incomparably the better man. He was appointed Chairman of Committees, and held it and his seat up to his death in 1860. Mr. Hodgson possessed no force of character, and but little ability of any kind; yet, from an inoffensive manner, though marked by no little obtrusiveness, he not only won a certain amount of popularity, but kept it.
J. S. Johnston
Studied for the Medical Profession, but did not stick to it. Arriving in Melbourne he opened the Southern Cross Hotel, in West Bourke Street, the temporary residence of Bishop Perry in 1848. Johnston was an active member of the City Council, and some of his speeches were amongst the best of the time. He was dashing, sarcastic, pungent and punning. He had a strong aversion to Superintendent Latrobe, to whom he gave occasionally a sound dressing. His presence at the old Scottish celebrations was quite a feature, for he possessed the essentials for "running an entertainment " pleasantly—a rousing speech and a rallying song—at both of which he had hardly an after-dinner equal. It was thought he would cut a respectable figure in political life, and at the start this was warranted. In the first Legislative Council he played a leading part, which, after years did not sustain. In the Legislative Assembly, where he sat for some time, and once held a Ministerial office, he was only the shadow of the once fiery,knock-down Johnston. He was one of the original proprietors of the Argus, and, after selling his interest therein, visited his native country, "Caledonia stern and wild." After his return to Melbourne, he re-joined the Argus as business manager, from which he retired some years ago, bearing with him the good wishes of the whole establishment, from the editor to the "devil."
There was another rather eccentric Councillor who secured an Aldermanship,
Francis Reilly,
Who was once a wealthy publican, and one of the first Councillors for Fitzroy. It was difficult to account for his promotion on any other ground than by rotation, for he was the "silent member," par excellence, at the Council table. This may be a merit, though rarely acknowledged or rewarded as such. There were two things "Frank," as he was called, was never known to do, i.e., wear a "bell-topper," or make a speech. If you said to him, "Frank, why don't you mount a bell-topper?" his answer would be, "Do you think I am a fool?" And if you queried, "Frank, why don't you make a speech?" the reply was an emphatic, "Do you think I am a ————— fool?" The distinction in the responses marked his sagacity, because to those who knew him "Frank" would be more of a fool any day speechifying than "bell-toppered." Yet "Frank" was by no means a bad sort of a felllow; and be was generous enough with his cash, until it took wings and flew away.
Another of the reticent Councillors and future Aldermen, was
John Cosgrave,
Who differed from, and yet resembled "Frank," for he was rather partial to a "bell-topper," but as averse to orating. He worked the Council to more advantage than "Frank," for he walked from his seat into the snug billet of City Treasurer. Few who knew him envied his good luck, for he was reputedly one of the best fellows in Melbourne. An outcry was raised when his Civic brethren provided him with the retiring snuggery, but it soon died out; and supposing the motives for his "shunting" to have been personal, the city obtained a public purse-holder of extreme efficiency and rare integrity.
There remains yet to be disposed of, the noisiest and most turbulent Alderman of all, Mr. Kerr whose talons were extracted by his appointment to the Town Clerkship. But of him there will be a few words anon.
