VALEDICTORY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 14 January 1913, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

HOSPITAL BOARD’S TRIBUTE TO

A MEMBER

Mr Sidney Ward attended his last meeting of the Stratford Hospital and Charitable Aid Board this morning. Always energetic and thorough iu anything lie takes up, Mr Ward, has devoted to the public service much time that might profitably have been spent in his private business, and it is in the Hospital Board that bis services have been most marked. A prominent member of more than one local body, he lias never been content to be a mere figure-head. As a speaker, he indulges in no platitudes: usually well-informed, he gets ‘‘right down to business”, and speaks his mind in no uncertain manner.

Owing to the annual election being so close, Mr Ward did not forward his resignation, but merely asked for leave of absence, which in this case was equivalent to resigning. In making the request, Mr Ward said the Hospital Board was one of the public institutions he had workecPTor heart and soul, and he was sorry to sever his connection with it. He hoped the good feeling existing between its members would continue. He thanked the Chairman and his fellow members for the courtesy which at all times had been extended to him. He also thanked Mr Penn for courtesy and kindness, and congratulated the Board on possessing such an excellent officer, who saved the Board many pounds every year, and who, lie hoped, would have ids services fully recognised when the next year’s appropriations were made.

Mr Smith expressed his keen regret at Mr ‘ Ward’s departure. He move" that the leave of absence be granted.

Mr Christoffel seconded the motion. Mr Ward, be said, was one of the most thorough, energetic, and industrious members , the Board possessed, and was always ready to give his time freely. Mr McAllister added his tribute, stating that he and Mr Ward, as the town members of the Board, had become most closely connected, but the public knew little of the time and energy expended by Mr Ward in the tbous,and-and-one little matters that required immediate attention. Mr E. Mine referred to the news ol Mr Ward’s departure as a most unpleasant surprise, he regarding Mr Ward’s ser vices as practically indispensible. The secretary (Mr T. H. Penn) said Mr Ward would be greatly missed. At all times the departing member had given valuable service readily. He sincerely wished Mr Ward every success.

Mr Marfell, the Chairman, in placing on record his appreciation of Mr Ward’s services, started that owing to the fact that bo (the speaker) Jived out of town, much work had fallen on the town members’ shoulders. They had done their work willingly and ably without in any way usurping the chairman’s position. He trusted that Mr Ward would not be lost to hospital work. Good public men of ability could be of great service to their fellow men. “We ought to thank all men who take up these things,” concluded Mr Marfell, “and wo ought to appreciate their services. Mr Ward, you have my very liest wishes for your future success.” The motion was then carried by acclamation.

In reply, Mr Ward thanked the members for their kind wishes, and referred to Mr McAllister’s services, giving it as his opinion that if there was any credit dm;, much of it should he given to his colleague, who, lie had heard it whispered, was not seeking re-election. Ho assured those present that he would always remember with pleasure his period of service on the Board.

Afterwards those present adjourned to Mr McAllister’s studio,' where a permanent record of the event was dulv made.