The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 1909. THE TOWNLEY TESTIMONIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2422, 10 February 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 1909. THE TOWNLEY TESTIMONIAL.

No one who lias the slightest conception of the worth of public service can fail to appreciate tho wisdom and propriety of the Gisborne people in making a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. John Townley. It is nien like Mr. -Townley who elevate public life, and women like Mrs. Townley who ennoble tin- home life of any community wherein they may. be placed. -Withthe gentleman who was so justly honored last night therelias never been the' slightest tendency, no matter what authority was given him, to abuse his trust in thought or deed. His energies have been simply tireless, and it would be impossible .to estimate the value of the work he has done for the public weal. Certain it is that the has never spared himself where the public interests were concerned. Not even the slightest affectation of manner, which often comes to those who find themselves placed above their fellows, has ever been allowed to mar tho natural grace of a true "Citizen, and Mir. Townley has. remained always what he will to be to the end, one of the common people, working for thorn unceasingly as one of themselves. AVe could say much in praise of our esteemed townsman, but we feel .that nothing can he said more complimentary than that his career has furnished a. rare example of the true civic spirit which stands at Iho foundation of national as well as of municipal prosperity. Fortunately, there is no need to belabor the subject afc this stage, for Air. - Townley and Mrs. Townley are still with us. and both in their own way arc still fulfilling the duties which have so thoroughly gained for them popular es? loom.