police Court
Juvenile Criminals. — Alexander Edmonds and Hugh Robertson, aged respectively 13 and 16 years, were charged with having stolen a drinking-cup from the Cargill Monument fountain. — Constable Loose stated that the lads had recently been staying in the bush between Caversham and the Industrial School. On Sunday, the 10th inst., he visited their haunt, and found amongst other things secreted there a quantity of edibles, a billy, and some crockery, among which was the cup accused were charged with stealing. Witness afterwards found the boys. Robertson said they had stolen the cup from the fountain. They had kept away from home for some time, and had been engaged stealing different things. The day before they had made a raid on a number of the neighbours' fowlhouses, and had stolen a number of eggs. Edmonds had been in the Industrial School before. Robertson's brother had done all he could with him, but without success. He was continually getting into trouble. — John Davis, a Corporation officer, identified the cup as the property of the Corporation, and stated that 10 similar cups had recently been stolen from the various drinking-fountains throughout the city. — The Bench convicted both accused, and discharged them with a caution. -Otago Daily Times, 21/2/1884.
THE UNEMPLOYED.
Dunedin, This day. A large crowd of the unemployed was gathered at Cargill's monument yesterday. Two hundred and twenty-one signed their names to a document giving particulars of their circumstances, such as whether they were married or single, the number of children in the families of the married, and how long the men had been out of work. The longest period any of them have been unemployed is six months, and the average time during which the men have been out of work is seven weeks.
Messrs Bracken and Fish have received the following reply from Major Atkinson re the unemployed: — "Greatly regret to hear people are unable to obtain work in Dunedin. The Government have carefully considered the question, and are prepared to offer work at 4s per day through Mr Colin Allan, immigration officer, to whom all applications must be made. From past experience it has been found that about 4s per day is sufficient for relief purposes, in which light the work must be regarded." Mr Bracken has also received a telegram from Major Atkinson declining his request to grant free passages to the North, where work is more plentiful.
The unemployed again waited on the Mayor to-day, who said he would endeavor to persuade the Government to give the men 5s a day. -Daily Telegraph, 3/6/1884.
Late Advertisements
WHEREAS information has been sworn before me that certain Otago M H Rs (Members of the House of Representatives) have proved false to their Election Pledges and traitors to their country: Therefore be it known to all men that I shall hold a Court at Cargill's Monument at 8 o'clock This Evening, when the said M.H.R.s shall be tried by a jury of their countrymen.
In the event of the said M.H.R.s being found guilty I shall deem it my duty, considering the heinousness of the offence, to order them to immediate execution; their bodies afterwards to be consigned to the flames as a warning to all political traitors. JUDGE LYNCH. -Evening Star, 25/8/1884.
BURNING IN EFFIGY.
A crowd of between two and three thousand people assembled last evening to witness the burning in effigy of four of the Otago members who voted against the Stout-Vogel Ministry. The procession was advertised to start from Cargill's Monument, and shortly after 8 o'clock a lorry, on which were placed four figures, representing Messrs. Ross, Thomson, Gillies, and Pyke, made its appearance from the direction of Roslyn. In the front of the lorry there was placed a mourning placard, on which was painted a skull and crossbones, bearing the inscription "Death to the Otago traitors." The effigies were conveyed through the principal streets, followed by the crowd. The procession was anything but a mournful one, and the persons in charge of the effigies had a lively time of it, the larrikins for fully three-quarters of an hour pelting them with bad eggs, oranges, &c. The procession marched to reclaimed ground, where the four effigies, amid the noisy demonstration of the crowd, were hung up on a gallows that had been erected for the occasion. They were, however, not allowed to remain in a suspended position very long, for they were so roughly treated at the hands of the crowd that the arms and legs were in less than a minute dismembered from the bodies, and in another minute there was only one white-haired head left dangling from the gallows. This, was not, however, allowed to remain long, for along with the remains of the other members, it was very quickly consigned to the flames. After indulging in the fun for about three-quarters of an hour the crowd dispersed. -Otago Daily Times, 26/8/1884.
Not long after a "burning in effigy," the Monument was witness to a "clash of armies."
THE SALVATION ARMY.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — I was an eye-witness of some disgraceful proceedings on Tuesday evening last on the part of a company of Rifle Volunteers in a dark uniform coming from the direction of North Dunedin. As the Salvation Army people were returning from their usual march, and coming up Princes street from the direction of the Cargill Monument, on the left-hand side of the road, and nearly close to the curb-stone, they were rushed, so to speak, and jostled about, one of the Salvation men getting his eye injured by the hammer of one of the rifles. There would be at least 30ft of space in the road to spare for the said volunteers to march in fours. They ought to have been on the other side of the tram line, next to the curb on the other side of the street, so as to have left a clear space for any trams that wanted to pass. It seemed to me to be a deliberate and premeditated attempt to break up the Salvation Army procession, which was composed largely of females. I suppose the martial ardor of these would-be soldiers was so great that they must attack something, so they began with those who they knew would not — and the female portion could not — retaliate in kind, so they knew there was no danger to their own skins. Brave men! Would they have dared to have served a squad only of the City Guards or the Navals, or even a company of cadets, in the same way? No fear! I am sure the faces of some of the members of the Rifle Company must have burned with shame at conduct which no man with a spark of right feeling would have thought of attempting. I afterwards heard more than one member of the Salvation Army praying for the conversion of those young men who had so despitefully used and persecuted them.
— I am, etc., An Old Soldier, Dunedin, November 4. -Evening Star, 4/12/1884.
— I am, etc., An Old Soldier, Dunedin, November 4. -Evening Star, 4/12/1884.
The Cargill Monument features but little in the following description of Dunedin social life. But the fascinating details it contains, especially of that species of humanity referred to as "larrikin," make it irresistible from inclusion.
AMONG THE EXCURSIONISTS. No. I.
Dunedin to Oamaru.
A glorious New Year's morning in Dunedin, the herald, let us hope, of a prosperous future. Trade and toil and the passions and strife and hard unpitying rivalry of every-day life all seem suspended —everything, indeed, save the golden sunshine and the gaiety of the people. The doctrine of "the survival of the fittest" is, for to-day at least, no longer orthodox. Pleasant greetings and prosperous wishes are on every tongue; smiles and kindliness on every face. Even the autocratic policeman — the Nemesis of shiftless street loafers — condescends to hold familiar converse with a few of these human weeds who are, at this early hour, perched on the base of Cargill's Monument. I note the incident as I roll by on the summit of a three-decker, and marvel at the influence that can have thawed the official soul of "Robert" into a state of such happy condescension. The train for Port Chalmers, where the Tekapo lies in waiting, is advertised to leave Dunedin at half-past seven o'clock, and as the half-hour chimes I stroll leisurely towards the station, mingling as I go in the chattering groups that are to be my companions for the day. The brief run to the Port is accomplished without incident. The Tekapo is en fete for the occasion. Swathed in the flags of all nations, she looks as brilliant as a young rainbow. She is incessantly hissing out smart jets of steam, and rolling out volumes of sulphur-laden smoke of ebon blackness from the depths of her capacious funnel. Anon she practises a succession of short, jerky whistles that cause a delightful flutter among a landscape of plumes and ribbons on the wharf. There are few old people here; the fair sex are the most numerous, and of these the greatest number are squireless and unattended. This is an unpleasant fact, and may be read in a variety of ways. The close-cropped, leering larrikin is here, whose destiny it seems to be to go round and discover any eccentricity of dress or temper that may exist among the intending passengers. For instance, a German lady and her husband — a gentleman of choleric complexion and terribly unshorn locks — attended by a body-guard of six small poodles, were constantly missing their canine pets and finding them in the greatcoat pocket of one of those idiotic larrikins. In like manner, two ancient females, oddly habited in the dress of the Salvation Army, are being constantly rallied with the watch-words of their order and ungallantly reminded of the size of their feet. Young and active men, however, were exempt from these annoyances — a circumstance that reveals the cowardly instincts of these pestilent fellows. And so the time sped, and the whistle gave its last warning screech, and the sailors, no longer slouching lazily over the rail or imbibing eleemosynary liquor from generous landsmen, flew around cheerily, and then stood waiting for the final order to "cast off." The last passenger now hove in sight — a plethoric woman, hot and panting, and terribly handicapped by a battery of the usual feminine indispensables. She is bantered good-humoredly for her dilatoriness, and then the good ship, under a big head of steam, quivering like a high-mettled steed, escapes from her moorings. There is a strong band on board, and on the deck, on either side of the combings — and, indeed, on every other unencumbered space, fore and aft — busy feet are moving merrily to some popular dance-music. As a dancer I am about as graceful as an over-fed elephant. I am, however, conscious of my infirmity, and though I sit apart from the merry groups I am with them in fancy and sigh for the days that are gone. Not so an awkward loon, in whom the potent elixir of the bar-tender has aroused an unwelcome spirit of conviviality. He sallies unbidden among the waltzing couples, which results in a chorus of pretty screams from the ladies, and muttered imprecations from their "young men." The bacchanalian dancer, however; is too highly amused at his own antics to be solicitous about other people's pleasure; but eventually he is soothed into a state of oblivion, and lies prone and degraded in front of the bar — a blind devotee at the shrine of the tipsy god. This is one of the bad features in an outing of this kind. There are two bars on deck, from which spirits of the finest brands are dispensed. Men, in a state of partial intoxication, are supplied with the maddening fluid until they fall down insensible. Many husbands and even a few mothers are unconsciously lured into a state of tipsy hilarity. The temptation assails one at every turn, and, such is the blind worship of tradition, that many people who are, at all other times, models of temperance and good sense are now like a shoal of hungry pike or gudgeon quite ready to fly at the bait. In their cups such people are the most idiotic and intractable of drunkards. Your regular toper — the man who pours out his libations at the feet of Bacchus every day and every hour of the day — the man whose bleared eyes and blotchy face proclaims his weakness — is seldom otherwise than rational and conversible, and never in any stage of inebriety demeans himself otherwise than becomes a seasoned, reputable drunkard, the business of whose life it is to poison and ruin himself quietly and without ostentation. There are certain traditions, interwoven with the life of every nation — with its darkest and its brightest hours— to forget which would be to abjure one's nationality, and live without the sweetest influence, next to Heaven, that can warm the human breast. But whence this traditional love of whiskey-drinking? With what page of Scottish history, political or social, has it had its origin? But as well ask why do Irishmen forget their troubles on St. Patrick's day, or why the Englishman swills and — sensible even in his folly - feeds with greater heartiness on St. George's day? There is now a fresh breeze and a chopping sea, unpleasant portent to those who have wrestled with horrors of mal-de-mer. There is even now a visible decrease in the ranks of the dancers, and among those who still "keep the floor" there is painfully visible a distressing langour, a spasmodic drooping of the eyes, and a suffering but resigned expression of the features generally that portends imminent and direful prostration. We pass several small craft, between the occupants of which and us pass a friendly interchange of compliments and a feeble attempt at a cheer. We also pass a large homewardbound ship riding at anchor, and watch the tailors leaning ruefully over the side, chafing, no doubt, at the unreasonable restraint that ties them to the dull routine of a wind-bound ship. But all these things are lost on the people who crowd on the lee of the Tekapo. Silent and dispirited — ghostly-looking revellers, with their limp bodies and white faces — were it not for their frequent facial contortions and the ominous internal rattle and rumble, one would think they were engaged — so intent is their gaze downwards — in solving some nautical problem having affinity to the ship's motion. The dinner-bell wakes no responsive chord in the minds of these suffering wretches, except, indeed, it be a half-uttered wish — so small now is their estimate of life — that it were ringing out their doom. The dinner is cheap and substantial, and is eaten in relays by those of the passengers whose stomachs have not played them false. We are nearing Oamaru, and already the breeze from the land infuses a return of vitality into the cadaverous forms along the decks, producing a kind of resurrection scene. Oamaru is on the breakwater; there are many exultant welcomes flung out on the breeze, a cheer or two at intervals by the younger members of the townsfolk, which evoke a weary response from the Tekapo's passengers, who have stampeded to the fore part of the ship. In another moment the mooring of the ship is completed, and 1,200 Dunedinites, like an army of skirmishers, spread themselves over the town.
Pilgrim. -Tuapeka Times, 13/1/1886.
MACANDREW MEMORIAL FUND. (excerpt)
A meeting of the subscribers to the Macandrew Memorial Fund was held yesterday afternoon, and attended by Mr R. H. Leary (chairman), Sir Robert Stout, Messrs H. S. Fish, M.H.R., G. G. Russell, A. Cairns, J. F. M. Fraser, J. Downie, R. Raynbird, J. T. Mackerras, and D. Harris Hastings (secretary).
The Chairman stated that Mr Davie, the treasurer of the fund, was unable to attend owing to another engagement. Dr Stuart also wrote stating his inability to attend the meeting, and expressing a hope that the subscribers might soon be in a position to erect a cairn, with a suitable inscription, to Mr Macandrew's memory. The meeting was called to determine what should be done with the balance of the fund. There was a deposit receipt for £210, interest amounting to £9, and a sum in the Savings Bank of £17 5s 4d—altogether £236 5s 4d.
Sir R. Stout thought that, if nothing else, a large column might be erected in Dunedin. It might be put in a corner of the Octagon or in the Triangle.
Mr Fish suggested that it might be erected in the Botanical Gardens.
Sir R. Stout observed that if a fountain were put in the Octagon with something over it, after the style of Captain Cargill's monument, he thought that would meet the case.
Mr Russell said he had prepared a motion. It was — ''That a portion of the fund be devoted to the erection of a column over the grave of Mr Macandrew when the bodies of Mr and Mrs Macandrew are removed to the cemetery at Macandrew Bay." He said that, before Mr Macandrew's death he had had several conversations with him regarding the burial place of Mrs Macandrew, and it was always Mr Macandrew's wish that the body should he removed into the cemetery so soon as the cemetery was Crown-granted. The matter had been delayed for a number of years, and it was only during the last six months that they had been able to get the Crown grant. He thought that a column such as he proposed would cost over £60 or £70. -Otago Daily Times, 19/9/1889.
As were his wishes, James Macandrew rests, with his wife, in the cemetery at Macandrew Bay.
NEWS OF THE DAY
The Wairarapa Star says it is a notorious fact that the people of Dunedin are habitually thirsty and that not a few of its most revered and respected inhabitants live, like the town pump at the Cargill monument, chiefly upon fluids. -Bush Advocate, 19/11/1889.
PUBLIC NOTICES.
Y.W.C.T.U. CABMEN'S SHELTER,
CARGILL'S MONUMENT, NOW OPEN.
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Lemonade, Gingerbeer, Scones, Cakes, and Bread and Butter.
At Lowest Prices. Open to Everybody. -Evening Star, 27/11/1889.
There was a moderate attendance at the Garrison Hall last night, when Mr Coad delivered a lecture, under the auspices of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, on "Phrenology, Temperance, and Religion." The lecturer referred to the benefits that would result to mankind were phrenology more widely studied, and also dealt with temperance and religion in relation to phrenology. The lecture was in parts very amusing, and appeared to be greatly appreciated by the audience, who frequently applauded Mr Coad's remarks very heartily. Mr Brunton's choir was in attendance, and rendered a number of selections during the evening in a very pleasing manner. The lecture was in aid of the Cabmen's Shelter, which has recently been erected in the vicinity of Cargill's monument by the Women's Christian Temperance Union. -Otago Daily Times, 29/11/1889.
The Cabman's Rest was provided as an alternative to licensed premises, but not everyone appreciated it.
PASSING NOTES
So that wooden monstrosity that lies Stranded next Cargill's Monument is a fixture after all, and not a ticket box or a latrine en route to the Exhibition buildings! A Cabmen's Rest, forsooth! A doddled Cabmen's Rest! If the cabmen be the men I take them for, they will make a bonfire of it. They have my warmest sympathy. Persecution they are used to; but patronage, and such patronage! In the days of my youth I longed to be a cabman myself. Nothing to do but drive about on a high seat all day, crack a whip, and be paid for it; — what could be finer! It had charms that in some points surpassed the pleasures of the man who sold mutton-pies. Hiding in a cab never made you ill, and the pies too often did. Under different auspices — who knows! — the world might have lost a writer of Passing Notes and gained a cabman. I recall these personal reminiscences for the purpose of remarking with emphasis that in that case wild horses would not have dragged me into such a place as this Cabmen's Rest. The cabman has few friends. Every man's hand is against him. He is never hired except of necessity, and you always suspect him — at times, I believe, quite without cause — of charging three times his proper fare. Policemen eye him askance, and the City Council hectors him and makes byelaws to snare him. No wonder he looks at life with a jaundiced eye and gives himself up to profanity and profuse expectoration in public places. But with all his shortcomings, what has he done to deserve the pillory prepared for him next the monument? It is an insult to the cabmen and an eyesore to the citizens — and the sooner it is abolished the better. -Otago Witness, 12/12/1889.
TO ARCHITECTS.
ARCHITECTS are respectfully invited to Prepare and send to the undersigned, on or before 30th June next,
DESIGNS FOR A MONUMENT,
To be erected by me in the Octagon, Dunedin, in memory of
THE REV. DR BURNS,
Subject to the following conditions: —
The cost of the Monument erected in a durable stone is to be L1,000. The design should be dissimilar from the Cargill Monument. Should the design provisionally accepted prove, on tenders being called, more costly than the amount named, I shall have the right to reject the same and select another. The design to be accompanied by a short specification of the materials proposed to be used. The successful competitor will be required to prepare all necessary plans and specifications, and superintend the work till completion.
A PREMIUM of L50 will be paid to the Successful Competitor — one-half on the acceptance of tenders for the work, and the other half on its completion.
ROBERT CHAPMAN. Dunedin, 21st May, 1891. -Evening Star, 18/5/1891.
BENEVOLENT TRUSTEES
(a discussion which was part of the weekly meeting of the trustees of Dunedin's Benevolent Institution - which was the local version of the historic "poor house.")
A discussion took place respecting the permission at present given to the old men to leave the Institution for the day. It was stated that the men were in the habit of leaving the Institution too frequently, that some of the men had been seen standing round the Cargill Monument, and that several times some of them had returned to the Institution the worse for liquor. — Mr Dallas suggested that the men should be allowed out only on one day in the week, in addition to Sunday. — After further discussion, Mr Dallas gave notice of motion that at next meeting he would move that the previous resolution in the matter be rescinded, and that the men be allowed out on only one week-day. -Evening Star, 1/2/1893.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — One of the objects which first attract the admiring gaze of a visitor to this fair city is the beautiful structure erected in Rattray street to the memory of one of the earliest pioneers of the colonies. The next thing that he would notice is the filthy state in which it is kept — the artistic work concealed with the dust and dirt of years, the drinking fountain covered with a slimy green coat, and the inscriptions on the plates quite unreadable unless on very close inspection. Having a beautiful ornament in the centre of the town, which is brought under the notice of the public constantly, I think the least the City Council could do would be to keep it in proper order. A couple of days' labor and very little expense would make a wonderful difference in its appearance.
— I am, etc., Video. Dunedin; October 31. -Evening Star, 2/11/1893.
A CO-OPERATIVE WORKER'S OPINION.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — The following conversation was overheard at the Cargill Monument yesterday:
First Co-operative Worker: Hullo, Bill 'ow are you gettin' on?
Second Co-operative Worker: Bloomin' bad, Jim. 'Ad a few day's work at Drunken Woman's Creek, an' wen my railroad fare and tucker bill was took off I was 3s 6d in debt. The ole woman says she can't stand it any longer.
First Co-operative Worker: Wot are you goin' to do?
Second Co-operative Worker: Benevolent, I suppose. Don't see nuthin else except the Asylum. I believe I could get in there. There's lots er men in there as sane as you an' me, and very comfortable. I believe it's only lunatics as is outside; the sane men is all inside.
First Co-operative Worker: Wot do you think of Ward's "social"?
Second Co-operative Worker: Awful frost, I hear. The bloomin' game must be pretty well up. Hinemoas and banquets, socials, and trips to Hingland for the likes er him and the Benevolent for the likes er hus.
First Co-operative Worker: Were's that second million there's so much talk about?
Second Co-operative Worker: Wy, don't yer know? He's got it up his sleeve: —
I Am, etc., Mudlark. Dunedin, January 30. -EveningStar, 30/1/1895.
Another large audience witnessed the performance of the Tivoli Specialty Company last night. The whole performance went well from start to finish, each item being encored. For Saturday an entire change of programme is announced. Messrs Kingsley and Kerr, the champion trick cyclists, will give a performance at Cargill's Monument about one o'clock that afternoon, when both riders will mount the same machine. -Evening Star, 19/4/1895.
In the beginning of 1896 the Monument was witness to a particularly gruesome accident. I include the full story for its general interest, especially the description of the Exchange area of the day.
FATAL TRAM ACCIDENT.
CUT TO PIECES IN PRINCES STREET.
At the time at which the hoarding was first put up around the corner of Rattray and Princes streets, where the Government Life Insurance department's new premises are in course of erection, attention was drawn in our local columns to the serious encroachment which was made on Princes street, so much so that only a few feet were left between the tram line and the handrail outside the narrow passage supposed to be intended for pedestrians, and the public were warned of the danger of accident and of the necessity of keeping a sharp lookout for passing tramcars. With the more frequent tram service and the regular running of drags past the encroachment in question, the risk of accident incurred by passers-by has recently been intensified, and the necessity of watchfulness on their part has been increased. It is on a Saturday, night; that the danger is most real. The streets are then generally thronged with people, so that at that particular part of the street many are forced or jostled out into the middle of the roadway, and there is also always a considerable amount of noise — the noise of the hum of voices and tread of feet, of the rattling of vehicles, and of the voices of street preachers at the Cargill monument. On Saturday, night last a shocking accident, with almost immediately fatal termination, occurred opposite the hoarding, a man who was walking up Princes street being overtaken by a double-decker car, which, with three horses and a "tracer," left the Grand Hotel corner about 9.10 p.m., and knocked down and terribly injured. The fact that he did not hear the warning cries from the car itself and from the police constable on duty about the spot is easily capable of explanation. At that particular time on Saturday night the streets were exceptionally crowded. The mild weather had tempted out many more than the regular band of pedestrians and the town being full of visitors, their numbers were swelled by strangers, and the noise was greater than usual, especially as cabs and expresses were at that time rolling up from the railway station with passengers and luggage from the north train. It is not unnatural that a person who, like the victim in this case, was passing up the street in conversation with a friend should, in confusion of sounds, be unaware of this fact that he was being shouted at; for would it be remarkable that a man, hearing the warning cries, should not have the presence of mind to put himself beyond reach of the imminent danger.
The official report of the occurrence supplied to the inspector of police is to the effect that the victim, whose name was William Martin, a resident of Green Island, started from the hoarding side to walk across Princes street. He did not seem to notice that a tram had left the Grand Hotel corner and was coming up the street. Constable McCormack, who was on duty in Princes street about the centre of the hoarding, shouted to Martin to look out, but the latter did not seem to hear him, and McCormack then rushed to him in the hope that he might get him out of the way, but he failed to reach him in time, and Martin was struck by the horses, knocked down, and run over by the tram, which was driven by a man named John Wheeler, the conductor's name being George Allan. Prompt assistance was rendered by passers-by, and Martin was taken out from under the tram. His injuries were so serious that Constable McCormack took him at once to the hospital, but he died there five minutes after being admitted.
The deceased, who was 42 years of age, was the only son of Mr William Martin, an old and respected settler at Fairfield, Green Island, and was a married man. Mr William Arthur, a compositor in the Times Office, who, happened to be walking up Princes street almost abreast of the deceased, states that the latter had to pass two groups of persons standing in the street, and that he walked outside them in the middle of the roadway. When the shouts from the rider of the ''tracer," from the constable, and others were raised Arthur jumped in towards the pavement, but Martin seemed, he says, to disregard his cry to "look out" and to walk across the tram line. Upon an examination of the body of the unfortunate man being made at the hospital it was found that his right thigh, his right ankle, and his left leg below the knee were all broken — the fracture in each case being a compound one, — that several of his ribs were crushed in over the heart and also on the right side, that his left collarbone was dislocated, and that be had a large scalp wound on the forehead. As a matter of course, an inquest will be held. -Otago Daily Times, 3/2/1896.
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| Green Island Cemetery, DCC photo. |
DUNEDIN
At the inquest touching the death of William Martin, killed by a tramcar on Saturday night, the jury returned a verdict that the death was accidental, and that there was no blame attachable to anyone. They expressed the opinion that if the trace horse had been in front instead of at the side the accident would not have happened. -North Otago Times, 14/2/1896.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — By way of commemoration of the anniversary of the province and of the landing of Captain Cargill and his pioneers, I would suggest that the monument which now stands in the Custom House square be raised on a suitable pedestal some 20ft or 25ft higher. If you take your stand at the post office, or in any other direction, you will notice that the structure looks completely dwarfed and overshadowed by the surrounding buildings, and has the appearance of being only the top of a spire, the base of which is buried in the earth. If this is not done, it might at least be cleaned before the commemoration proceedings next month.
— I am, &c., J. Wycliffe Baylie. Dunedin, Feb. 21. -Otago Daily Times, 25/2/1898.
I insert a couple of personal notes here - 1: many years ago, in my careless youth, I would sometimes see people, who were obviously tourists, looking with interest at the Cargill Monument. I would occasionally be very helpful and informative in telling them that Dunedin's first large church was built on the site, but unfortunately on reclaimed land. The church sank and the Council had the site paved over. So the spire is all that can now be seen. I should say that I always let them in on the joke - at least, after the first couple of times.
2: J Wycliffe Baylie is buried in Andersons Bay Cemetery. The plot is shared with his nephew, Mr Benjamin Rudd, the "hermit of Flagstaff," whose story can be found in this blog.
PASSING NOTES
The citizens of Dunedin cannot be charged with lack of initiative. Whenever any public project is mooted suggestions flow in from every quarter. Consequently the Jubilee Celebration Committee is suffering from an embarrassment of riches. A great number of persons appear to be labouring under the delusion that the most important event which has occurred in the history of the province is the arrival of the ship which bore them and their fortunes. The arrival of the John Wickliffe was, in their eyes, only an incident — an unimportant event that occurred far away in antiquity, and only worthy of remembrance in relation to later developments. Some of these have marked with red letters in their calendar the initiation of the immigration policy in 1857. Others came in the first steamship. A large class look upon the gold discoveries as the beginning of the province's history, while others come even further, and down to the events of yesterday. It is not for me to settle these rival claims. I note with some diffidence that no one has resurrected the first Passing Note, and the date upon which mental darkness was first dispelled in Otago seems likely to remain unhonoured and unsung. The committee may get itself out of the difficulty of settling precedence as best it may but there are other things about which it might not be presumptuous to offer an opinion. One correspondent wants Cargill's monument raised. "If you take your stand at the post office, or in any other direction," he says, the monument looks dwarfed. The answer to this is that of the landlord to whom the tenant complained that the rooms were not large enough to swing a cat in — "What do you want to swing cats in my house for?" Why cannot this correspondent take his stand "in any other direction"? The monument was no doubt thought a very pretty thing in its day, but on the whole the citizens must be rather thankful because it is not constantly thrust under their observation. Another correspondent wants Mr Macandrew's monument raised, but as he encloses 10s he is probably serious. Then of course we shall have another proposal to raise Burns's monument, after which Mr Chapman will probably set about raising his monument, for it would never do to permit the graceless bard to overlook his reverend namesake. I fear, however, the raising projects are doomed to failure. The promoters are likely to recall the trouble they encountered in raising the monuments to their present height. -Otago Daily Times, 26/2/1898.
On Saturday night, shortly before eleven o'clock, some excitement was caused in Princes street by a tramcar acting in a most eccentric manner. It was being taken down to the stable, but got off the rails at the points in front of the Grand Hotel. The driver attempted to gain the rails again by keeping the horses going. The car, however, evinced a desire to go the other way, and eventually was brought to a standstill by coming into collision with Cargill's monument. The horses were taken out and attached to the other end of the car. After jolting along the road in the direction of Jacobs's for a chain or so, the rails were eventually mounted, and another attempt was made to take the High street loop. This time it proved successful, and the car, minus a front step knocked off in the collision, proceeded on its way to the stables. -Evening Star, 20/3/1899.
SPECIAL TELEGRAPHIC
Dunedin
The Bruce Herald is pretty rough on a prominent Dunedin monument: "It is time that Cargill's monument in Dunedin was scraped and painted; for at present it looks like a gigantic bride's cake that has been left out in the rain and got blue-mouldy." -Cromwell Argus, 1/7/1899.
As with the Otago secession parody, the Cargill Monument does not feature prominently in this story. But it describes what may have been the first time that the people of Dunedin gave themselves over to hysterical mass jubilation. The occasion? The end of the siege of Ladysmith, a South African town surrounded by the enemy in what is now known as the "Second South African War."
As with the Otago secession parody, the Cargill Monument does not feature prominently in this story. But it describes what may have been the first time that the people of Dunedin gave themselves over to hysterical mass jubilation. The occasion? The end of the siege of Ladysmith, a South African town surrounded by the enemy in what is now known as the "Second South African War."
Friday was a red-letter day in Dunedin, in common with every other portion of the Empire. It was a day not likely to be forgotten by anyone who witnessed the tremendous outburst of enthusiasm with which the news of the relief of Ladysmith was received. When we received the cable message at 8.45 a.m. on Friday we at once got out extras, which were sent all over the town and were posted up in Caversham shortly after 9 o'clock. The Mayor was promptly notified by telephone of the fact that Ladysmith had been relieved, and almost immediately the good news was announced to the town by the ringing of the firebell and the hoisting of flags on the Town Hall.
The glad refrain was speedily taken up by steam whistles from the railway engines, steamers in harbour, and workshops all over the town, making a discordant medley that thoroughly awakened the whole town to the fact that some notable event had taken place at the theatre of war. When our extra announced that Ladysmith was really relieved, and no mistake about it this time, the town went fairly wild with enthusiasm. Flags were soon streaming from every building, and every vantage point was gay with bunting in the briefest possible space of time. Bells were ringing, gongs were sounded, steam whistles were screaming, human throats were hoarse with hurrahing, and the s.s. Flora thrice fired her signal gun. The pent up feelings, which for some days had been tense, broke forth in a tremendous outburst of patriotic enthusiasm, and the whole town simply abandoned itself to rejoicing. Workmen threw down their tools, and shop employees donned their coats; as all felt that an epoch in the history of the Empire had been marked, and it was not a time to pursue the humdrum avocations of every-day life. Bunting was flying from almost every building in the city, from the large warehouse to the humblest cottage. Staid matrons and shy damsels appeared at their doors, and in many instances on the pavement, ringing dinner bells, bicycle bells, or hammering on gongs or salvers.
His Worship the Mayor promptly proclaimed a public holiday, and set to work to arrange a monster demonstration in honour of the brave general who, true to all the noblest traditions of his race, held Ladysmith for so many months against overwhelming odds, for the defence of the beleaguered town against the most determined investment of the principal Boer force must go down in history as one of the grandest achievements of a British general.
All the schools were closed, including the Boys' and Girls' High Schools, and the children went home cheering for the relief of Ladysmith. Many of them will remember the occasion in after life, thus brought home to them, and when reading the history of the present war in days to come will recall the great event which gave them a school holiday and an opportunity of joining in the public rejoicings.
The employees of Messrs Chas. Begg and Co. and the Dresden Pianoforte Company equipped themselves with a drag (kindly supplied by Mr Jeffs) and musical instruments, and paraded the town, playing "God Save the Queen" and "Soldiers of the Queen." They subsequently drove along Cumberland street, and stopped in front of all the foundries, which soon found that to keep on working was out of the question while the town was en fete. The drag afterwards stopped in front of the Daily Times office, and the impromptu band played selections. They then went as far as the Cargill monument, near which several thousand people had assembled, and again played the National Anthem and patriotic airs.
When it became known that the mayor had decided upon a monster demonstration to start from the Octagon at 2 o'clock, the whole town donned itself in holiday attire and turned out to witness the proceedings. Before that time the streets were lined with throngs of people, and the employees of the Hillside, workshops, marching in procession just as they left off work, headed by a couple of pipers and a couple of drums, and carrying flags innumerable, created not a little stir. The most notable thing in this procession was a huge broad axe borne upon the shoulder of one of the employees and bearing the inscription on both sides in white letters, "To kill Kruger."
When 2 o'clock had arrived an enormous concourse of people assembled in the neighbourhood of the Octagon, the crowd being so densely packed that tram traffic had to be suspended for a time, and the procession had some difficulty in getting away. Along Princes street the sidewalks were crowded, while every vantage point from which the procession could be viewed was swarming. Windows and the tops of high buildings were packed with enthusiastic sightseers.
The Town Hall was gaily adorned with flags, while Mr J. Robin's coach factory was dressed in bunting. A large portrait of Major Robin was displayed in front of the building, and, needless to say, the sight of the splendid portrait from the Gaynor studio elicited many hearty cheers for the brave commander of our brave New Zealand boys at the front. The public proceedings commenced by the ringing of the Town Hall bells, followed by patriotic music by the bands present. The Mayor then from the steps in front of the Town Hall asked the assembled crowd to sing the National Anthem, which was responded to in a fashion never before witnessed in Dunedin, for in that vast assemblage every fibre was tingling with excitement and every pulse bounding with joyous enthusiasm. From throat to throat the stirring strains of the anthem, which is perhaps a stronger link in the chain that binds the Empire together than any other, were taken up till the air was simply vibrating with the volume of sound. It was a memorable occasion. When the people met three years ago to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee the National Anthem was sung with light-hearted joy; but yesterday there was a sad refrain, for it was generally recognised that our glorious victory carried with it much to cloud the brow with sadness. While the Empire rejoices there are broken-hearted mothers and wives, to whom the relief of Ladysmith brings but little to rejoice over.
When Mr Chisholm briefly addressed the people before the procession started every sentence was punctuated with loud-ringing cheers. A start was then made, and, considering how brief the time was between the receipt of the glad news and the demonstration, wonders were accomplished. The mayor and councillors led off the procession, with the Organising Committee and the members of Parliament for the City in carriages. Next came the first division of the fourth contingent, which turned out in full force, leaving only a few men on guard in camp. The men were, in fact, so keen to join in the procession that a number of them rode without saddles and with rope halters as bridles. Despite these disabilities, the public had a splendid opportunity of seeing what a fine lot of fellows we are sending away to the war. The Kaikorai Band, followed by the Cycle Corps, came next. Then came the 1st Battalion of the Otago volunteers and the B Battery, in command of Major Smith and Adjutant Hislop. The second division of the fourth contingent followed, and behind them came 30 of the D.I.C. Rough Riders, with their striking uniform. Several members of Fitzgeralds' Circus added to the procession, and an elephant attracted no little attention. The North-East Valley Band came next. The members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange in four carriages joined the procession, and after the function was over adjourned to the Grand Hotel, where the toast of "The Queen" was honoured in champagne, with musical honours. Mr C. W. Harvey proposed the toast of "Our Boys" in South Africa, coupled with the name of Mr A. M. Sidey, who is an ex-sergeant of the Otago Hussars. A little boy, Master Walter Shrimpton, not quite seven years of age, dressed as Major Robin in miniature, came in for some round cheering as the procession moved off. Several friendly societies were represented, and the Otago United Shipwrights had their banner in the march. There were several large mottoes, such as "God Save the Queon," "When Duty Calls, New Zealand's Sons Obey," and the war cry of the first contingent — "Ka whawhai tonu matou; ake, ake, ake!" A couple of expresses were placarded on both sides with patriotic mottoes, such as "Bravo, Natal Carbineers," "Meeting of Dundonald and White," "Remember our brave colonial troops." "Three cheers for the defenders of Ladysmith"; "Scotland's, brave boys, Gordons, Black Watch"; "Ireland's' brave sons — Dublins, Inniskillings, Connaughts"; "England's heroes — Buller, White, Robin, 'Fighting-Mac'" etc. The Dunedin Pipe Band occupied a drag, nicely decorated with greens and flowers. The Dunedin Fire Brigade had their large fire-escape and hose reel and smaller reel, while the firemen turned out in strong force. A horseman dressed as a Kaffir with placards on either side his steed bearing the motto, "Down with Kruger," elicited groans for that worthy. The procession left the Town Hall, passing round the Upper Octagon in front of Mr Robin's house, and so great was the throng of people that it took about a quarter of an hour to get back into Princes street again, and away en route to the Southern Oval. The public followed in mass, all wearing the national colours and waving flags, while tram cars and vehicles of every description were gay with flags. The vehicles containing the mayor and councillors had placards at the side showing in large letters the names White, Buller, Dundonald, and Kitchener. The volunteers were 369 strong, the Dunedin Engineers having very nearly a full muster. Considering that there had been no general order given, the only intimation being the order posted up in the street at 11.45 a.m., the muster of volunteers must be considered good. So pronounced was the enthusiasm yesterday and so great the demand for flags, that it is safe to say every flag in stock in the shops was bought out. Everyone who could procure a flag, from the grey-headed man to the wee toddler, who wondering what it was all about, was proud to wave a flag in honour of what must be an epoch in the history of the British people.
THE ENTHUSIASM AT THE TOWN HALL.
Shortly after 2 o'clock his Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm) appeared on the stone platform in front of the Town Hall with the object of addressing the vast assemblage. Among those present on the platform, in addition to the mayor, were — Messrs J. A. Millar, A. R. Barclay, and J. F. Arnold, M.H.R.'s, Crs Carroll, Haynes, Gore, Christopher, Crust, Denniston, Scott, and Howlison, Messrs J. Hazlett, N. Y. A. Wales, C. R. Smith, R. Glendining, J. H. Hosking, W. A. Shields, M. Cohen, T. W. Kempthorne, J Sinclair Thomson, and the Rev. Mr Barclay. For some time the Mayor, who perched himself on top of the stone balustrade overlooking the Octagon, was unable to gain a hearing, owing to the wild excitement of the crowd. His appearance was the signal for a loud outburst of cheering, which continued for some time. As soon as he could make himself heard he asked one of the bands in front of the steps to play "God Save the Queen." The request was promptly complied with, and the crowd also gave expression to their loyalty and jubilation by accompanying the band with their voices. The last notes of the music had hardly died away, when cheer after cheer rent the air. First one section of the crowd began to cheer, then another, until at length there was loud cheering from the whole crowd, such as probably was never before heard in Dunedin. The Mayor attempted several times to make himself heard, but in vain. The joy and enthusiasm of those present knew no bounds. They cheered and shouted frantically out of sheer exuberance of spirits, and nothing seemed wanting to add to the fulness of their joy. At one time there was a slight lull in the noise, and the Mayor seized upon this as a favourable opportunity to speak, but he had only uttered two or three words when the crowd, catching sight of the fourth contingent, started again to cheer enthusiastically, while the firebell began to peal out loudly overhead. Of course, under the circumstances, speaking was out of the question, and his Worship had to patiently wait till the assemblage were in the mood to listen. The ringing of the bell and the cheering continued for some considerable time. Then two or the bands began to play the National Anthem. This was quickly followed by "Soldiers of the Queen," the multitude adding their voices to the music of the band. His Worship the Mayor, who at length obtained a hearing said: — Ladies and Gentlemen, — I need not tell you that Ladysmith is relieved — (cheers); — Kimberley is relieved — (renewed cheers); — Cronje is taken prisoner, and it is only a question of a very short time when Kruger will be taken prisoner. — (Prolonged cheering.) I want you to give three ringing cheers for those boys that are in front of you there now. — (Cheers.) Those are the boys that are going to take another Ladysmith if necessary. — (More cheers.) Those are the boys that are prepared to make themselves a sacrifice in our best interests, and in the interests of the British Empire. — (Loud and prolonged cheering.)
The Mayor then called for three cheers for Major Robin, and the crowd having enthusiastically responded to the call, his Worship said they would now proceed to the Oval.
THE PROCESSION.
From the Town Hall the procession slowly pushed its way through the crowd round the Octagon past the Athenaeum and up to Mr Robin's residence. Here a stop was made to give cheers for the Major. It was difficult to get a start again, owing to the tremendous crush. Mr C. Speight and Mr J. A. Park, acting as marshals, eventually cleared a way, and the procession, headed by the mayor's carriage, moved off. The sight looking down Princes street was a memorable one. The whole thoroughfare was blocked with a crowd, the like of which has not been seen since the Jubilee celebrations. Every window, and every roof of the buildings along the street were occupied by sightseers, cheering enthusiastically as the procession went forward. It was a far more enthusiastic crowd than that on the occasion referred to, and the waving of thousands of flags brought an element of colour into the scene that had a most striking effect. The gentlemen in the mayor's carriage, and in those following it, held up card shields on which the names of the generals engaged in the war were printed in big letters, and as the crowd caught sight of the popular names of "Roberts," "Kitchener," "Buller," "White," "Baden-Powell," "Kekewich," and "Major Robin," cheer after cheer went up just to relieve the pent-up loyalty, excited by the most welcome news that has come to each loyal citizen for many a long day. The flat-topped verandah at Begg's music shop was crammed with people cheering lustily for country, Queen, and army in a way that showed how the national pride of race and tradition was stirring within them, and this was the reception the Mayor, the city councillors, Colonel Webb, the officers of the contingent, along with "our boys," met with all along Princes street. The Colonial Bank buildings, forming an excellent point of vantage, was crowded with scores of people on the first floor and in the tower, who, like those on the street, were wild with enthusiasm. Passing down Princes street, the crowd thinned out, but the whole concourse, closing in behind the procession, swept in a great stream down to the Cricket Oval. Entering at the Princes street gate, the mayor's carriage halted at the pavilion. The contingent formed up in line immediately opposite the pavilion, which was occupied by the Mayor and city councillors, the members for Dunedin City, the Organising Committee of the contingent, and others. The Kaikorai and Garrison Band were just in front. Major Smith, entering at the head of the volunteers, placed them in line right round the ground first inside the fence. Colonel Webb, Lieutenant-colonel de Lautour, Captain Price, Captain Morris, Lieutenants Freeman, Macdonald, Fulton. Bauchop, McDonald reined up in front of the contingent, which was in commission of Captain Harvey. The D.I.C. "rough riders" occupied a space to the left of the pavilion. The firemen held the gate for a while but the public soon poured in and filled the ground. The bands then struck up "Rule Britannia," which was enthusiastically taken up by everyone present.
SPEECHES AT THE OVAL.
The Mayor said: Ladies and Gentlemen, — I think you will agree with me that this is not a day for any one person to occupy your time with speeches. This is a day for grand jubilation — (cheers) — a day when every person should have the liberty, and not only the liberty, but the privilege of exercising their lungs to the fullest extent in one grand chorus for that noble victory of which you have received intelligence to-day. — (Loud cheers.) I have to ask you to give three ringing cheers for all those brave generals whose names appear on the cards.
The names of the British generals who had been prominent in the present war were displayed on cardboard shields by gentlemen standing on the platform and as the shields were held up to the gaze of those present the crowd cheered with great enthusiasm. When the cheering had subsided, the Mayor called upon Mr Millar, the senior member for Dunedin, to say a few words.
Mr J. A, Millar., M.H.R., said: Your Worship, Ladies, and Gentlemen, — There is no doubt that this is a great day in the annals of this colony — a day when we have received news of the surrender of two of the strongest positions held by the opponents of our Empire. There is no doubt of the object lesson shown to-day, because it was only 9 o'clock this morning when we heard of the news, and by 2 o'clock we had over 20,000 people of Dunedin showing their loyalty to the mother country, — (Cheers.) And another pleasant feature about this war is this: That it has shown you that the present generals are made of the same stuff as their forefathers were. — (Renewed cheers.) To-day we have cause to be proud of our sons fighting our battles in the Transvaal, because this is the first occasion since 1854 that the mother land has been engaged in a warfare with a nation of any description, and this is the first time that there has ever been a war conducted on the modern system of warfare, and if it costs the mother land £10,000,000, it would be cheap at the price, seeing that she has gained experience of Powers that have been threatening for some time. There are some who think that this noble band of volunteers we are about to sent away will never leave the colony; but disabuse your minds of that idea. I venture to assert that there as not one man in the Transvaal now but who, when he leaves, will go straight to India and throw down the gauntlet to Russia, who has been tormenting and threatening us for many years. — (Cheers.) This is not an occasion for speaking, but I certainly think that no man having a drop of British blood in his veins but must have jubilated when he heard of the relief of Ladysmith and Colesberg. Having got the news to-day that both of these places are now in our hands, and that the Boers are retreating north as fast as they can, we have cause to be proud of our brave soldiers, and more especially of our own boys born in this colony who have taken an active part in this war. — (More cheers.) We have shown our loyalty in the past, and I feel sure that if the occasion arrives, and we have to send twice as many men to South Africa, as we have done, the men are there, and the people are ready to equip them. — (Renewed cheering.) I trust there will be no occasion for it, but, should there be, we in New Zealand will prove our loyalty, and prove that we are of the same stuff as our forefathers, who made their name throughout the world, and will never disgrace that motherland from which most of us have sprung. — (Further cheering.) I ask you, in commemoration of this event, to give three hearty cheers for Lord Roberts and the noble boys who are fighting in the Transvaal. — (Loud and prolonged cheering) The Naval Band then played "Hail, Victoria!" after which the Mayor said: Ladies and gentlemen, let me, as mayor of this city, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the response you have so readily given to make this day a huge success — (cheers). — and let me thank Colonel Webb, Captain Stronach, and Major Smith and all the volunteers who have thrown in their lot with us and have helped in such a grand way to make this gathering a most unqualified success. And now, let me ask you, ladies and gentlemen, to give three ringing cheers for our own boys who are in front of us, and who are ready to shed their blood in our interests and in the interests of the Empire.
The crowd, having responded to the request of his Worship, and given another for Captain Harvey, the Naval and North-East Valley Band played "The battle and the breeze."
The Mayor, who had a cablegram put into his hands, then said: Ladies and gentlemen, here is the latest cablegram from the seat of war. General Buller has entered Ladysmith, and not before it was time. The garrison have been living on horses, mules, and half a pound of meal each per day. I want you to give three cheers for General White and that noble little band.
Three cheers having been given by the assemblage as requested, the Kaikorai Band played "The soldier and the man."
The Mayor then called for three cheers for the bands for their attendance, and referred to the "magnificent" way in which they had played. The crowd having warmly responded to the call, at the request of his Worship, the bands played " God save the Queen," while nearly all present joined in the singing of the anthem.
In response to loud calls, Mr James Mills came forward for a minute, and said that the only part he was taking in the proceedings was that of a spectator. It gave him great pleasure to join in the feeling of gratification and jubilation over the splendid news that had been received that day, which would be looked back to as one of the brightest days of our lives. — (A Voice: "Wait till we get Joubert.") The capture of Joubert, and Kruger could not be greater events than the relief of Ladysmith, over which there was rejoicing all over the Empire. — (Cheers.)
For some minutes the crowd continued to cheer and express their fervid loyalty, which seemed as if it would never cool, and shortly afterwards one of the greatest gatherings ever seen in Dunedin slowly dispersed.
THE DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE.
When the members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange had assembled at 11 o'clock, Mr A. Herdman, the chairman, said: Gentlemen, it is proper that I should refer briefly to the good news which has reached Dunedin this morning about the relief of Ladysmith. — (Applause.) We all know what an important bearing this will have upon the result of the war in South Africa. — (Hear, hear.) I do not wish to say very much — there is no need that I should — but I wish to ask you to join with the other citizens of Dunedin to-day in celebrating the event by adjourning, as it is practically a public holiday, and there will be a demonstration in the Octagon at 2 o'clock. — (Applause.) I take it, gentlemen, that you will agree to the adjournment. — (Cries of "Hear, hear," from all the members.) Then, gentlemen, it is meet that we should recognise the services of Lord Dundonald and General Buller. — (Applause.) We gave three cheers for Lord Roberts yesterday, and now comes the duty to cheer Lord Dundonald, who had the honour of first entering Ladysmith, and General Buller, the man in command there, and others who shared in the glory. — (Cheers.) I hope we shall have occasion to go on thus honouring one after another for a considerable time. — (Applause.) Well, then, we agree to adjourn to-day on account of the very good news that has reached us with regard to the relief of Ladysmith, and I ask you to cheer the men who did it. First of all we will give three cheers for Lord Dundonald, who was the first to enter the city. — (Loud cheers, given with great heartiness.) Now, then, three cheers for General Buller. — ("Hip, hip, hurrah " by the united voices.)
Mr J. A. Chapman: Don't let us forget the men who did the work. Three cheers for Tommy Atkins.
This call was also very lustily responded to, after which the brokers sang "God Save the Queen."
Mr Herdman: There is only one line to be entered up to-day, gentlemen, and it is a transfer that has been completed — the transfer of Ladysmith from the Boer to the Briton. — (Laughter.) This is all very satisfactory, gentlemen. It is pleasing to know that our men are marching forward. There is, however, one unpleasing thing about the messages — I mean the messages from the Agent-general and the tone they take. I think that sooner or later others of us may have to give expression to our feelings, and ask what our Agent-general means. If Mr Reeves is not a Boer sympathiser he should say so; if he is, he should not be drawing British pay. That is my opinion.
Mr J. J. Ramsay: It is very certain that if he has Boer sympathies he does not in that matter represent the people of New Zealand.
Mr H. S. Fenwick said he thought that the Exchange should send a congratulatory cablegram to General Buller, who had been doing all the hard work, while Lord Roberts had come in for the kudos.
Mr Herdman added that we were now beginning to see what General Buller's movements really meant. They had certainly been misunderstood by many people, and misrepresented.
The motion was seconded by Mr T. S. Paterson, and carried unanimously.
The following telegram was sent by Mr Herdman, as chairman: — "General Buller, Ladysmith, — Dunedin Stock Exchange, New Zealand, send hearty congratulations. — Herdman, Chairman. After returning from the procession, the members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange drew up their drags and carriages in front of their Exchange (old Colonial Bank), and when Major Smith and his volunteers passed in procession before them loud cheers were lustily given for the volunteers and for Major Smith, who is a prominent member of the Exchange.
THE OTAGO STOCK EXCHANGE.
The enthusiasm of the members of the Otago Stock Exchange knew no bounds when the chairman. (Mr J. E. S. Valentine) officially announced the latent British success in South Africa. When the members had all taken their seats, the Chairman, rising, said: Mr Vice-chairman and fellow-members of the Otago Stock Exchange, I am proud this morning to be able to say "Ladysmith is relieved." After days and weeks of anxious waiting, we have received to-day the glorious news. I am proud of the fact that I am a Britisher, and rejoice in the knowledge that wherever the Union Jack floats no man need be afraid that his liberty will be challenged. How must those poor souls in far-distant Ladysmith feel to-day! What indescribable scenes of enthusiasm and even pathos must be witnessed there! Hearts which have been torn with anxiety and pain during the siege are now vibrating with feelings of joy and relief and, gentlemen, we share it. We sympathised with them, and now, in the grand triumph, we rejoice with them. — (Loud cheers.) Long live the Queen, may prosperity continue with the Empire, and juistice and mercy ever abide with our rulers, so that even our foes in the Dark Continent shall say: "We are happier under good Queen Victoria than under Kruger." — (Prolonged cheers.) The war is not yet finished, but with a man like Lord Roberts at the head there can only be one result. May the Great Ruler of the Universe hasten the day. — (Loud applause.) Gentlemen, I can say no more; my heart is too full. Rise with me in singing the grand old National Anthem.
Every member present then joined in singing not only the National Anthem, but every patriotic song and chorus which they had learned long years ago, including the evergreen. "Soldiers of the Queen." Cheers were given for her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. Lord Roberts, General Buller, "Fighting Mac," Major Robin, and other celebrities whose names have prominently figured during the war. Then, amidst a never-to-be-forgotten scene of indescribable loyalty and enthusiasm, the Chairman said: "Gentlemen, this Exchange stands adjourned until to-morrow morning"
The members then adjourned to the Grand Hotel, where the health of the Queen, the Army and Navy, Lord Roberts, and our forces in South Africa were toasted with musical honours. The following patriotic songs were sung, with full chorus, by the members: — Mr D. Larnach, "Soldiers of the Queen"; Mr A. Fogo, "Sons of the sea"; Mr H. Hanlon, "Red, white, and blue"; Mr J. G. Patterson, "Rule, Britannia"; Mr J. Hopkins, "The absent-minded beggar," "The old brigade," and "The death of Nelson."
EQUITABLE STOCK EXCHANGE.
The Equitable Stock Exchange met and unanimously decided to adjourn its business for the day.
The Chairman (Mr H. E. Muir) moved the adjournment in a fervent and patriotic speech. He referred to the glorious news received an hour or so previously regarding the relief of Ladysmith, and to the enthusiasm the receipt of that news had created in the city and throughout the British Empire. But great as that joy and jubilation had been in other parts of the Empire, he could well imagine it was nothing when compared with the joy and jubilation of the besieged garrison and inhabitants of Ladysmith when the relieving forces marched into the town on Wednesday last. The feelings of the relieved could be better imagined than described, but, he was sure that at least one feeling was paramount in the breasts of every man and woman relieved, and that feeling was that they had never lost faith and confidence in the ability and determination of their fellow-Britons to relieve them and to scatter the forces of the enemy. That faith and confidence, he was proud to say, had not been misplaced, and never would be while the great and glorious British Empire held together. The Ladysmith relief, coming as it did upon the top of the brilliant victory of Lord Roberts over General Cronje, was quite sufficient to justify the inhabitants of our city in displaying the enthusiasm they were doing at that moment. The relief of Ladysmith and the victory over Cronje, he took it, indicated that the Transvaal war would shortly be brought to a close. It must not be forgotten, however, that after the Transvaal had been conquered — as it would be conquered — it had to be governed, and in that government work would no doubt be found for colonial troops already there, and others that were being and were to be sent. Our people should not be too confident that when the Transvaal war ceased Britain's troubles were over. Cablegrams that had been published in the press indicated that possibly other war clouds were looming ahead, and that the motherland would perhaps be called upon to again ask her colonies to unite with her in maintaining the prestige of the British Empire by sending troops wherever they might be required. He felt sure, if the motherland ever made such a request, New Zealand would not be behindhand in contributing her quota of good, strong sons of the Empire. They could all understand that amid the wild excitement of band-playing, cheering, hurrahing, and patriotic singing, it was difficult to collect one's thoughts and give expression to feelings befitting so great an occasion. He was aware that in the endeavour to give expression to the sentiments that swelled in his heart that morning, his remarks had not been as coherent or connected as they might have been had there been longer time for reflection and preparation; but he felt assured that the unuttered swellings of his heart were understood by members, as they were identical with those of everyone present. He concluded by moving that the Exchange adjourn all its business for that day, and that its members take part in the triumphant procession that was to be formed in the Octagon that afternoon.
At the conclusion of the chairman's remarks, which were frequently applauded, enthusiastic and prolonged cheers were given for the British arms, Queen, and country.
COMPLIMENTARY PATRIOTISM.
A demonstration was made in the morning by a large number of working men in front of the residence of Mr James Robin, in the Octagon. The men, fresh from the task of their daily work, marched to the Octagon and lined up in front of the house of Major Robin's parents and sister. They comprised amongst other citizens the bulk of Messrs Reid and Gray's employees, and were accompanied by an efficient band, the members of which had hastily assembled. The bands played, and the men cheered as a means of expressing the sentiments of loyalty and patriotism and good-fellowship that were stirred to their depth by the good news that had been received. It was fitting that at an early hour such a demonstration should be specially directed towards the relatives of the man who is first in command of our fellow colonists at the front, and the desire was expressed to hear a few words from Major Robin's father.
Mr James Robin, who was much affected by the demonstration, said that he desired, on behalf of his family and himself, and of those who had sons and relatives fighting their country's battles in South Africa, and also for those now on the ocean, wishing they were at the front, to thank them most sincerely for their demonstration of loyalty to the Queen and sympathy with her soldiers. The people had long looked for the day when Ladysmith would be relieved. They had been convinced in their minds that this would eventually take place, but they did well to manifest their joy on the fulfilment of their heartfelt desire. He believed that the relief of Kimberley and Ladysmith would prove the turning-point in this disastrous war. For his part, he could not but feel proud as a colonist to think that when England appealed to her children across the seas they had responded nobly. Already we have given freely, and we were, he was sure, prepared to give as occasion might require. — (Applause.) Such demonstrations of loyalty as those now being made would be appreciated by her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and by our fellow subjects — the people of England. — (Cheers.) He hoped that that afternoon there would be such a display of enthusiasm and loyalty as had never before been witnessed in the colony. — [Note by reporter: And there was.]
THE OTAGO CLUB
There was great enthusiasm shown at the luncheon by the members of the Otago Club over the glorious news. Mr Theomin, as one of the oldest committeemen of the club, called on the Hon. T. Fergus, in the absence of the president (Mr J. C. Thomson), to say a few words. The Hon. T. Fergus, in a fervent speech, called on all to drink the health of the greatest sovereign that ever ruled over the British race and of our kin across the sea. He paid a great tribute to the services of the Irish regiments (for some have dared to express a doubt against the race), and he said that no greater heroism of Britain's sons could be found than that of her Irish soldier in this war in defence of the greatest civilising Power the earth had ever seen. He referred to what Sir John O'Shanesy had remarked in regard to a statement that war would soon be a thing of the past. Sir John said: "Never, so long as the tiger was in the man and it was Britain's job to keep the tiger down." and she was doing it nobly through the English, Irish, and Scotch, not forgetting the colonials, in the interests of civilisation. The toast was received vociferously amid the strains of "God save the Queen." Afterwards cheers for the army and the generals engaged in the Transvaal war were given, the toast of "Generals White and Buller " being cheered to the echo.
THE NEWS IN COURT.
The news of the relief of Ladysmith penetrated to the Supreme Court, and though there may be no reason to suggest that it was disconcerting to any appreciable degree, that it was felt was palpable. It was not openly recognised or commented upon at all, but that it was really not ignored by anyone present is "more than rather likely." The ringing of the bells told their tale, and the story was emphasised by the strains of patriotic music, instrumental and vocal, that invaded the precincts of the court. People unconsciously squared their shoulders, and hearts beat quicker as the National Anthem was played and sung again and again with greater fervour and increased volume, and the sound seemed consonant with the dignity of the court and to harmonise with its solemn and sacred functions. News of the occupation of Colesberg by the British spread through the courthouse, and the slight disturbance caused by vocal patriotism in the distance was sustained with equanimity. This is probably the first occasion when addresses in court were mingled with martial and patriotic music, but none complained, and the sounds of the popular demonstration were perhaps less disconcerting than the rumble of the cart or lorrie that so often dislocates the forensic eloquence of the Dunedin bar.
HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED IN THE SCHOOLS.
As soon as the Premier's message was received the chairman of the Education Beard (Mr J. J. Ramsay) took steps to inform all the head masters and children of the city schools that the day had been declared a public holiday.
At the Girls' High School the girls cheered and rang the bell till they broke the rope, banged the house gong, and were jubilant to a degree. At 9.30, when the school assembled, Miss Marchant said a few words about General White and the relief of Ladysmith, and called for cheers far the soldiers and for the Queen. These were given with mid excitement, amid the waving of handkerchiefs and clapping of hands. After singing the National Anthem, the school was dismissed for the day.
At the Caversham School the upper standards went inside and sung the National Anthem and cheered for Buller, White, Robin, and the New Zealand boys, and then dispersed. The infants and lower standards were told they could have a holiday before going inside the school.
At the High street School Mr J. W. Smith, the head master, formed the children up in the school yard, and, after addressing them, the National Anthem was sung, and the children saluted the flag and then dismissed.
At the Kaikorai School Mr W. C. Allnutt, head master, made a patriotic speech, and the children sang the National Anthem several times. After they were dismissed the teachers had a patriotic demonstration on their own account.
There were similar demonstrations at the various other schools in the city and suburbs.
JUBILATION IN THE CAMP,
The camp work on Friday was somewhat disorganised by the general jubilation at the relief of Ladysmith and the occupation of Colesberg. Nevertheless, some useful work was done. Captain Price and Lieutenant Freeman gave about 30 of the Southlanders a cross-country gallop over the fields on Mr Sidey's property above Allandale, and they again vindicated their reputation for splendid horsemanship. One man had a spill, but it seems impossible to hurt a Southlander, and, as in the rescue race at the floral fete, the victim of the mishap came through without much hurt. Captain Harvey had five squads doing serviceable drill on the beach in the morning, and the remainder were kept busy with manual and firing exercises in the park under Sergeant-major Knee.
When the news reached the park of the relief of Ladysmith the wildest manifestations of delight took place, and the men cheered until they were hoarse. Captain. Morris intimated the tidings to the men on the beach, and a similar outburst took place, but it was not till nearly midday that Captain Price's company heard a confirmed report of the great news.
All the afternoon parades were cancelled, and every available man in the camp got astride of a horse and came into town to join in the demonstration. Some had to ride with halter bridles and without saddles, but we venture to think that none would have been out of it without the greatest disappointment. Captain Harvey was in command, and the splendid ovation the officers and men received as they passed through the streets must have filled them with pride and pleasure. A concert was held in camp last night.
GENERAL ITEMS.
When the south express was about to leave the station yesterday morning it bore a conspicuous display of bunting on the engine. Connecting this with the news of the relief of Ladysmith, which had come to hand a few minutes previously, a would-be funny man asked: "Does this train go to Ladysmith?" "No," was the reply; "its going on to Pretoria."
"God save the Queen and Roberts" was frequently toasted yesterday.
Considering the very limited time, the volunteer turn-out yesterday was very creditable. After taking part in the procession, they marched back to the Garrison Hall, where the Garrison Band played the National Anthem, while every man stood at the salute. The parade state was as follows: — Battalion staff — Major Smith (in command), Captain and Adjutant Hislop, Sergeant-major McCallum, Quartermaster-sergeant Moncrieff; Dunedin Naval Artillery, 50; B Battery, 57; Dunedin Engineers, 60; A Company (City Guards), 20; D Company (North Dunedin Rifles), 25; E Company (Highland Rifles), 54; G Company (Dunedin City Rifles), 25; H Company (Dunedin Rifles), 44; Cycle Corps, 15; Bearer Company, 13; Garrison Band, 22 ; — grand total, 369.
By prior arrangement, the Rev. Canon King, when news of the relief of Ladysmith was received, had the bell of St. Peter's Church rung, which was soon taken up by other bells, etc., in Caversham.
The Bank of New Zealand staff sang patriotic songs before business began yesterday morning.
The whole of the Union Steam Ship Company's employees at Port Chalmers were granted a half-holiday yesterday.
Floral bombs were let off from the s.s. Flora while the procession was on.
The bell at the Colonial Bank building was rung for the first time for years.
Fitzgerald's Circus sent out their elephant yesterday afternoon to take part in the demonstration, while a number of the members of the company came out mounted on circus horses and ponies. As soon as the band parading the town reached Messrs Reid and Gray's premises all hands came out en masse and sang the National Anthem. Work was suspended for the day, the men marching with the band and joining in the cheering at the various stopping places. At the Central Battery, St. Clair, a flag was hoisted as soon as the news reached there.
Speight's Brewery marked the occasion by giving away beer to all who cared to drink to the success of the British troops. It was with that establishment a case of open house.
The Rev. Mr Bowden ordered the bell at St. Mary's, Mornington, to be rung for both Ladysmith and Colesberg. The occasion was celebrated at the Dunedin wharves by a display of bunting on the vessels in port, the blowing of whistles, and the firing of a gun from the deck of the Flora.
A remarkable feature of the day's demonstration was the absence of any serious accidents. In all the crush at the Octagon, when the crowd was at its densest, the horses and vehicles worked their way though quietly and carefully. The drivers displayed much more regard for the safety of pedestrians than they got any thanks for. Time after time people on the street would thrust their way under the heads of horses and among vehicles in a manner that was far from consistent with safety, but, with the exception of a child who got knocked over by one of the D.I.C. horses, no accidents have been reported. Further carelessness on the part of the public was noticeable on the return from the Oval. In the most indifferent manner possible, people walked along the middle of the street regardless of the traffic coming quickly up behind them, and only getting out of the way when the vehicles were nearly on them. It says volumes for the good driving and carefulness of the Dunedin cabmen and dragdrivers that nobody was knocked down and run over.
KRUGER BURNT IN EFFIGY.
It might have been thought that after the strong ebullition of feeling displayed during the afternoon the enthusiasm would to some degree have simmered down, but that was not so. Immense crowds of people thronged the streets in the evening, and from knots of these, ever and anon, cries of exultation and cheers broke forth. It seemed as if the citizens would never tire of paying tribute to the heroic actions of the British generals and soldiers by their vociferous outbursts. About half-past 7 o'clock a procession was formed in the vicinity of Frederick street. This was headed by the Citizens' Band, following which was a drag containing the effigy of Kruger, recently exhibited by Mr George Morgan at the floral fete, ad a number of enthusiasts bearing torches. The procession proceeded to the reclaimed ground, near where the circus tents have been pitched, gathering strength as it passed along George and Princes streets. Arrived at the locality named the figure of Kruger was produced from among the crowd of torch-bearers on the vehicle, and tried. The trial was, however, of the very briefest description, a gentleman mounting a drag and pronouncing a verdict of guilty, which was received with much approval. The sentence was not pronounced, but it speedily became evident that the President was to die a dual death — by hanging and by burning. An iron rod was raised on end from the ground, at the back of the drag, and, after some difficulty, during which time a good deal of badinage was kept up by the crowd as to what the drop was to be and so forth, Paul Kruger, in effigy, was hoisted into the air, and at the same moment fired. Here a catastrophe appeared to be likely to happen, for Paul, all ablaze, swung back on to the occupants of the drag, who pushed him energetically away from them. Then the drag moved slowly forward a few yards, the body swung round sideways, fell to the ground, and was immediately belaboured with sticks, the blows throwing up myriads of sparks. A few minutes sufficed to utterly consume the dummy figure, and the crowd dispersed.
About 10 o'clock, when there were still crowds thronging the streets, a case of apparently malicious damage to property occurred in George street. The premises of Messrs Lilly Bros., jewellers, were lighted up for a window display, and outside the front door was a transparency representing her Majesty the Queen. Whether this was offensive to the feelings of some pro-Boer or whether there was some other motive for the deed, an individual on the opposite side of the street was seen to hurl a large piece of road metal at the shop, and this pierced the transparency, crashed through the door of the shop, and smashed a mirror inside. Having done this, the culprit was observed to slip round the corner into St. Andrew street, where he disappeared, and, although the police have been communicated with, he has not yet been captured. Although the missile caused a great deal of damage, it certainly might have done more, for if it had struck on the head any of a number of persons who were in front of the store it is probable that the consequences would have been very serious.
CONGRATULATIONS,
His Excellency has forwarded the following cablegrams: —
To her Majesty the Queen: ''On behalf of your Majesty's loyal and loving subjects in New Zealand, I beg to offer hearty and sincere congratulations to your Majesty on the relief of your brave soldiers and subjects who have so long suffered at Ladysmith."
To Lord Dundonald and people of Ladysmith: "New Zealand congratulates you and your forces on relief Ladysmith."
To General Buller: "People of New Zealand delighted to hear of the relief of Ladysmith, and heartily congratulate you and your forces on ultimately overcoming the immense difficulties you have had to contend against."
To Sir George White: "The colony of New Zealand heartily congratulate you on being relieved. Your holding Ladysmith for so long a time against such odds is a most brilliant achievement, and your name, with those of your brave garrison, will be handed down in history."
His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm) wired to the Premier; "Congratulations on success. Have backed your efforts by proclaiming a public holiday and a monster demonstration at the Octagon at 2 o'clock."
PORT CHALMERS
As soon as the welcome news of the relief of Ladysmith reached Port Chalmers the Union Jack was hoisted on the signal station at Look-out Point, the Town Hall, Garrison Hall, District High School, and the various shipping offices displayed their ensigns, as did the vessels in the port, while many peals rang out from the bells of the churches and school, and the steam whistles at the factories lent powerful aid in celebrating the event.
The Port Chalmers District High School Committee decided to give the children a holiday in honour of the event, and when school was dismissed at noon the whole of them were marched down to the Custom House square, with flags flying, and were there addressed by Mr J. Rennie, B.A., the rector, who, after expressing the satisfaction he felt at the receipt of the news, informed the children the school committee had decided to grant them a half-holiday. — (Cheers.) He had also received a telegram to the same effect from the chairman of the Education Board, and he had much pleasure in complying with these requests. The children then gave hearty cheers for General White and Lord Roberts, sang "God save the Queen," and marched off.
GREEN ISLAND
On the news being received by telephone in Green Island, the local school bell rang for a quarter of an hour, the ensign was hoisted, and the whole of the scholars, from infants to seniors, formed a procession through the township, after which they assembled en masse and sang "God save the Queen" under the leadership of Miss Home. Cheers were then given for the Queen, Lord Roberts, General White, Major Robin, and our contingent. They then dispersed, and carried the joyful news throughout the district. To keep up the interest in the war the Green Island school children are contributing 1d per month, payable on the first of every month. On Thursday they paid their first contribution, which realised the sum of £1 5s 9d.
THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS.
The rejoicings throughout the country were as fervent as they were in Dunedin, and everywhere bunting was displayed and business more or less suspended, while the school children were given a holiday. His Worship the Mayor received the following telegram from the Mayor of Milton: — "Milton rejoicing Ladysmith release. Church bells ringing: factory and mill whistles blowing; flags flying. All business suspended." Tapanui was jubilant over the news. A school holiday was proclaimed, and the scholars devoted themselves to impromptu aquatic sports to celebrate the events of the day.
There was great jubilation at Balclutha. Flags were hoisted in various parts of the township, and the church bells rung. The public schools were, also dismissed. In the evening there was a procession and open-air demonstration, with patriotic speeches and songs.
On receiving news of the relief of Ladysmith the Warrington Church bell was wrung by Mr Kay, colours were worn, children singing, flags flying from houses, and everywhere rejoicing. Thanksgiving services were held yesterday in Warrington Church.
Our Lawrence correspondent writes: — When the news of the relief of Ladysmith reached here the town at once became alive with joyous excitement; church bells, school bells, fire bells, auctioneers' bells, hotel bells, steam whistles from dredges, chaffcutter engines, all swelled the welcome sounds. During the whole of the day the faces of nearly everyone look as if the owners had just received a long-expected remittance. The band turned out at night and played at the railway station and through the streets. Altogether the extreme tension that existed of late was somewhat relaxed, and we are quite proud of our British army, of which we can now claim to be at least a unit. Glorious harvesting weather, good crops, brisk business in building, and good results from mines all make the coming winter look less gloomy; and the good news from South Africa made Friday at least a happy time. -Otago Witness, 8/3/1900.
CITY COUNCIL
J. R. Kemp wrote suggesting that an improvement be made in the drinking cup at the fountain at Cargill's Monument, and that some additional seats be placed in the Triangle. He offered to donate £l towards the work. — Referred to the mayor to act. -Evening Star, 10/1/1801.
Anyone visiting Dunedin is struck by the decayed appearance of Cargill's monument, which is built of Oamaru stone and looks like a gigantic bride's cake — left out in the rain for 30 years. A valuable object lesson showing how the monument might easily be handsomely renovated, is now to be seen at Knox's church, George Street, the Oamaru stone of which is being painted white, and becoming a thing of beauty once more. -Bruce Herald, 26/2/1901.
A young man of the Mormon faith held an open-air meeting last night at Cargill's Monument. A large number of people, principally men, assembled in the vicinity, and although one Dunedinite engaged in a heated debate with the preacher the crowd on the whole were orderly, and inclined to listen attentively to the arguments of both parties. -Evening Star, 4/5/1901.
An orderly reception may have lulled the visiting Elders into a false sense of security, for their next appearance was not received quite as amicably.
MOBBING MORMON ELDERS.
ALMOST A RIOT.
The Mormon preachers who are at present in Dunedin had a particularly lively time of it on Saturday night and again last night. On Saturday night, when preaching at Cargill's Monument, the crowd, who consisted mostly of young fellows, became very disorderly, yelling and hooting incessantly, and finally rushed the preachers off the steps and along Princes street as far as the Octagon. The scene was one of great noise and not a little danger to the peace-loving members of the public, who were walking the streets. The Mormons, two in number, when they reached the Octagon made a bolt down Stuart street for the police station, the crowd following them. From 10 minutes past 9 until half-past 10 the Mormons took refuge with the police, and only left when the crowd had dispersed. Yesterday afternoon, subsequent to their meeting in the Rattray street Oddfellows' Hall, another demonstration was made against them. Last night the Mormon elders again took up their position at the Monument, and it was not long before opposition was shown to them. It increased considerably as the night wore on, and towards 8 o'clock the disturbance was so great as to almost amount to a riot. The Mormons had been forced to retire, and one or two others who followed, speaking against the Mormon doctrine, were not more kindly treated. The time limit was something under two minutes, and if the speaker did not desist water was thrown on him, much of which also reached the crowd. His Worship the Mayor, returning from church, noticed the disorderly mob; and saw Inspector Donaldson trying to prevent some larrikins from throwing water. Mr Denniston advanced, and recommended Mr Donaldson to send for the police, when the crowd, which consisted mostly of young fellows, evidently not recognising his Worship, commenced to hustle him somewhat, and it was not until they got into a better light that the mayor was recognised. Three cheers were then given for Mr Denniston, and the crowd, turning their attention again to the fountain, found a local preacher holding forth. He was followed by a Caversham justice of the peace, but to neither was much scope given, and the addresses terminated in disorder shortly before 9 o'clock, although a rowdy crowd hung round for a considerable time afterwards. -Otago Daily Times, 13/5/1901.
An expected return visit did not eventuate, so the assembled young gentlemen were forced to make their own amusement.
Our Dunedin Letter
(From Our Own Correspondent.) Dunedin, Saturday. We are always boasting of British fair play and freedom of speech. So far as I have seen during the last few years the boast is a mere figure of speech — in this colony. If you don't agree with the popular excitement of the hour, then you have no right to any freedom of speech or any fair play at all — you are an outcast for the time being, and are hounded down accordingly. The majority rules, and if you don't agree with it then you have no right to say so; this is, apparently, the up-to-date idea of the liberty of the subject — the liberty to slavishly agree with the majority, and the license to hoot those who don't! This new teaching was evidently the inspirer of the howling mob on Saturday night, which attacked the Mormon elders, who were preaching at Cargill's monument. When the Mormons had ceased preaching they were suddenly rushed by the hoodlum mob, and with difficulty escaped. Two of them fled the scene, by way of Princes street, followed by an excited and yelling mob, the whole street being in a state of uproar for some time. Finally, the Mormons cleared down Stuart street, and managed to safely reach the Police Station.
On Saturday night thousands of people gathered at the monument waiting for the baiting of the Mormons, but they, wise in their generation, escaped martyrdom by not turning up to the sacrifice. The hoodlums disappointed of their prey, rushed around the monument, yelling and hooting like yahoos. The few police present failed to quieten them, and the new mayor failing to do so, suggested sending for more police. This added excitement to the yahoos, who made things lively for the mayor by hustling him, and knocking his belltopper off. He therefore promptly took to his heels, and fled into the Grand Hotel. Finally, after more horse play the mob gradually dispersed. I don't pretend to admire the religion of "The Latter Day Saints," sans plurality of wives or with it; but I consider that its disciples have a right to some freedom of speech, and a little protection from mob tyranny, just as much as several other fantastic religions. -Bruce Herald, 21/5/1901.
THE LARRIKIN BLIGHT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — "We have the larrikin blight very bad all over the Flat," said a friend, as he noticed me eyeing his mutilated garden fence, pointing to some choice plants that had been uprooted. He said: "The destroying animal did that mischief last night; it takes quite a sum of money to make good his depredations during the year, but I suppose you have had some experience of his fiendish ways in the City?"' Yes, I could a tale unfold, I have seen the larrikin in full fig at the Cargill Monument; I have noticed that they congregate at street-corners, in doorways, and under verandahs, their restless eyes glancing up and down the street, always on the watch for devilment and the policeman. The larrikin is no respecter of persons; he destroys the property of the well-to-do and the poor alike, nor does he consider sex or rank when he pours forth a stream of filthy words. The larrikin's ideal occupation is to destroy property and to harass the lives of peaceful citizens. He is one remove from the habitual criminal — in that he works during the day. He is not very formidable, to look at — just a boy from any age up to twenty — but come across a gang of them, as I did in the Jubilee Park playing "pitch and toss" on a recent Sunday, and you will be asking yourself "Who is responsible for this social blight." Is he the product of irreligious education, or can his want of moral fibre be traced directly to the influence of the "penny dreadful,"' or is he created by the leniency of magistrates and justices of the peace? Be the reason what it may, we have the plague in our midst, and how best to deal with it is the question. I may be wrong, but in my view when the larrikin is brought before the Court he ought to be taken seriously, and his punishment should be short, sharp, undignified. Probably no sentence would be more efficacious than forty-eight hours' imprisonment, solitary confinement, bread and water diet. There is no glory in this, but through it the larrikin might see the error of his ways and be cured of ruffianism — a result beneficent alike to himself and the community.
— I am, etc., Aaron Jakeway. -Evening Star, 21/5/1901.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (excerpts)
...that the question of regulating street preaching at Cargill's Monument has been referred to the General Committee, this committee not being able to see their way to make any recommendation re fencing the monument.
The town clerk has been instructed to communicate with the inspector of police re taking steps to prevent boys and others from climbing on and injuring Cargill's Monument. -Evening Star, 9/7/1901.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I notice that Cargill's Monument is now used for advertising purposes, and that apparently there are two spaces to let on the frame erected. Could you inform me who is the proper party to apply to for advertising spaces?
— I am, etc., RATEPAYER. March 20. -Evening Star, 20/3/1902.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — It was with feelings of regret when passing down Princes street this, the Sabbath, and fifty-fourth Anniversary Day of the province, to notice the Cargill's Monument draped with an advertisement announcing that a "military display" would take place at the Forbury on the morrow. Shades of the first settlers! Was it ever intended to use this or any other monument for such a purpose? There are plenty hoardings all over the city. I don't know who are on this Military Committee, but, like Cousin Jonathan, I should guess the names are Scotch. Save the bawbees. Some o' the unco guid will say they'll "hae nae luck."
— I am, etc., St. Andrew. March 23. -Otago Daily Times, 25/3/1902.
UP-TO-DATE ADVERTISING.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir — if I had an entertainment or a quack nostrum or a Prohibition meeting to advertise, would I be allowed to stick up big posters, say, on the Burns statue or the “Chapman" monument? If not, then can you tell me by whose authority the Cargill monument has been so disfigured, and which of our wonderfully-obliging authorities is responsible for allowing this disfigurement to continue? How delightfully "advanced” we must seem to any admiring visitor who is accustomed to find such things tyrannically forbidden in the old, played-out cities in Great Britain and elsewhere.
— I am, etc., Vandal. March 25.
P.S. — Might I suggest that the military tournament people should go a little lower down (in the Triangle). A memorial is erected there to another of our pioneer men, and, being on the way to the station, would catch a good many eyes if artistically draped. -Evening Star, 25/3/1902.
Our Dunedin Letter
The promoters of the Military Display evidently know the value of advertising. They approached the Mayor and Town Clerk for permission to use Cargill's monument to advertise their show. This modest request was very properly declined, but the undaunted committee promptly became a law unto themselves, and used the monument as an advertising site, regardless of the civic authorities. By so doing they secured a splendid advertisement for the display, and woke up the whole of Dunedin and Otago to the fact that the display is going to take place on Monday — weather permitting. The idea was a smart one, because the Committee not only got a splendid standing advertisement on the monument, but were assisted by anonymous writers rushing into print wholesale to express their righteous indignation at the vandalism. So that the promoters now have the satisfaction of knowing that their show has been advertised all over Otago, in a cheap if rather audacious manner. Outside that, however, given good weather the display ought to be worth going a long way to see. -Bruce Herald, 1/4/1902.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — The time has now arrived for the municipal authorities to take a firmer hand a — Seddonian one — to enforce the carrying out and the keeping clear the congregating of persons in and around the immediate vicinity of the Cargill Monument, on account of the congested state of the traffic in that particular and cramped-up small triangular part of the City. The Salvation Army might take the hint, or have the good taste to abandon or vacate that old-established stand before coercive measures are taken to do so, and thereby set or give a good example to some of our so-called preachers, also ice cream, patent medicine men, and vendors of other “notions,” crank politicians, and more particularly those who have “bees” — religious ones — "in their bonnets." An entertainment — a comic one, judging from the loud roars of laughter — took place at the monument last night (Sunday) between the hours of eight and ten o’clock, and I almost blush to admit I was there and listened to a medley or a ‘'hash up” of 100 wagers, the quality and purity of a certain herbal beer, the new and amended Licensing Bill, and also that of the Salvation Army competing against the Chinese in cutting down the prices (without oatmeal soap) for washing dirty linen below a living wage.
— I am, etc., LARGO LAW. November 2. -Evening Star, 3/11/1902.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — The "scenes" which take place at the Cargill Monument on Sunday evening are a nuisance, and why the police and municipal authorities allow such exhibitions to take place is anything but creditable to them. Last night was simply a pandemonium, several "cranks" trying to speak at the same time. The "chief" exponent of the Hades question retired from the "scene" before nine o'clock, and immediately afterwards another "crank" took possession and "held forth," giving his views or imaginations of that much-discussed and far-away place — a place he described as being much warmer than Siberia. Seriously speaking, the nuisance should be put a stop to.
— I am etc, St. Andrew. November 29. -Evening Star, 30/11/1902.
AT THE FOUNTAIN.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — The irrepressible Mr J. Neil, in your to-day's issue, makes bold to say that "saints are not infallible," referring probably to "the Fountain saints," or cranks, but not to the patron saints of England, Ireland, and Scotland; and, further, when trying to Van Winkle or wriggle out of the different charges made against him in his hotch-potch addresses at having seen policemen in uniform behind the dandelion bars, he now meekly says it wasn't in New Zealand where he noticed the Balm of Gilead flirtations going on, but in the City of New York.
Being of rather an inquisitive or Paul Pry turn of mind, I make a visit (not under police protection) to the Cargill Monument on Sunday evenings to listen to the unadulterated blather of S.V.E. sermons poured out by the gallon by the irresponsible necromancer or fakir under the name of religion. If Mr Neil reckons he has a right to hold forth for the benefit of his fellowmen and finds that the Fountain space is too circumscribed for his comic entertainment, the Oval — the dumping ground (25 acres) for the city inanimate rubbish — would, I am sure, be at his disposal free. He could there, with Dr McGregor's permission, give lectures, with personal illustrations, on "Natural Theology and the Knowledge of Angels and Spirits?" from a lord Bacon physical and metaphysical point of view.
— I am, etc., St. Andrew. December 31.
Dahlias! Dahlias! — To clear stocks we offer for this month only our choice collection of Cactus Dahlias of best-named sorts at 10s 6d per dozen, post free. To get advantage of this cheap offer early, application is necessary. — Nimmo and Blair, Dunedin. — Advt.
The highest-shot-tower in the world is at Villach, in Australia. The fall is 249 ft.
In cases of dropsy and gout WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS is recommended. -Otago Daily Times, 2/1/1904.
Passing Notes
At some time in the past Dunedin must have held the name of its founder in honour. There is a Mount Cargill adjacent; somewhere in the suburbs there is a Cargill road. In the city itself, near to the middle of it, stands the Cargill Monument. No site could be worse, the level being the lowest available, so that from three sides as you approach you descend upon the monument and look over the top of it. That perhaps is a small thing. But it is not a small thing that the name of Cargill should be defiled by all the dogs of the city; nor does it seem fitting that a Cargill Monument should serve not only as the resort of loafers and vagabonds but as a preaching-stand for strange doctrines. The irony of this last desecration is extreme. Captain Cargill was an orthodox Presbyterian, not less sound in the faith than Dr Burns himself whose memorial column stands unapproachable within the Octagon fence, and a good deal sounder than the other Burns who, on the opposite side, enjoys a similar protection. Yet from the steps of the Cargill Monument howl preachers of a kidney that Captain Cargill in the good old days would have chased out of his bailiwick, vi et armis, or would have clapped under ward on Bell Hill. If the Cargill Monument cannot be moved from its present place of ignominy, let it be fenced. If it cannot be fenced, let the Kirk Sessions of the city incur the expense of a charge of dynamite. Civis. -Otago Daily Times, 16/1/1904.
A STRANGE CONTRAST.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Last night when passing along Princes street, between nine and ten o'clock, I was partly surprised to see or hear another new addition — evidently a "new chum" holding forth at the Cargill Monument to what might be termed a "thin house," and on the other side, in Rattray street, facing the Bank of New Zealand, the street was packed to an "overflowing''' house with an "intelligent" and appreciative audience watching the performances of a travelling showman or juggler revolving a tin-plate on the end of a birch or some other sort of rod, evidently to the delight of a large number of boys who were perched about "all over the shop" watching the proceedings. The "new chum" preacher will more than likely appear at the Fountain next Sunday evening, when probably he'll accept the £100 challenge thrown out by someone during his last "performance" there. The City Corporation are making great improvements in that "crank" part of the City by laying down an asphalt floor, and while they are making these improvements a few garden seats (movable) would materially assist in making these shows go off with a little more comfort.
— I am, etc., — St. Andrew. January 20. -Evening Star, 20/1/1904.
CUSTOM-HOUSE SQUARE.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I was pleased to notice a local in your yesterday's issue calling attention to the Cargill Monument as being the favorite vantage ground of the stump orator. The apathy of the authorities in allowing the monument to be used as a rostrum for all the "local celebrities," including strangers, who have an equal right to have a go-as-you-please argument on matters Socialistic, materialistic, and semi-religious, is quite a mystery to more than myself. A few weeks ago, for a wonder, the roadway wasn't blocked on a Sunday evening, as usual, on account one of our so-called local preachers only having one of an audience, probably on account of his harangues getting as stale as old bread. So long as the Salvation Army are allowed to block the traffic in Rattray street opposite the Bank of New Zealand, others reckon they have equal rights to take the law into their own hands, if not interfered with. The street nuisance in Dowling street is also becoming intolerable on Saturday nights to those who are forced to live in the neighborhood — not only to them, with whom I can sympathise, as at times the bellowing of one or two old stagers can be heard a hundred yards away; and still a long-suffering community have to put up with these "highclass" entertainers. I don't blame the police altogether, as some four months ago a good young man was charged before Mr Graham, S.M., for causing a block in the traffic in Moray place on Sunday evenings. The case was dismissed with a caution, on the understanding that the said young man and his associates would move on to fresh fields and pastures. As the pocket was not touched, the same "push" still defy the authorities.
— I am, etc., Largo Law. December 10. -Evening Star, 10/12/1904.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Last night (Sunday) was an extra busy night at the Monument after the Salvation Army retreated to the Dowling Street Barracks. The field, or base of the Monument, was immediately taken possession of by two strangers, who, with the assistance of two of our local celebrities, held the fort for nearly three hours, giving their different theological mixtures gratis to a record audience — so much so, that the crowd at times encroached right over to the tramway track, thereby causing pedestrians to make a wide detour off the "straight" path, with the risk of bumping up against the electric tramcars. One of the quartet was still quite willing to lay the odds against a certain warm place — a place often preached about by fond mothers to their children — as being quite mythical, preachers (?) also imagine that their migratory audiences swallow everything they say as being proved Gospel. If these poor and misguided individuals only know the sentiments of the audience they would take a trip to the Warrington district for the benefit of their health, and take to fishing for groper instead of for souls. Apart from that view of the matter, the police keep the footpath clear on opposite or Grand Hotel side, which everyone will admit is quite right and proper: but why the Monument side should be allowed to go to grass is a bit of a conundrum to more than one citizen. "Oh! the pity of it," that the base of the Cargill Monument should be the Dogger Bank for cranks to settle their childish disputes. If they would only migrate to the Southern Recreation Reserve and have it out there I am sure of this: they would find plenty of room to peg away at each other without running the risk of going over the tip.
— I am, ete., Ringarooma January 23. -Otago Daily Times, 24/1/1905.
DISGRACEFUL PROCEEDINGS.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Following up my last letter under the nom de plume of "Ringarooma." I then stated I would make it my business to watch the proceedings or, rather, "scenes" to be enacted at the Cargill Monument next Sunday evening (last night). I visited the vicinity, or thereabouts, for two hours, to note the semi-religious seriocomic proceedings, which, without doubt, put all previous entertainments into a cocked hat, if I may so use the term. The "boss" entertainer had strong opposition from more than one rival, and for a defender a State school teacher (who had a warm time of' it) tried to explain the phenomenon of the sun standing still for 24 hours. At this stage of the proceedings the "boss" appointed himself chairman, which brought forth loud laughter of derision. The meeting at times became uncontrollable, through three or four persons claiming the "floor" of the house at the same time. These proceedings gave vent to roars of laughter, yelling, hooting, and booing, mingled with roaring like a lot of larrikins let loose. And these "scenes" go on pretty well every Sunday night, under the name of religion. The audience broke up amidst the greatest uproar I have ever witnessed — and that is saying a good deal. When will these proceedings be put a stop to? Apparently the authorities are powerless in the matter. I may here mention that I am neither a Sunday school teacher nor even a Prohibitionist, but some of my kind friends might say, "Oh! the pity of it." However, that is my business, whether they like or not.
— I am etc., Andrew W. BREMNER. January 30. -Otago Daily Times, 2/2/1905.
Passing Notes
Sunday nights in the heart, of the city at what is called "The Fountain" are under the patronage of his Worship the Mayor and the City Council. Their implicit patronage — since, clearly; they permit what they might prevent. On this view I take leave to remind them that what the newest of new iniquities designate in their ignorance. The Fountain is the Cargill Monument, a memorial erected to the founder of settlement and civilisation in Otago. Poor Captain Cargill! It is well that he suspected not the ironic distinction reserved for his name. Captain Cargill was an orthodox man, true blue; yet his memorial stone is the pulpit whence loud-tongued ranters bawl out heresies he would have reckoned blasphemous. That the place should be defiled by all the dogs of Dunedin is comparatively a trifle. But it is no trifle that it should be the Sunday night tryst of howling larrikins and mountebank street preachers. If the City Council has any trace of conscience, any rudimentary feeling for public decency, it will take this scandal into its worshipful consideration. Have we no by-laws for such case made and provided? If we have not, nor can have, then make and provide a sufficient fence — something in chevaux de frise, barbed wire and iron spikes. But it is not the council only that is in fault. Of the blame and the shame no small part attaches to Captain Cargill's brither Scots and co-religionists. It is a singular fact that though "The Fountain" is a synonym for everything grotesque and objectionable we sing in steepled kirks "Will you meet me at the Fountain?" and to each other make reply, "Yes, I'll meet you at the Fountain!" Civis. -Otago Daily Times, 25/2/1905.
ANOTHER INSPECTOR WANTED.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Apart from the new inspectorship of drains, the time has now arrived for the City Council to appoint one who has studied the philosophy of mental science. Briefly put, my reason for saying so is that last night (Sunday) a gentleman occupied part of the Cargill Monument for an hour addressing three or four of an audience, and another with three of his brethren, at the corner of St. Andrew and George streets, roared himself hoarse when addressing the passers-by — needless to say, without making any impression except one of pity. On Saturday night, in Dowling street and at the corner of Moray place and George street, similar scenes were witnessed: hence my reason for saying that an inspector should be appointed to look after the welfare of those who are mentally afflicted, or in other words, have lost their ballast.
— I am, etc., SYMPATHISER. June 12. -Evening Star, 12/6/1905.
CITY BY-LAWS.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir. — "A Public Citizen," in your to day's issue, calls attention to the disgusting and abominable habits of smokers expectorating — vulgarly known as spitting — on the city footpaths. It is a difficult matter for the police, when in uniform, to catch a person in the act, more especially when our streets are crowded. Where the dirty habit is most observed, is on Sunday evenings, where hundreds congregate at the Cargill monument for about two hours to hear matters religious and irreligious discussed amongst the fumes of tobacco smoke. It was only last Sunday night that a "breeze" took place between two well-known citizens over matters of very little moment, which at the same time gave a lot of amusement to the smoking and expectorating audience. I don't know if the Inspector of Nuisances ever gives the place, a look up whilst these, open-air meetings are in progress. These fountain orators take upon themselves to block up that part of the monument where those who are in want of a corporation water tap are accustomed to adjourn to when clear. Apart from that, it may as well here state that the city is neglected for the want of drinking fountains. Just fancy six for a city with 50 000 population, and such as they are there is always some of them on the sick list - either dry or cupless. I have before now called attention to the neglected states of the Victoria Gardens, where the Harris fountain is situated, where no provision is made for the hundreds — old and young — who visit the place daily. Such a state of dryness wouldn't even be tolerated in a prohibition city.
The corporation, in its wisdom, has seen fit to fix two notice boards at the gateways to the Victoria Park, announcing that "Dogs will not be allowed." That is a momentous and prodigious step to take; so perhaps, when we can supply the North East Valley Borough with water at 6d per l000gal., the corporation will be able to distribute or reticulate 10 or 20 "heads" — if I may so term them —throughout the city. Personally, it doesn't matter to me, as I haven't the slightest intention of joining the ranks of the prohibition army — not at all events, while the milk is unadulterated and the soda-water pure.
— I am, &c., Arawata. October 26. -Otago Daily Times, 1/11/1906.
DUNEDIN LETTER.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
We have begun to wave the red shirt On Saturday last, to the blare of trumpets and the tinkle of passing bells, we took possession of that platform of liberty, that standard of revolt, that beacon of freedom, known as Cargill's Monument, or Fountain. There, for one solid hour and a bit over, we struck a blow at tyranny, blocked the street, and impeded the traffic. It was a glorious sight. From those steps whereon many martyrs' feet have trod, ever wet as they are with the dews and drops of dripping cups, there came forth a stentorian call, "To arms! to arms! my countrymen, to liberty or death!" 'Neath the glare of the Corporation's electric light, amid the rush and tear of Corporation cars, to the strains of the Salvation Army Band, surrounded by the Customs House and Government Insurance buildings and other visible marks of bloated and plundering capital, we preached and heard the first verses of the first chapter of the new-old gospel that is going to give us something for nothing and to return to us what was formerly stolen. In after years — when centuries have rolled by and the 41b loaf weighs ten pounds and is given away at the street corner with a gallon of beer (just like we used to feed Guy Fawkes) to every little girl on her way home from the University-Primary the artist of that date will paint (for nothing) for an adoring band of smiling lunatics, all of whom are dressed alike, look alike, and grumble alike, a picture of Cargill's Fountain as it was on the great evening of the Redemption of the Human Race, March 7, 1908.
Were all the coin that wicked men now boodle, And all the "hoof" that should belong to us,
Shared out to every loafer "bum," and noodle, They wouldn't ever be this bloomin' fuss.
Which reminds me. We do not all appreciate as we should the privilege that is ours. True, it is the fate of reformers to suffer ridicule, and those of Dunedin proved no exception. One orator with arm extended, eyes in line frenzy rolling fresh from the barber and waving an Evening Star ('rag' he called it) in his hand, poured forth a torrent of eloquence on the rights of man, the sins of the Ward Government, the need for change and the wisdom of the I.P.L.L. creed and as he spoke he opened his mouth ("naturally" you say) and the cavity was wide, deep and dark. "Keep your mouth shut, Billy" cried an irreverent one from the crowd "or you'll have one of these ere motor cars agoing down it."
I sighed. I felt depressed. I could have shed tears. Mans' inhumanity to man makes countless thousands squirm. And the base ingratitude of it all. Tom and Harry and Jack after a hard half day's work devote their Saturday evening to providing a large and unintelligent section of the community with amusement. They take possession of the Cargill Fountain steps, where not so long ago a herbalist was wont to enlighten seventeen small boys, five grinning adults, and two and a-half women with his views on conditional immortality (whatever that is) the King's household, the late Mr Seddon and other things of which he knew nothing, and all the audience give in return is some plebian vulgarism that would shock the sensibility of any Socialist of refinement. Every man who adds to the gaiety of nations is entitled to our praise, every baker who puts up the price of bread is deserving of thanks; every contractor who passes on an Arbitration Court Award to the consumer is worthy of imitation; every councillor who has been Mayor has a right to retire into that obscurity out of which he ought never to have come, and every Labor-Socialist who is Independent and every Social-Laborist who is Dependent and every man who wishes to better himself is at liberty to hail Mr A R Barclay, M.P., as a new prophet and to spout glibly at the Monument if he so desires. This is a free country. Let us hope it will remain so. And, anyway, earnestness is better than the contemptuous indifference of the comfortably off. -Bruce Herald, 16/3/1908.
THE GAMBLING EVIL
Sir, — In reading over the annual police report recently published my eye was arrested by the statement that street betting had been greatly reduced under the new Gaming Act. It is much to be regretted that, so far as betting in Dunedin is concerned, the above statement is absolutely and undeniably untrue. There are none so blind as those who will not see. For those who will believe the evidence of their own eyes, it is only necessary to stand at any spot in the neighbourhood of Cargill's Monument, and from that stand betting can be seen going on openly at the Rattray street corner, in the middle of the street, and at Brown's corner of the Stock Exchange Buildings. On two days of last week, with a friend, I whiled away half an hour watching the proceedings. On the first occasion it was Grand National day in Christchurch, and scores of bets were recorded in my view. On the day following paying and receiving was the vogue — settling day it is called, — and the money was changing hands in full view of everyone passing. It was an education to stand and observe the methods pursued on settling day. Two or three of these lawbreakers, who lay only "tote" odds, stand back to back in the open street; by so doing they have eyes for the police or their spies facing in every direction. Several of these little groups of three or four take up their stands in different places. From what I could make out, fully 20 men laying "tote" odds were operating every day last week on the Christchurch races and trots. Members of the Police Force were constantly passing.
I might tell you that these "tote" betters are most accommodating. The result of each race, and, mark you, the dividend as well, are telegraphed through immediately the different races are over. Provided those "tote" odds merchants have not been struck too heavily, a winner can receive his money practically before the next race on the card is started. If the layer has fielded too strongly against the winner and the means to pay are a minus quantity, you do not see him again for weeks, or months perhaps, until the storm has blown over — he is a "tote" better or welsher according to circumstances. It is remarkable to note that Parliament, in its wisdom, decreed that the newspapers must not make public the dividend, but the telegraph lines can, and do. The thousands of betting telegrams which annually go over the wires help to swell the Dominion's revenue. The newspaper proprietors received no payment for publishing dividends, but had to pay for the privilege. In this city the corporation has licensed billiard saloons, which are run by layers of "tote" odds, and it is worth inquiring why the telephone is laid on to them. The public is supposed to understand that telephones are kept by these people so that customers can ring them up and engage the next table for a game of billiards! The leading bookmakers here were driven out of their offices, which they kept for the purpose of their business, but several men are allowed to carry on letting under other guises — in the open streets and in the doorways of shops — without let or hindrance; and if the layer's customer is a cut above the common run, a wink, and resort is made to the tobacconists' shops. If you have any doubts, Sir, about what I write, I shall be pleased to pass half an hour with you in the Square next raceday, and even undertake to got "a little bit on" at "tote" odds if desired. When the football matches were played against Britain large numbers of betting men were present at Carisbrook doing business, and in many cases they made themselves exceedingly obnoxious to spectators. It is useless for anyone to deny the truth of what I have written. Among the large number of loafers who frequent the neighbourhood of Cargill's Monument, how many have sufficient means to exist without doing something? Does anyone ever hear of their being at work? Never. At all times they are at their posts, but great activity is apparent only on race-days. They hang about with eyes which seek out the last coin from the pockets of all classes in the community, even to the message boys' sixpences. They block the streets, expectorate on the paths or on anything that happens to be in the line of fire, and some of these use foul language in the hearing of ladies and other passers-by, but what care they. They toil not, neither do they spin, but they flourish on the "lambs." How much longer are our streets to be infested with them? The question is how to lesson the growing evil. The remedy is at hand if the powers that be choose to use it without fear or favour: prevent the transmission of race results by wire from racecourses or from racing venues to other centres till the day's events are completed and especially prevent the dividends from crossing the wires. Ninety per cent, of the betting done by men and boys who invest in one race at a time, beginning at the first. They do not invest in the second race till they know the result of the first and the dividend as well. If they do not get this information they stop speculating for that day. Herein lies the crux of the evil, and the probability of its being some day enforced is the "tote" betters' night-mare.
-I am, etc., Eyes Open. August 19. -Otago Daily Times, 22/8/1908.
DUNEDIN CITY CORPORATION.
TENDERS, will be received in the Town Clerk's Office, Town, Hall, Octagon, Dunedin, until 5 o'clock p.m. on WEDNESDAY, the 9th day of March, 1910; for the ERECTION and CONSTRUCTION of a PUBLIC UNDERGROUND URINAL at the North-east side of Cargill's Monument, Custom House square.
Plans, specifications, and general conditions of contract may be seen at the Office of the City Engineer, Town Hall.
R. W. RICHARDS, Town Clerk. Dunedin, March 1, 1910. -Otago Daily Times, 2/3/1910.
The "NZ Truth" is always good for a few lines of colourful copy. It was determined to "tell it like it is" - or, at least, take what it was and tell it in an entertaining way. In this story we see downtown Dunedin "as it was."
JOYOUS JOYCE.
HAS REASON TO BE PLEASED.
A Close Shave.
There are many men like Martin Joyce. Martin is an industrious and respectable member of society— to a certain extent. He goes put into the country and works hard — for a spell. Then he comes into town for a spell. In town he does in his brass like a good 'un, and endeavors to have a good time on the money of other fellows, which is not often done without leading to trouble. One such spell in town terminated recently. On February 21, Trap Smith, while engaged in tramping pavements in Princes-street, Dunedin, saw Martin lying among some trees in Market Reserve. With him were two other men, to one of whom Martin seemed to be giving "a bit of a shake up." The peeler investigated, and arrested the man who was being shaken up, for drunkenness. The arrested individual remarked to Martin, "I suppose you think you are smart because you pinched my few bob," and accused said to the "John," "That is strange, because I have been looking after him."
The Good Samaritan tale wouldn't work, and Martin was taken to the station on the complaint of his companion, who, however, was too drunk to formulate a proper charge, and Martin had to be released. The incident in Market Reserve occurred in the morning, and on the afternoon of the same day a man named Begle complained to the police that Martin had taken his hat and torn it to pieces because he was refused 2s to purchase drink.
On the night of the same day Joyce was seen at the lower end of Princes street in company with a half-drunken man; and Station-Sergeant King took the trouble to warn him: that if he didn't get out of town he would be introduced to the nick.
Joyce came to town on February 19, and on that day was seen in the company of a convicted thief named McNamara. He kept the lowest of company, and numerous complaints were made of drunken men being robbed by him. On February 22 Joyce was seen sitting, in a drunken condition, on the Cargill monument in the Triangle with James Martin, who was recently convicted of vagrancy. It may be recollected that Martin was convicted in company with a woman who lived with him as his wife. When the arrest of these parties was made by Sergeant Willis, Martin was found in the house, which was a resort for low characters generally.
When Joyce came before the Dunedin police court on Monday to answer a charge of being an idle and disorderly person, he naturally had something to say in reply to the big swag of police evidence that was given against him. He said had had £32 when he came to Dunedin,. The contretemps in Market Reserve in which Peeler Smith took a hand was capable of a very simple explanation. Accused and two other fellows went into the reserve for the purpose of getting rid of a couple of bottles of beer. A barney started over the consumption of the limpid liquid, and Martin tried to separate the other two when they took to each other, the "slop" swooping down in the midst of the struggle. As to his means of subsistence — he had started shearing in November last, and since then had done some harvesting. He wasn't going to try to deny that he had been knocking about with drunken men, but be had been drinking, too, and the men were men he had worked with in the country. He had been out of Dunedin for nine months, having left in July last, and some years he wouldn't be in the town at all.
In cross-examination, Sub-Inspector Phair elicited further interesting details. After being employed on a station near Timaru, Martin went to Christchurch, where he stayed a week. He didn't get any work — he didn't look for it. The charms of the Cathedral City cleaned him out, and he had to pad the hoof back to the south. On his way to Dunedin, after finishing a job he got, he stayed two days at Ashburton. He was sure he didn't spend much money there - there was no drinking.
The Sub-Inspector smole a large smile.
Martin cheerfully owned up to the following little lapses: — l90l, drunkenness; 1905, theft, a month; 1906, three months for obscene language, drunkenness (twice); 1907, drunkenness (three times), thirty days for theft; 1908, assault in Dunedin, one month, drunkenness (twice), six months for theft; 1909, drunkenness, a month for being drunk and disorderly.
Magistrate Bartholomew said accused hadn't been long in town, and probably his downfall was attributable to the company he had kept, but he would be given the benefit of the doubt and be discharged, but he would have to do a mike out of town.
Joyce was pleased at his let off — hence, the heading, "Joyous Joyce." -NZ Truth, 5/3/1910.
The Joyous Mr Joyce's "let off" was not enjoyed for long. The next month he was arrested for drunkenness. His performance on being arrested led to charges of resisting arrest, using obscene language and damaging the cab he was pushed into to take him to the station without further inconvenience to the good people of Dunedin.
Corporation workmen started this morning to pick up the asphalt on the east side of the Cargill Monument, thus preparing to dig the site for the underground convenience. -Evening Star, 30/3/1910.
PASSING NOTES.
(From Saturday's Daily Times.)
Dear "Civis," — In this age of anniversaries it is interesting to know that one will fall on the 27th September which will more or less concern old Otago people. I am thinking of the battle of Busaco, fought just 100 years ago — 27th September, 1810, — between Wellington and Massena in the early days of the Peninsular War. Our Captain Cargill was in that battle, and was wounded in the knee and invalided Home, where he remained for three years, when his hurt strangely recovered and he was enabled to rejoin the army. He took part in the great battle of Vittoria, and later on was present at Waterloo. It is interesting to know that his regiment, the 74th Highlanders, at an earlier date, took part in the battle of Assaye, the great Duke's historic victory. — Yours faithfully, Student."
"The great Duke's historic victory," September 23, 1803 — "the great Duke" being not yet the great Duke but General Wellesley — has its due place in the historic Ode:
This is he that far away
Against the myriads of Assaye
Clashed with his fiery few and won.
Amongst that fiery few were the 74th Highlanders, who then and there — say the books — "came under a hotter fire than any troops had ever before encountered in India." Seven years later, September 27, 1810, a hundred years ago on Tuesday next, — I am obliged to my correspondent for reminding me of the date — the 74th Highlanders were on the crest of the hill at Busaco, the scene of as stern a fight. We may not pass without note the centenary of our Peninsular victories, Busaco least of all; when, retreating before Massena — a deep-laid strategic retreat, with a long-prepared surprise in reserve — Wellington turned and greatly stood at bay. It was at Busaco that General Foy, who attacked at the head of one of Massena's columns and was carried off the field wounded, obtained that private and personal experience of the British which enabled him to tell Napoleon on the morning of Waterloo, as both stood scanning the British lines which ought to have vanished during the night but were obstinately "still there": "Sire, les Anglais en duel" — man to man for a fight to a finish — "c'est le diable!" It will interest every Otago man that Captain Cargill was at Busaco, and carried from it honourable scars. I suggest to the City Council that on the centenary day, Tuesday next, they go in procession to the Cargill Monument carrying wreaths. Strictly, they ought to appear there in white sheets to do penance for the condition to which their neglect has reduced the memorial of a gallant soldier. -Otago Witness, 28/9/1910.
The construction of the underground convenience in Customs-house, square, alongside Cargill's monument, has now been completed and the hoarding removed. A neat iron railing has been constructed, round the top of the convenience, which has two stairways leading down to it. Two caretakers have yet to be appointed. They will take a. shift of eight hours each, and will probably be selected from the older employees of the Corporation. -Evening Star, 8/11/1910.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I noticed to-day a considerable amount of scaffolding surrounding Cargill Monument. On inquiring the purpose of the scaffolding I was informed that the object was to illuminate the monument on Thursday night, in celebration of the Coronation. I really think that the money might he spent to much greater advantage in giving the monument a thorough whitewashing. As a spectacle of a dirty, dust-begrimed drinking fountain the monument, in my opinion, stands unrivalled in the Dominion.
— I am, etc., RATEPAYER. June 20. -Evening Star, 21/6/1911.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I notice from your issue of last evening that there is some intention of enlarging the conveniences in Custom-house square. If this is to be done, I suggest the opportunity be taken for undermining Cargill's monument and raising it bodily by some 12ft or 15ft on handsome pillars. It is a monument we must all forever prize, and sitting at its present level it already looks too insignificant. I sincerely hope this suggestion may be given effect to by our City Fathers.
— I am, etc., Appreciative. July 25. -Evening Star, 25/7/1911.
DUNEDIN HOODLUMS.
DISGRACEFUL PROCEEDINGS.
COMPLAISANT POLICEMEN.
From about half-past eight o'clock on Tuesday evening till close on midnight Cargill's Monument, Dunedin, was the centre of a series of disturbances and exhibitions of hoodlumism which were (says the Otago Daily Times) nothing short of disgraceful. Shortly after eight o'clock an unfortunate individual (who was either partly inebriated or lacking in mental balance) took it upon himself to address a number of people on nothing in particular, from the steps of the fountain. The crowd was eager for him, and he obtained a ready hearing, receiving plenty of encouragement in the way of cheering and shouting. A spirit of horseplay very soon made itself evident, and before long the "orator" was being made a target for refuse of every description. He was pelted with flour, water, rubbish and then finally wet sacks. By this time he was in a sorry condition, and on several occasions was knocked from his stand on a box on one of the steps to the ground by a flying sack.
This shameful baiting an unfortunate man went on without restraint or interference for close on two hours. Each time he fell or was knocked down he was placed back on his pedestal in order to allow the fusillade of garbage to continue, and in order that 400 or 500 persons should not be deprived of their fun. Finally, covered with filth and saturated with water, he made his escape, and was promptly borne to the other side of Princes Street, and placed up against a doorway, where he fell exhausted. The crowd, somewhat alarmed, fell back, and members of them turned round and hooted each other for their want of "fair-play." While the whole of this business was proceeding there were several policemen within close reach, and viewing the spectacle, but none of them made the slightest attempt to interfere. Robbed of their victim a section of the crowd, which by this time had assumed very large proportions, commenced throwing three or four large wet sacks in all directions, also pieces of fish and garbage. This proceeded merrily for some time, until a sergeant of police essayed to put a stop to it by seizing two of the sacks and making off with them. The crowd gave chase, hooting and jeering, and when the sergeant threw them in behind the open doorway of the New Zealand Coal and Oil Company's offices, and closed it, two pieces of road metal were hurled in the direction of the police. One piece struck the doorway, and the other a large window, which it badly damaged. Several other irresponsible individuals then essayed to address the crowd from the steps of the fountain, and met with a fusillade of garbage. Proceedings at one stage were relieved by a wild chase between a half-drunken man and a small boy who, with unerring aim, had hurled one of the wet sacks at him. The throwing about of heavy, wet sacks continued until close on 12 o'clock, by which time the crowd had practically broken up. Right throughout the proceedings, which were, to say the least of them, disgraceful, the police, of whom there was a large body present, saw fit to look on without making the slightest attempt to check the disturbance, save for the one incident noted. -Ashburton Guardian, 7/12/1911.
The policemen of Dunedin, however, seem not to have been completely inactive, as the night's entertainment had its court sequel.
DUNEDIN POLICE COURT.
Wednesday, December 13. (Before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M.)
Result of Larrikinism. — Charles Colson, aged 17 years, pleaded "Guilty " to throwing a bag of flour on the evening of the 6th inst. to the danger of persons. The Sub-inspector said that on the evening before the general election a large crowd gathered at Cargill'sMonument. It was about 9 o'clock when accused committed the offence, there being then present about 500 people, mostly of the larrikin element, the more respectable among the people having gone away. The police had a very difficult task to perform to check the disorderly conduct on account of the crowd being so dense. He himself was present in plain clothes and saw what went on. The police did all they could to get the people to desist and go away home. It was necessary to take one or two to the police station. They were caught in the act. Missiles were thrown and windows were broken, and a stone, apparently designed to strike one of the police, hit a young lad on the temple and felled him to the ground, so that he required to be surgically treated. Accused was seen to pick up a sack and throw it. — Mr Cumming said he knew accused, and had on one occasion had him sent to the country to work on a farm. He was at present working at the Otago Foundry, his wages being 22s 6d a week. He gave the money to his parents and they returned to him 2s as pocket money. — Accused said he had nothing to say, and in answer to a question from the bench he replied that in the evenings he sometimes went to the pictures and sometimes to the wharves to fish. — Mr Widdowson remarked that the offence was a most reprehensible one. He had already dealt with a man for a similar offence on the same evening but he was older than the present accused. However, the lad was of an age to know that the practice was one that should not be indulged in. He advised him to put himself into Mr Axelsen's hands and keep off the street. — A fine of 20s was imposed, with costs (7s). — Samuel Randolph Allison was charged with throwing a sack, and entered a plea of "Not guilty." — The Sub-inspector, said that the offence was committed on the same evening as in the last case, and evidence was given by Constables Fenton and Woods and Sergeant Eccles. — Accused said that he was 23 years of age, yesterday being his birthday. — Evidence on his behalf was given by John McIndoe Nicol. — Accused was fined 40s and costs (7s). Vernon Allan Burnside, 16 1/2 years of age, was charged with throwing an egg on election night, and he pleaded "Guilty." — The Sub-inspector explained that the occurrence took place at 12.30, the eggs being thrown from the Triangle among the crowd outside the Daily Times building. One of them struck a lady, ruining her dress beyond repair. Accused had four eggs in his pocket when caught. — Mr Widdowson said he would take into account the youth of accused, and imposed a fine of 1s and costs (7s). John Douglas Bain was charged with throwing a sack. — Mr Scurr appeared for him, and pleaded "Guilty." — The Sub-inspector said the offence took place at 10.40, when the sack throwing was at its height. — Mr Scurr said accused had only just arrived on the scene, and the first thing he knew was that he was struck by a wet sack. He was naturally somewhat incensed. He waved it round his head and threw it from him, but without any intention of hurting anyone. — The Sub-inspector said that this was not so. Accused rushed inside a ring, picked the sack up, swung it round his head, and knocked a young fellow down when he let it go. — A fine of 40s and costs (7s), was imposed. Andrew Clark pleaded "Not guilty" to throwing a piece of cloth. — Mr Callan appeared for him, and asked that all witnesses should leave the court. — The Sub-inspector detailed the circumstances, and called Constable Webb. Evidence was also given by Valentine Egglestone and Richard Egglestone. — Mr Callan put defendant in the witness box and also called Stewart Houston. — His Worship said there was an element of doubt in this case, although it was suspicious, and accused got the benefit, the case being dismissed. he would inflict a fine of 20s, or seven days' imprisonment. -Otago Witness, 27/11/1911.
The street musician who has been playing various instruments at Cargill's monument and at the Moray place corner for several weeks was noticed yesterday morning in High street with a Union Jack wrapped round his shoulders. Sergeant Henry went over to speak to the "one-man band," and finding him to be rather strange in his manner, took him to the court and had him examined, and it was found necessary to commit him to the mental hospital. -Otago Daily Times, 16/2/1912.
The announcement that Mr Von Arx, of the Norwood-Von Arx Company, at present appearing at His Majesty's Theatre, would submit to a handcuff test at Cargill's Monument had the effect of drawing a huge crowd there during the luncheon hour to-day. Sharp to the appointed hour Mr Von Arx made his appearance in a landau, in company with a couple of other members of the company. The challenger proved to be ex-Sergeant Conn, who was greeted with a round of applause. The ex-officer handcuffed his man, and then the crowd waited expectantly. The release operations, although successful, proved to be somewhat unconvincing. Mr Von Arx, after a somewhat lengthy speech, explained that he would release himself under cover of his cape — a long black garment with which Dunedin folk are somewhat familiar. With his hands once under cover, Mr Von Arx launched out into another speech, and after a time produced the handcuffs free from his wrists. He then drove away in his carriage, to the accompaniment of a "mixed" hearing. -Evening Star, 21/6/1912.
PLOUGHMAN INJURED.
BULLET IN THE SKULL.
[BY TELEGRAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DUNEDIN, Sunday. The report of a firearm was heard near the Cargill monument in the Customhouse Square at ten o'clock on Saturday evening. The door for an underground convenience was burst open by the police and a man named Samuel Christie, a contracting ploughman from Moa Flat, was found suffering from a bullet wound in the forehead.
A small revolver was lying on the floor. Christie was taken to the hospital, where, with the aid of X rays, a bullet was located embedded in the skull. He is still in a critical condition. -NZ Herald, 27/7/1914.
Samuel Christie later found himself in court on a charge of attempted suicide. The judge gave him the benefit of the doubt and he was discharged. The reader may come to their own conclusion.
ALLEGED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
INFORMATION DISMISSED.
At the Police Court this morning. Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., presiding, Samuel Christie was charged with attempted suicide. Mr Scurr appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty and elected to he dealt with summarily.
Sub-inspector Fouhy stated that Christie was charged with attempting to commit suicide in a public latrine on the 25th July last. The accused's explanation of the affair was that he had no intention of taking his life, and that a revolver which he recently purchased had gone off accidentally. Constable Maiden deposed that on the evening of the 25th ult. his attention was called to something unusual having happened at the men's public convenience m Custom-house square. On arrival there he found accused in a latrine, which was locked, with a bullet wound just over the left eye. He was unconscious, and he had him removed to the Hospital. The revolver, (produced) was discovered in the latrine, with a box of 49 cartridges, and an empty shell in one of the chambers of the weapon.
Mr Scurr said he would admit all the constable had stated with regard to the revolver and the cartridges.
Dr Short gave evidence as to accused's admission to the Hospital.
Andrew Mitchell, an assistant employed by Messrs Laidlaw and Cray, stated that Christie purchased the revolver referred to and a box of 50 cartridges on the evening of July 25. He did not think the weapon was quite the article required to destroy a horse. Accused examined several revolvers before finally deciding on the one purchased. He did not state what he required it for.
Constable Maiden (recalled) stated that he found a letter in accused's pocket (in accused's handwriting), evidently intended for a young lady he was keeping company with. Accused's sister had taken the letter from the man's pocket whilst he was an inmate of the Hospital, and had destroyed it. The letter was a reprimand to the intended recipient for dilatoriness in writing. He promised the girl a good home if she would consent to be his wife. One sentence he remembered particularly was: "I cannot stand it much longer." Witness took this to refer to some disappointment. The letter was dated Friday.
Constable Webb also testified as to the contents of the letter, and corroborated the previous witness.
Mr Scurr said he was prepared to admit what the two previous witnesses had said the letter contained, and also the destruction of the document. He asked for the discharge of accused on the grounds that there was no evidence to show that he intended to take his life. The letter referred to could not be construed as having reference to suicide. On the contrary, it was a promise to make a home for the girl he wished to marry. That being so, it was impossible to interpret the letter as having been written by a man who contemplated suicide.
His Worship: There are certain points which require explanation. For instance, no reason has been shown why he should purchase the revolver.
Mr Scurr said he purposed explaining that aspect of the case. Christie was a partner in a ploughing contracting business at Moa Flat, near Heriot. Some time prior to coming to Dunedin one of the horses belonging to the partnership was injured, and had to be destroyed. Some difficulty was experienced in procuring a suitable firearm with which to end the animal's suffering, and accused determined that the first time he was in Dunedin he would procure a weapon which would be suitable for the purpose, and thus in future obviate needless suffering on the part of an animal that might be injured beyond hope of recovery. He arrived in Dunedin by the express from the south on a Saturday evening, and one of his first acts was to purchase a revolver for the purpose mentioned. He was entirely unaccustomed to firearms, and it was while examining his newly-purchased weapon that the accident happened. With regard to the letter found on his clothes, this had been written some six weeks prior to the accident. Accused was not a man who drank, and he submitted there was no evidence to show that he purchased the weapon for the purpose suggested by the prosecution.
Accused, in evidence, bore out his counsel's statement. He admitted writing the letter, but explained that he did not forward it to its destination, as he had altered his mind.
In answer to the Sub-inspector he stated that he had no experience in firearms, but he was led to purchase .22 cartridges because that was the calibre of the cartridges used in the rifle which was procured to shoot the horse referred to. He was trying to knock the cartridge out of the chamber of the revolver, when it accidentally went off. In answer to His Worship, accused said the young lady concerned had called to see him at the Hospital. His Worship said the whole question was whether the revolver went off accidentally or whether it was discharged purposely. The injury he had sustained as the result of the discharge of the revolver was a painful one, and one that he would suffer from for the remainder of his life. He would give him the benefit of the doubt, and dismiss the charge. -Evening Star, 8/8/1914.
August of 1914 was a momentous month in world history and for the Empire. Germany invaded Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany, New Zealand followed the rest of the Empire as it had done in 1899.
THE BOY SCOUTS (excerpt)
By Scoutmaster
The Dunedin West-Central Battalion met on Thursday evening last, and, after the Chief Scoutmaster had impressed on the boys the seriousness of the war, the scout's oath of allegiance to King and country was taken again by every member. Following this the National Anthem was sung. The battalion then marched into the city, and at the offices of the Otago Daily Times and the Evening Star, at Cargill's Monument, and the Town Hall, the colours were marched out in front of the corps, and the band played the general salute. The scouts thus gave a public exhibition of their loyalty to his Majesty King George V. The colours were well received along the line of route. -Otago Daily Times, 14/8/1914.
LATE ADVERTISEMENTS.
SPECIAL RECRUITING DEMONSTRATION
TO-NIGHT! TO-NIGHT!
AT CARGILL'S MONUMENT AT 8 O’CLOCK.
ALL COUNTRY 'VISITORS INVITED TO ATTEND.
Strong Speakers will put the question of Enlistment forcibly before all. Now you are in town, come and hear the reasons why. Remember the needs and the call of Empire. Remember your comrades at the Front.
COME ALONG TO-NIGHT AND ENLIST.
GOD SAVE THE KING. -Evening Star, 31/5/1916.
A warm and oppressive wind blew from the north-west throughout yesterday, raising clouds of dust in the streets and driving spray and spindrift over the ruffled surface of the harbour. The latter result caused no one inconvenience, and may even have been a source of aesthetic pleasure to some; but the dust in the streets was very unpleasant This constitutes a distinct menace to the health of the community, and the swirling clouds of disease-bearing atoms that permeated the air yesterday must have had a very pernicious effect on those who were compelled to venture abroad. The water that was sprinkled on the streets did but little to minimise the nuisance, though doubtless the best use was made of the facilities available, and instances occurred where tram cars had to be stopped in order to clear the lines from dust. About 4 o'clock an especially severe gust of wind blew down the pinnacle of Cargill's monument at the corner of Princes and High streets, this incident causing a mild sensation. The pinnacle shattered itself on the concrete steps at the base of the monument, but fortunately no one was injured by its fall. Shortly after 5 o'clock the City Fire telescopic ladder was requisitioned to remove loose pieces of the stone which had not given way, and were considered to be dangerous to passers by if the wind continued. This operation was viewed with some interest. It was noticed that the small decorative projection on one of the sub-pinnacles was also in a weakened state. The stone in the higher portions of the monument seems to have lost its strength as the result of long exposure. Otherwise the structure is in a state of preservation that is a tribute to the architectural skill and masonry construction of earlier days. -Otago Daily Times, 7/9/1916.
AMUSEMENTS.
T H E R E D C R O S S
HELP OUR BOYS!
STREET SALE TO-DAY.
GREAT VARIETY OF GOODS.
NOVELTY BADGES AND PICTURE THEATRE TICKET'S.
SATURDAY EVENING:
COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS ("Here We Are Again")
AUCTION SALE AT CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
EXTRAORDINARY ATTRACTIONS.
GREAT BARGAINS. -Otago Daily Times, 27/4/1917.
Shortly after the end of the Great War, Dunedin was in a happy, summery mood, shared by whoever is that generation's "Civis" of "Passing Notes." As part of a run-down of the conditions of Dunedin's statuary is inserted what may be - or not - a guarded reference to the gentlemen's convenience beside the Monument as a meeting place for the gay men of the time. At a distance of just over a century, it is difficult to be sure exactly what is meant or not by "obscene resorts."
PASSING NOTES
Easily at the bottom of the list is the Cargill Memorial — a trysting place for dogs, a stump for the street ranter. Every heresy, political or religious, that Captain Cargill, honest man, held in abhorrence is shouted from the steps of his so-called "monument." On either side is a descent "for gentlemen," to which obscene resorts the "monument" serves as beacon or guidepost. A City Council with any feeling for decency would remove the Cargill Monument to the Octagon enclosure, leaving in its place a horse-trough for the ducking of noisy Socialists. But a body corporate, spite of the name (itself a pleonasm), has neither a soul to be saved nor a body to be kicked. -Otago Daily Times, 28/12/1918.
THE CARGILL FOUNTAIN.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — We have a new Mayor and council who, I believe, will do credit to the city. It will take them some little time to get into their stride and bring about several improvements which are badly needed. I venture to opine, however, that the Mayor will gain much kudos if he will endeavour to preserve the Cargill Monument, which is fast falling into decay. Visitors to the city continue to comment on its dilapidated appearance. Is it that we have become so accustomed to our surroundings that we fail to notice just how really woebegone it looks? Probably the Efficiency Alliance folk who spent so much money recently may be good for a donation to improve what is now an eyesore.
— I am, etc. Citizen. -Otago Daily Times, 13/5/1919.
Almost a year later, "Civis" again makes a reference to public conveniences, this time using the term "unspeakable institutions." I am inclined, in this case, to put it down to the delicacy which speaks of human necessities rather than furtive sexual encounters - but you never know.
The suggestion of "a universal market," in the Octagon maybe, and as adjunct to the "municipal bank," elicited from one councillor the sage but chilling remark, "then the cost of living will go up." Passing to aesthetics, the Council found that "more public conveniences should be constructed, especially for females." Remembering that the Cargill monument and the Chapman monument are utilised as beacons and signal posts for these unspeakable institutions, one wonders doubtfully where the Council will go next. Not that in civic high places there is no feeling for the beautiful. Regarding the hanging out of sheep's heads in the streets" — said one councillor — "he did not think there was a sight in civilisation so utterly deplorable." Gracious! and to think that these gory objects have never fixed my observation! But, if there is truth in the rumour of a distributing butchery to be set up in the Octagon, we may yet see legs of mutton hanging about the neck of the Bums Statue. Quid plura. If only the Council would scrape the mud from their streets and remove from their principal thoroughfare the centre line of obstruction posts, they and we might slumber together in peace. -Otago Daily Times, 16/8/1919.
Yet another letter complaining of the monument's condition - the top, blown off by wind in 1914, had still not been replaced - also mentions the year in which it ceased to be "the fountain" in use if not in name.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT
“A DISGRACE TO THE CITY."
REMOVAL TO ANOTHER SITE URGED.
Dr Fulton, as spokesman for a deputation representing the committee of the Early Settlers' Association, spoke strongly to the City Council last night on the subject of that familiar and begrimed pile of masonry known to Dunedin citizens as Cargill’s Monument.
The doctor deftly sketched in comparatively few words the career of the late Captain Cargill, who, he said, had been known as "The Moses of the Settlement of Otago.” The monument to this illustrious early settler was modelled on the famous Scott memorial in Edinburgh, and was erected in the Octagon in 1864. Eight years later Mayor Fish was instrumental in having it removed to its present site in Custom-house square.
This was not so had, but, added the doctor, in 1910 the City Council authorised the placing of a public convenience beneath it and this, he considered, was a disgrace to the city. “ If such a course were even suggested in connection with the Burns statue in the Octagon,” added Dr Fulton, “ I’m sure there would be a mighty shout of protest.”
Dr Fulton went on to say that at present the monument was largely used as a resting-place for drunks, sleeping Chinamen, and ”Weary Willies.” Bootblacks plied their calling on the steps, and a gentleman of color, whose chief adornment was a pair of earrings, might be heard in the vicinity selling race books. The water simply had been cut off in 1920 on the score of economy. Now, instead of pure water, the basins contained banana peel, old boots, match boxes, and other flotsam and jetsam, and he had seen ladies who had ascended the steps to read the inscription turn away in disgust at the aroma which arose from there and thereabouts.
The Early Settlers’ Association had therefore come to the conclusion that something should be done, added the doctor, and in view of the fact that street alterations were going on in the vicinity, they considered the present an opportune time for the removal of the monument to a more suitable site. They suggested that it might be placed on the Oval, near the edge of the footpath facing Jones street, where it would be useful as a fountain for the slaking of the thirst of the men and girls who took part in the games on that ground. At any rate the monument should be cleaned and repaired. Mr W. Nicolson added a few words to the same effect, and His Worship the Mayor assured the deputation that the Reserves Committee had had the matter under review, but other work had prevented further attention being given to it. The council would give its earnest consideration to the request of the deputation.
On the withdrawal of the deputation the matter was referred to the Reserves Committee for report. --Evening Star, 16/3/1922.
CARGILL'S MONUMENT.
To the Editor, Sir — A few nights ago a letter appeared in your columns complaining of the "desecration” of Cargill's Monument by the appeal of the War Memorial Committee at present affixed thereto. I think it a strange protest. To my mind the real desecration of this monument is the manner in which it is being continually used as a vantage ground from which stump orators mouth sedition and Communists and such like enemies to our social well-being cackle their Bolshevik inanities. It is high time the City Council stopped this prostitution of a civic possession. In my judgment the Cargill Monument can not he used for a nobler purpose than to carry an appeal to the citizens, urging them to give of their money to commemorate the glorious deeds of the sons of Dunedin who died in fighting for the liberties of all, even of those whoso gratitude is conspicuous by its absence.
— I am, etc., Scot. May 12 -Evening Star, 12/5/1923.
STREET ORATORY.
The City Council dealt in quite the best way last night with the question of street oratory. A by-law had been proposed the effect of which would have been to prevent anyone from airing his eloquence or any combination of persons from holding a service or meeting "in or upon any street or public place or public reserve within the city," except upon permission first obtained. In the sacred name of democracy Cr MacManus protested. The shade of that modifying rascal who had yet the credit of establishing against tyranny more than one great principle, John Wilkes, was invoked against such an outrage. The objection was supported by a deputation from the Labor Representation Committee, which declared with bated breath that what the council proposed was nothing less than the reversal of the British Constitution, whose most proud distinction is supposed to consist in the unchallengable right accorded to any man to revile it, and do his utmost to pour scorn upon it, whenever and wherever he may choose. The council decided to restrict its by-law so that it will apply only to public streets. When that provision comes into force, the harsh-voiced orator who wishes to impress on fellow-citizens how much worse we are ruled than Russia will be able to do so in the Oval or the Queen’s Gardens, if they will follow him for such a trifling distance; but the Cargill Monument, which makes a centre of traffic, will be secure from his and other clamant invasions, unless permission is obtained first from the council. It is a fair decision. To restrict free speech, as such, when there is not the slightest danger of a breach of the peace being produced by it would be foolish policy. The freedom allowed to Hyde Park orators in London has been the admiration of all nations for generations past. It is a main cause, probably, why riots and disturbances of public order are so much rarer in Great Britain than in the United States. The violence which relieves itself in verbal explosions has the least chance of being exercised in ways that might mean more mischief. The type that exults most in these frantic displays is no new one. It is forty years since it was described for all time by Tennyson;
Man loud against all forms of power —
Unfurnished brows, tempestuous tongues —
Expecting all thing in an hour —
Brass mouths and iron lungs.
It is no more than a rare type in Dunedin. The tirades which have been most persistent at the Cargill Monument have been entertainments, more than anything else, on fixed evenings of the week for the cheerful crowds passing or waiting for trams, who at times pit their opinions against the orator’s. If anyone regards it as his peculiar mission in life to teach all below Eternal Wisdom how to rule, then sink into himself and feel a new contentment in the contemplation of his correcting eloquence, it is a pity he should be denied such satisfaction. But the traffic of city streets must have room to push, and the monument of an honored pioneer, quite sufficiently desecrated in another manner, has a real claim to be protected against the association of such sentiments as have found their chief place of enunciation there. The Sydney City Council has just found it necessary, in the interests of traffic, to prohibit all street meetings in the city, even those of the benevolent Salvation Army, though the Domain and other public reserves, we can presume, will be still open to them. The Dunedin Council can be commended for its less rigorous resolution. On the basis of a magisterial ruling having references to Anzac square it might be doubted whether the environs of the Cargill Monument, known as Custom-house square, would bear legal definition as a street. But the terms of the regulation on which that ruling was passed were an invitation to its own stultification, and the terms will be different in the present by-law. -Evening Star, 16/8/1923.
A small incident during the visit to Dunedin of the the United States Navy.
Scene: Custom-house square. Time: About 3 o’clock this morning. A dark, cold night, the only light coming dimly from the few street lamps round about and shining in broad lines along the slightly wet pavement. The horse that, submitting patiently to being dragged away at these early hours from his feed box and straw to pull the pie cart to and from its salubrious stand by the Fountain steps, is being led up to drag away the Cafe de Move-along, the proprietors at that hour being not very hopeful of more business coming their way. The horse patiently lurches up through the darkness, with head bent low and harness clinking slowly. There are still a few people in sight. Two or three taxi-drivers are talking together, and there are small groups of sailors and civilians and ships’ patrols, together with a policeman. All are loitering aimlessly about. Suddenly everyone’s attention is drawn by a movement by the Monument. A bluejacket, with wee white hat perched high and loose trousers flapping in the wind, warts out from a group of sailors, and, in approved Tom Mix style, vaults on to the horse’s back. A guffaw goes up from the bystanders, who have been joined by the white-aproned pie-cart waiters. The horse is chirruped up, and careers gaily round the Fountain once or twice, with the sailor hooking his legs beneath and riding awkwardly. So far so good. Then someone gives the steed a jolt in the ribs, and his placid temper is rudely disturbed. He pig-jumps round, with the rider hanging precariously on as best he can, and bumping painfully with each new jump. The small crowd is overjoyed by the spectacle, and the horse is kept going round and round the Monument with a short, uneasy motion. Then the harness starts to come off, and tired of his ride the bluejacket slips off, and, joined by his comrades, moves off hilariously down Rattray street. Some time, when in his bunk he feels the ship butting through a stormy sea, he may think of another rough passage he once had — round the Cargill Monument on the pie-cart horse. -Evening Star, 14/8/1925.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I consider that the way in which the monument in Custom House Square is being used is an utter disgrace to this city. It has simply become a “day sleeping place” for a number of idle loafers. A friend from a small northern town made a very caustic remark in regard to the matter. Surely it is no advertisement at a time when the place is full of visitors to have the very centre of the city made a camping ground for the “I.W.W.’s.” Another trouble that strikes me is that connected with the lounging idlers that support the public buildings of an evening — mostly stupid, half-grown louts. It is high time that “city regulations” were enforced by the police so that we may cease to be a cause of comment.
— I am, etc., Disgusted Citizen. Dunedin, January 6. Otago Daily Times, 7/1/1927.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — The grossly insulting and totally uncalled for letter signed by "Disgusted Citizen" is absolutely false and scurrilous. Many of the veterans sitting round the monument are old pioneers who are resting after their labours, cares, and services in the strenuous times of the early days. "Disgusted Citizen" has no reason to be disgusted with anything but his own remarks about people who have made or helped to make this fair city fit for him to live in. "Disgusted Citizen" evidently is one of the useless snobocracy, by the tone of the letter.
— I am etc., Radical. -Otago Daily Times, 10/1/1927.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Your correspondent “Radical” fails to remember the number of convenient parks we possess quite handy to the city centre, so that, even when the Cargill Monument is considered as a stony couch for the aged (to whom “Radical” considers we owe our all), they would not have far to see for a suitable resting place. Besides, aged or young, they have positively no warrant to sit and expectorate as they certainly do to the discomfort of others who, even if they do possess feeling above that of “Radical,” still have a right to live. But let me say that almost nine out of ten of the loafers on the mounment are louts in their early thirties — men who want to drink and sleep, but work never. I may write strongly but I find that nothing else carries conviction in this country; the people are slow to act, and the responsible class is far too lenient towards those whose one desire is to loaf, loaf, loaf!
— I am, etc., Disgusted Citizen. Dunedin, January 10. -Otago Daily Times, 12/1/1927.
Something will have to be done before long by way of preserving the Cargill monument in Customhouse square. The stone is wearing. A lesser requirement of the same memorial is the relettering of the inscription plates. The words are almost indecipherable. One of our city councillors has taken note of the need for a trilling expenditure to make good this decay. -Evening Star, 6/8/1928.
Orders have been issued from the Town Hall to restore the appearance of the Cargill monument in Custom House square and make good the partially-effaced lettering. The works department is to see to this job. To the reserves department authority is given to “do up” the Campbell grave in the Southern Cemetery. The Rev. H. Campbell, first rector of the Otago High School, with his wife, five children, and two servants, were drowned in the harbour collision between the steamers Favourite and Pride of the Yarra. The family had arrived from London the previous day, July 3, 1863, by the ship Matoaka. -Evening Star, 17/9/1928.
SALVATION ARMY
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
MEMORIAL TABLET UNVEILED
The Salvation Army jubilee celebrations were continued on Saturday, when a memorial tablet to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the first meeting held in New Zealand was unveiled in Customshouse square by Commissioner J. Cunningham. The Mayor (Mr R. S. Black) presided over the gathering, which numbered several hundreds. The tablet, which has been placed at the base of the Cargill Monument in Customhouse square, bears the following simple inscription: — "Here the Salvation Army started on April 1, 1883." The meeting was opened with the hymn, "Will You Come?" which was the first hymn sung at the first service held at this spot. -Otago Daily Times, 3/4/1933.
THE COMMON ROUND
by Wayfarer
There is apparently a convention in New Zealand, and we find it a deplorable one, that if marble is to be hewn, bronze cast, in honour of a person or an event, it should be shaped with literal accuracy in the features of the honoured one, or as a superior sort of tombstone. Dunedin's monuments are all thus literalised. That of Bard Burns alone shows any imaginative thought, and of him a foreign writer with some claim to attention has written: —
In classic attitude sits Bobby, thoroughly uncomfortable, writing on a parchment placed across his knees; perchance despite his noble attitude, working on his "Jolly Beggars" who whistled through life, leaving respectability and morals to the care of those who possessed them.
The War Memorial column, admittedly, has its simple dignity, the Octagon monument to Dr Burns is unexceptionable, Dr Stuart appears creditably austere — and those are all. It may be protested that we have failed to mention the Cargill Monument, but if we have succeeded in overlooking that edifice we shall not apologise. -Otago Daily Times, 26/12/1934.
The Common Round
by Wayfarer
This freedom! To be or not to be — the soap-box in the Queen’s Gardens? That glory shall come again. Councillor Batchelor has spoken. And the Voltaire of the City Council is girding on sword and buckler. The Hyde Park of Dunedin, cries Councillor Silverstone, has not yet been restored. We agree. It has still a trampled look. There is hope, for the R.S.A. is mobilising, and the grass grows green on many a battlefield. A return to the spacious days of oratory at the Cargill Monument seems to be foreshadowed. Fretful is our brief hour, but Time settles all things. Science, passionless and cold-blooded, will soon deprive us, one by one, of all our simple joys. An American chemical engineer, one of 5000 gathered for a tercentenary celebration, forecasts that in another 100 years personal visiting will be done away with by television, mass assemblies will be a thing of the past, there will be no central meeting places: conventions will be attended by sitting at home and listening in. It is a dull prospect. That people may sit at home and go to sleep sounds just as probable. From such a prophecy it might be concluded that television is going to be a buttress and bulwark of the home, thus averting a major menace of our times. But the chemical engineers don’t know everything. Who is to say that 100 years hence people will have any homes to sit in? -Otago Daily Times, 19/6/1935.
CUSTOMS HOUSE SQUARE
TELEGRAPH SITE POSSESSION
FINALITY DEFINITELY IN SIGHT
PRIME MINISTER TO DISCUSS DETAILS (excerpt)
EXISTING TRAFFIC CHAOS. Customs House Square, Mr Blade suggested, should be handed as a gift to the city or sold to it at a moderate price. Its acquisition would materially reduce the risk of traffic congestion, and would also contribute to the beautification of the city, as the Prime Minister, who looked far ahead, would visualise if he watched the chaos at the corner every evening at 5 or at noon on Saturdays. If the suggestion were adopted, the Cargill Monument could be removed to the Queen’s Gardens and a subway for pedestrian traffic could be built from the Stock Exchange to the Bank of New Zealand corner. There was a precedent for the return of the site, as the Provincial Council buildings had been given to the people of Canterbury to keep in trust. If the site were valued as high as £100,000, the loss in interest to the people of New Zealand would be only a fraction of a farthing per head. -Evening Star, 30/8/1938.
Nothing is sacred to the metal thief. A few days ago, in the early hours of the morning, two men were observed to be at work attempting to prize from its place the brass tablet on the Cargill Monument, which has been a landmark in the city for so many years. They were disturbed, however, and succeeded in shifting the plate only slightly. Other brass plates in the city have been removed or interfered with, so that it would appear that perpetrators of this class of despicable theft are active at the moment. -Evening Star, 28/10/1938.
Cargill's Monument
A recommendation decided upon recently by the Otago Early Settlers' Association that Cargill's monument should be moved to the plot between the Early Settlers' Hall and the Railway Station, was commended by the chairman of the Dunedin Amenities Society (Mr Crosby Morris) at a meeting of the society yesterday. The monument would have to be moved ultimately, and that site seemed to be an excellent one. It was suggested that Anzac square might be an even better site, and the chairman said that that also had been considered by the association. -Otago Daily Times, 15/8/1939.
| A busy Exchange area, about lunchtime. The large building behind the clocktower of the Stock Exchangebuilding was finished in 1938, the photo was published in the NZ Free Lance in 1949. The Exchange, Dunedin. Ref: PAColl-8163-60. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22790506 |
The much-abused monument is now considered less beautiful than a proposed set of tram-stop shelters.
CITY TRAFFIC CONTROL
The report which was presented at the annual meeting of the association this week proposes to deal with the difficulties created in the Customhouse square-Princes street south area by major reorganisation of the flow of traffic, and advocates the removal of that interesting poor relation of the Albert Memorial, the Cargill Monument. On aesthetic grounds the transference of this adornment of the square to some less obtrusive site would be no great loss, and since it has already endured one migration, from the Octagon to its present site, no precedent could be outraged. There is also the chance, temptingly suggested in the report, that it might be cleaned-up during the process of its removal elsewhere. The advantage to the public of the establishment of proper shelter sheds where the monument now stands would be immense, and their nerves and energies would be saved much wear by the concentration of the tramway stopping zone in this vicinity, with the elimination of the present stops in the bottlenecks in Princes street both, north and south of Customhouse square. The proposal for the so-called gyratory system of traffic flow, entailing the diversion of southbound traffic from Princes street into Crawford street, and other possible traffic diversions away from the Customhouse square will not, perhaps, win immediate approval. -Otago Daily Times, 30/9/1943.
“WAKE UP, DUNEDIN”
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I have lived all my life in Dunedin, and could see nothing better outside my birthplace. I was one-eyed in this respect. Having reached the age when I considered that I should retire from work, I decided to spend some time in the northern cities with a view to making a few comparisons. Although I had visited these places before, I was astonished to note their progress within a few years, whilst Dunedin stood still. What hurt more than anything else, when I mentioned that I was a Dunedin visitor, were the pitying looks and remarks such as: "Oh, that slow old place. I don't know how you can live there." Truly times have changed, and Dunedin, which was in the old days the first of the four centres in New Zealand, is now a bad fourth and steadily losing ground.
Eventually I arrived home, and came along Lower High street, passing the old derelict locomotive, "Josephine," which should be housed inside the Early Settlers' Museum, not outside to slowly decay. The next eyesore was that crumbling piece of masonry called Cargill's Monument. In my opinion, it is high time that it was broken up for road metal, or if the early settlers' descendants, of whom I am one, object, have it shifted to the Northern Cemetery, where it would be in more congenial company. The sorry picture still unfolds itself, and I come to the Social Security Department, housed in the former Telegraph Office, which was built when Dunedin was in its infancy and outlived its usefulness years ago. When I compare it with the beautiful buildings in the north which accommodate the same Government department, all I can say is that Dunedin, as usual, has taken it lying down. To complete this old and venerable block, we have the Stock Exchange, once the Colonial Bank, which should have been demolished when the bank went out of existence. I next glance across to the Rattray street corner, and lo, there is Hardy's Corner, just as it was when I was a child, with the private hotel on top. The only alteration that I can see is that it has been renamed Ascot Corner and had a new shop front installed.
Having had a long journey of two days and nights, I thought that I would quit the depressing scene. Next day I walked along to the Octagon, and it was then that the really desolate picture of Dunedin came into view. Looking down George street to Knox Church, I find the same old shops which were built when George street was formed, with only a very few exceptions. Compare George street with Queen street, Auckland. Have we anything to compare with the premises of John Court Ltd., or Milne and Choyce? We certainly have not. There is another strange aspect of Dunedin's failure from an architectural point of view. I refer to the number of branch buildings in the north, with headquarters in Dunedin. Some of these buildings are palatial, whilst the Dunedin premises are insignificant. When we think of anything to commemorate an event of unusual importance, we pick out, say, Signal Hill, and dump a lot of unfinished concrete thereon — at least it was unfinished when I saw it. Auckland builds a wonderful memorial museum.
I say to the Progressive League and the Dunedin Development Council that it is high time that the business men of this city, who have to thank Dunedin for all their success in life, should forthwith put their own house in order and erect premises, when building materials are once more available, worthy of our fair city, of which, with all its faults, we are so proud. The offer which I understand was made to manufacturers of free electric power for three years to induce them to start factories in Dunedin, is quite good, but, unfortunately, they dare not offer them free water. It is a notorious fact that after a month's dry weather the authorities place restrictions on us whilst the city engineer informs us from day to day exactly how many gallons of the precious fluid are left in the stagnant reservoirs. We seem to have lost sight of the project to bring in an unending supply from Lake Wakatipu, the idea being to sell it all the way through Central Otago for irrigation and still have sufficient to supply Dunedin for all time. That project was talked about when I was a boy at school, and no doubt our worthy Mayor remembers it also. I write this letter in the hope that at least some portion of it will commend itself to those who have the welfare of this community at heart, and hope that in the future, instead of lending some millions of pounds to the North Island, some of this capital will be expended in Dunedin on a rebuilding scheme.
— I am, etc., Rip Van Winkle. June 14. -Evening Star, 15/6/1946.
CARGILL MONUMENT
WORK OF RENOVATION
NO EFFECTIVE MEANS
Concerning statements which had been made about the need for renovating the Cargill Monument, the town clerk, Mr R. A. Johnston said yesterday that the matter had already been investigated by the City Council. He said that reports were obtained from competent firms and alternative methods of cleaning were demonstrated on the stonework.
It appeared, however, that by reason of the nature and age of the stone, little, if any, improvement could be expected in the appearance of the monument and there was a distinct possibility that the final result might give rise to unfavourable comment. Under the circumstances, therefore, it was felt advisable to leave well alone. The council, Mr Johnston added would have been pleased to authorise any work on the monument if it could have been assured of a reasonably effective and satisfactory result. -Otago Daily Times, 29/1/1948.
THE CARGILL MONUMENT
Sir, — One of the city of Dunedin, or, for that matter, Dominion, gems of monumental architecture, the Cargill Monument, is to remain the ugly duckling it has been for the past three decades, permeated with a city’s grime of over half a century, because experts agree that there is no effective means of restoration. If there is a genuine desire to preserve this commemoration from following the fate of the Macandrew, Burt, and Dr Burns columns modern equipment and material, plus a few fully experienced painter craftsmen (all available in Dunedin at the moment) could restore it to its pristine glory for at least a further quarter of a century, before additional treatment would be required. Specifications for the completion of this work are available from the writer, gratis.
— I am, etc., W. J. Newman. Lawrence. -Otago Daily Times, 2/2/1948.
DUNEDIN'S FUTURE
Sir,—W. O. Kempthorne’s expostulation makes most amusing reading, especially to a Scot. One wonders whether he condescends to live in or near Dunedin. I would not for a fortune attempt to answer his letter — that would spoil it. But may I relate a delightful story it brought to my mind? Some years ago two young ladies from Havelock North spent a holiday in the "Edinboro’ of the South," which apparently they did not enjoy. On their return on the Hastings-Havelock bus they were most voluble — to the amusement of most of the passengers — about Dunedin and its people. They had encountered nothing but "rain and Scotch folk.' One elderly lady, bursting with indignation, rose to leave the bus, and, turning to the young ladles, gave this parting shot: "The next time ye gaun for a holiday, gaun tae hell: ye’ll get neither rain nor Scotch folk there."
— I am, etc., Canny Scot.
Sir, — I agree with W. O. Kempthorne’s letter. And here is my suggestion why he can say such true things of Dunedin. Dunedin is a town of ancestral worship, and the people are so engrossed in their worship of the past that they are unable to live in the present, let alone the future. Here is the initial remedy for the above disease — blast out the old monuments and museums and erect new ones dedicated to the future — e.g., the Cargill Monument (and convenience) at the Exchange, and instead erect modern traffic lights with a Neon sign reading: "Dedicated to the men of to-day, who vision, plan and work for to-morrow." Likewise dedicate new (in its full architectural meaning) buildings, but do not add the date to the memorial as to-day will become to-morrow, if it is planned for. — I am, etc., Sapiens To-day. -Otago Daily Times, 1/3/1949.
The Monument continued to be criticised through the middle of the 20th century. I suppose it was a vicious circle - monument looks shabby, people complain, council does nothing for it due to lack of public appreciation of something so shabby. In 1960 a councillor suggested its proper place was the local tip. The bad condition of the Australian stone was not improved by the people who tried to climb it. I once talked to someone who claimed to have been about halfway up one evening in the early hours when he spotted a police car stopping at the lights below. He thought that moving to the opposite side would prevent official attention but his attempt dislodged one of the small spires, sending it to the pavement. Alcohol may have been involved at the time.
In 1996 the small triangle on which the Monument sat was made part of a larger area with the removal of the portion of Lower High St to the south. The whole area was laid with red pavers and the Monument was now the northern part of a wider public space. In 2013, with the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes very much in mind, the whole structure was dismantled, repaired and rebuilt, with a number of newly-carved portions which had been lost to time, weather and unwise mountaineers. The "barley sugar ornament" will be around for a while yet.
The Monument continued to be criticised through the middle of the 20th century. I suppose it was a vicious circle - monument looks shabby, people complain, council does nothing for it due to lack of public appreciation of something so shabby. In 1960 a councillor suggested its proper place was the local tip. The bad condition of the Australian stone was not improved by the people who tried to climb it. I once talked to someone who claimed to have been about halfway up one evening in the early hours when he spotted a police car stopping at the lights below. He thought that moving to the opposite side would prevent official attention but his attempt dislodged one of the small spires, sending it to the pavement. Alcohol may have been involved at the time.
In 1996 the small triangle on which the Monument sat was made part of a larger area with the removal of the portion of Lower High St to the south. The whole area was laid with red pavers and the Monument was now the northern part of a wider public space. In 2013, with the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes very much in mind, the whole structure was dismantled, repaired and rebuilt, with a number of newly-carved portions which had been lost to time, weather and unwise mountaineers. The "barley sugar ornament" will be around for a while yet.
| The Cargill Monument in 1978, certainly dwarfed by the surrounding architecture. Hocken Library photo. |
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