Mayor Schmalz�s 1912 address � delivered by Helmut Koeckritz

 Fellow Citizens!

The Ceremonies which we all have long looked forward to have now taken place and the City of Berlin is an accomplished fact. 

I am sure that in this wide Dominion there can be found no city of its size which has so many people singing its praises, upholding its integrity and showing their loyalty than the good people of Berlin, whether they are Natives or Citizens by Adoption.  I congratulate you on becoming residents of a city at this Midnight Hour and hope that this event may ever be a pleasant Reminiscence. 

Berlin is now the youngest City in the Dominion, but by no means the smallest or least important.  As a Town it has long taken the lead in many matters of Importance and has indeed by its unbounded Energy and Industriousness made a Name for itself. Now that the Town of Berlin has been created into the City of Berlin, its Growth and Stability will undoubtedly increase rapidly and I hope that the new Era in its History will produce only good Results. 

I trust that our Citizens will remain loyal to a greater Berlin and that Contentment and Prosperity may be their Reward.  My sincere Wish is that God may bless and protect the City of Berlin.