MR W H JUDKINS’S TESTIMONIAL
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
Sir, - As I cannot make a formal reply to the
presentation of the splendid
testimonial which has been made to me, I shall be glad if you will
kindly allow me to
express my appreciation through your columns. It was cheering to
my heart as it was
unexpected, and it is a tribute of which one may be worthily
proud. Its magnitude
makes it most valuable, but even that is overshadowed by the affection
which is expressed
by it. I knew I had many friends in the fight for reform,
but I am grateful
for this testimony of their love. It is inspiring indeed and I
shall cherish it as a
very precious possession, more valuable to my spirit than even the
tangible
manifestation. I may say that the testimonial will go to make
more adequate
provision for my wife and daughter (which, needless to say, gives
me great
satisfaction and comfort), and not to my own financial benefit.
Will you also permit me to thank those who
have written to me,
and whom I have been unable to reply to, and to let my friends know
that during the last
fortnight I have rallied considerably, and am much freer from
pain, although there
is no change in general conditions. And in case another
opportunity does not come to
me, I would also like to urge my friends and those who have laboured so
abundantly with me
to keep up the fight for social reform in all its branches. The
need is so
great. I can conceive of nothing finer than to be given
opportunities for helping
one’s fellow creatures, unless it be the taking up of the
opportunities. Time will
never in Australia bring bigger opportunities for doing lasting good to
commonwealth than
are present with us in our young nationhood, for we are in the
foundation-laying days when
work accomplishes much more than even greater work can do when national
habits are
formed. May I also be permitted to thank you for your constant
courtesy and
assistance - Yours, & c.,
W H JUDKINS
Camberwell, Oct 13
From THE ARGUS 16th October 1911 page 8
