PRESENTATION TO MR STEWART.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1097, 15 May 1913, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR STEWART.

When it became known that Mr W. S. Stewart, who has been a resident ot Foxton for nearly 25 years, intended leaving the district and taking up his abode In Te Awamutu the residents felt they could not let him depart without some recognition of the esteem in which he was held by all. A meeting was hurriedly called together, and it was decided to present him with a purse of sovereigns, and this morning a number of citizens, both ladies and gentlemen, met in the Mayor’s room when the Mayor made the presentation on behalf of the citizens.

The Mayor said that sorrow was expressed on all sides when it was known that Mr Stewart, one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of the district, was leaving, and it was felt that they could not let him depart without some recognition of the esteem in which he was held by the community as a whole. The idea in the first place was to have held a public meeting in the evening, and he felt sure that if this had been done there would have b;en a very large gathering to show the esteem in which Mr Stewart was held. Mr Stewart had been a resident of the town for almost 25 years, 20 years ot whicn he had occupied the position of head master of the State school. His departure would be keenly felt by all the residents by whom he was held in the highest respect. The children especially would miss him as his kindly disposition rendered him beloved by practically the whole of the juvenile population. Mr Stiles said he felt sure that he echoed the sentiments of the whole of the residents in expressing regret at Mr Stewart’s departure. He referred to his connection ” f ilb various sports bodies in which, he had always taken a keeu interest. He expressed pleasure at being privileged to ask Mr Stewart to accept —as a token of the esteem in which he was held —a purse of sovereigns subscribed by the residents of the district. lu conclusion on behalf of the citizens he wished Mr Stewart a happy time in his new home, and expressed the hope that they would see him in Foxton again at some luture date.

The Rev. Mr Woodward also expressed feelings of regret at losing a kind friend. He referred to Mr Stewart’s connection with the Anglican Church—as vicar’s warden, superintendent of the Sunday School and synodsman. In the first-mentioned position he had shown much zeal and enthusiasm and his advice had been very helpful to the speaker. Mr Stewart was a man of culture and learning and he had been a great help to him. The success of the Sunday School work was in a great measure due to Mr Stewart’s enthusiasm. He had not said half as much as he should have liked about Mr Stewart’s good qualities but he knew it was his wish that as few and short speeches as possible should be made and he concluded by wishing him happiness and God’s blessing in his new home.

The Rev Mr Thomson said that as he had only been a resident of Foxton for a little over a year he had not had the pleasure of knowing Mr Stewart as long as he should have liked. During that time, however, he could not help being impressed with the high qualities possessed by Mr Stewart, and from what he had seen he must confess that Mr Stewart's influence for good has been second to none. As headmaster ot the school he had done splendid work, and the respect that was shown to him by those who had passed through his bands proved the way in which he had performed the sacred trust. The speaker said Mr Stewart was a man whom he esteemed very much, and he was exceedingly sorry that he was leaving the district. The Rev Mr Coatsworth also added his tribute to the respect in which Mr Stewart is held in the community. He bad been brought into contact with him iu No-License and Good Templar Dodge work, and they had worked together in these causes. His enthusiasm was worthy of the admiration of all. Mr Stewart was beloved by all, especially the children and he cbuld assure him that he was carrying away with