Historical information

Abraham Harkness, Esq., J.P. was an influential Australian pioneer, industrialist, and civic leader who served as the Mayor of the City of Sandhurst (now known as Bendigo, Victoria) for the 1882–1883 council term. He served as a local magistrate hence 'JP' (Justice of the Peace)

Physical description

Large wooden framed illuminated address presented to Mayor Abraham Harkness. The frame has a flowery motive on the edges, with Australian animals (possums, rosellas, duck, bilby? ) in small circles at each corner and half way vertically. The edge including circles is golden in colour. Under a glass cover an ornate illuminated address to Abraham Harkness Esq. J.P. Mayor of Sandhurst 1882-3. Presented March 1883. Wording states: @ To Abraham Harkness Esq. JP, Mayor of Sandhurst 1882-1883. Dear Sir, We, the members of Parliament and officers of the City Council, the magistrates, the clergy, superintendent, teachers and pupils of the sunday school and other citizens of Sandhurst who accepted the invitation of yourself and Mrs Harkness to a Grand Picnic at Ravenswood on Wednesday January 17th 1883, hereby beg to express our united and cordial appreciation of your kindness and liberality on that occasion and to congratulate you on the success of the demonstration not only as regards the attendance of 10,000 adults and children but equally so on the excellent arrangements which enabled you and all to so thoroughly enjoy themselves. AS a souvenir of the picnic and as a small token of the high esteem in which you are held, both as mayor, chief magistrate, citizen and friend, we respectfully beg your acceptance of this Illuminated Address and we pray that you and you amiable partner in life and family may long be spared to each other and that you may continue to discharge the duties of the important civic offices held by you with so much credit to yourself and advantage to the citizens generally. On behalf of the subscribers, we are, dear sir, yours most respectfully. Signed, Chairman of Committee and signed, Secretary. Sandhurst March 1883.