A number of gentlemen attended at the Council Chamber this day at noon, for the purpose of presenting an address, accompanied by a purse of 25 sovereigns, subscribed by the inhabitants in general, to Mr Quodling, upon the occasion of the resignation of his office as Superintendent of Police. There were present. The Warden, Councillors Nicholas Ibbott, Arnett, and Taylor, and Messrs A. McDowall, Bowden, Hughes, and the Council Clerk.
The Warden rose, and, addressing Mr Quodling, said that he had been deputed to present to him an address and accompanying purse of sovereigns from the inhabitants of the district, as a token of the esteem and respect felt for him. He would assure Mr Quodling that the honest, faithful, and impartial manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office during a period of twelve and a half years, coupled with his urbane demeanour at all times, had gained for him, not only the approbation of those under whom he served, but the good will of all classes. The Walden further said that there was but one feeling amongst the community here, that of regret, at Mr Quodling's departure from the district, coupled with the hope that the new office he was about to enter upon would prove to be of great advantage to himself and family than the one he was leaving, and wishing himself, wife, and family every happiness, he would now read the address:
Bothwell, 25th August, 1871. To Mr Henry George Quodling, Superintendent of Police.
Sir, We have heard with regret that you have resigned the appointment of Superintendent of Police of this district. During the many years that you have had the supervision of our police, you have faithfully and efficiently fulfilled the duties of your office, and though we regret the loss of your services, we consider that it is an act of justice on the part of the Government to give you the promotion you so well merit. The urbanity of your manners, and the example which you have always set in private life, have gained for you the esteem and respect of the whole district. We therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a small token of our regal and good wishes for your future prosperity. (Signed) Alex. Reid (Warden), Frederick Synnot, James Taylor, Simon Arnett, John Ibbott, Edward Nicholas, by William Bedford (Councillors), H. Nicholas, D. Bowden, R. H. Wigmore J.P., Hunter Young, Henry Nichols, Matthew Robinson, Arthur Wayn, John Tait, William Nicholas, A. McDowall, W. W. Hughes, G. W. Ife, W. North, W. Maskell, J. Lemon, R. Blake, C. Andrews, J. McGowan, Isaac Blake, R. J. Nichols, A. Biggs, John Stevens, H. Savage, John Easton, John Hale, M. Branch, R. Allen, James Moyes, F. Wilson, J. P. Sherwin, Gaby & Co, William Stuart, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Alexander, Peter Davie, P. Newall.
After the address was read, Mr Reid delivered the same, together with the purse, into Mr Quodling's hands. Mr Quodling briefly, but suitably replied to the Warden's remarks, and then read the following reply to the address:
Bothwell, 1st August, 1871. Gentlemen. The very kind address and valuable testimonial which you have been pleased to present to me on the severance of my official connection with this municipality afford me sincere and heartfelt gratification. It could not fail to be otherwise to be a source of the greatest pleasure to me to have the assurance of your esteem, as well as of your satisfaction with the manner in which the duties devolving upon me have been performed during the twelve and a half years I have had the charge of the police of this district. While fully sensible of any inability to accomplish all that I could have wished in the exercise of my duty, I can conscientiously say my best efforts were devoted to the interests of the inhabitants, and I scarcely need assure you that it is with no little reluctance I sever my connection with the municipal district of Bothwell, the many pleasing associations inseparably united with which must ever secure for it a bright spot in my memory. I labour under many obligations to the residents of the district for the courtesy, kindness and hospitality extended to me on all occasions and for which I beg to tender my warmest thanks. Your thoughtful expression of interest in the continued welfare of myself, my wife, and family are duly appreciated and was warmly reciprocated. Wishing you individually and collectively a long continuance of every earthly felicity.
I beg to subscribe myself, Gentlemen, Your obliged and grateful servant, Henry G Quodling, Superintendent of Police.
Mr Quodling and family left Bothwell by the public conveyance today. There were several gentlemen present to see him off, all of whom shook himself, wife, and family most cordially by the hand, and expressed a desire for their welfare. August 31st, 1871.