A POPULAR CITIZEN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 35, 10 February 1913, Page 3

A POPULAR CITIZEN.

FAREWELL PRESENTATION TO MR. E. B. STOHR. On Saturday evening a large number of citizens filled the Borough Council Chambers on the occasion of the farewell presentation to Mr E, B. Stohr, who, in his long residence in Stratford, has been a distinguished supporter of all sporting organisations, and is a deservedly popular citizen. . Apologies for absence were received from Messrs A. W. Budge (president of Stratford Racing Club), T. C. Fookes (president of Stratford Football Club), Sidney Pitt (treasurer of Stratford Racing Club), T. H. Penn, W. G. Malone, and Dr. Paget. The Mayor (Mr W. P. Kirkwood) who presided; said that they had met that evening to do honour to one of Stratford’s most favourably known citizens—Mr E. B. Stohr, who was just on the eve of his departure from among them. It was very much to bt regretted that they were losing a citizen of his calibre, but while it was to be regretted that they were losing a good citizen they should take these matters philosophically and realist that the coming and going of residents was simply the history of all progress of towns; where they lost residents they hoped to get as good as those who went away. \ But in the case ,of Mr Stohr, he thought he could safely say that his place would be hard to fill in this town (applause)." Mr Stohr had been a resident for 16 years and during that time had made a great many friends and had won the deepest respect and esteem of all with whom he had come in contact He was quite satisfied that Mr Stohi in leaving Stratford left behind him none but good friends, and although he was leaving them he could assure Mr Stohr that should he at any time find leisure to revisit Stratford he would find that those friends had in no way forgotten him and would give him a warm and hearty welcome. Whilst a resident in Stratford Mr Stohr had taken an active part in all matters of sport; he was a prominent member of the local racing club and acclimatisation society; and in football circles they did not yet know how they were going to replace him. Never had a football match been played in Taranaki at which Mr Stohr was not present—(lnterpolated Mr W. H. H. Young: Two places at one time) (Laughter).—He knew Mr Stohr was not the class of man who liked to hear his praises sung too loudly, but, he thought it would be wrong not to give voice to their appreciation of his excellent citizenship. In concluding, his Worship said he had much pleasure in presenting Mr Stohr on behalf of his many friends in Stratford, with a small token of,their regard for his many sterling qualities. The presentation took the form of a handsome pair of binoculars and a travelling rug. In making the presentation his Worship conveyed to Mr and Mrs Stohr the most sincere wishes of their many friends for their future health happiness anil prosperity, wherever they might reside. Mr W- H. H. Young, in the unavoidable absence of Mr A. W. Budge (President of the Stratford Racing Club), also presented Mr Stohr with a handsome travelling bag, accompanying the same with many expressions of good will and regret at his departure. Mr Young specially referred to Mr Stohr’s long and honourable connection with the Stratford Club. During the ten years Mr Stohr had been connected with the club, it had prospered exceedingly; at one time they had o one-day meeting and the stakes were about £4OO, while to-day they had a two-days’ meeting and paid over stakes amounting to over £llOO. During Mr Stohr’s membership he had served as a steward every day, every hour; and for the last six or seven years he had also been a committeeman. The club had had its hand times, and, if it bad not been for men like Mr Stohr, there would have been no racing club in Stratford to-day. Before concluding Mr Young paid a graceful tribute to Mrs Stohr, who with a wealth of kindness had in times of sickness, when nurses n, °r» ungynilnlOf.

Mr Robert Masters, in making a presentation on behalf of the Stratford Football Club of a case of pipes, referred especially to the yeoman service rendered to the club by Mr Stohr both as a player and as an official. They all recognised what a fine footballer Mr Stohr had been in his time. A sport of sports, when , a team was stuck for a man to play he would take that man’s place, tor he would never see the club fail to fulfil its engagements. Concluding, Mr Masters referred to the great financial assistance, rendered by Mr Stohr to the club, and said, amidst applause, that when secretary, Mr Stohr had many a time put his hand in his pocket and handed out moneys that the finance of the club might be put on a really good basis. Mr W. J. Morrison also spoke, and, as one of the oldest committeemen, referred chiefly to the work done by Mr Stohr in a long connection with the Stratford Football Club.

“I keenly regret losing my old pal,” said Mr D. J. Malone, who spoke feel'ingly of what Mr Stohr had done for sporting bodies in Taranaki, more especially for the Stratford Swimming Club. . , ~ • •‘; ;

“The medical profession,” said Dr. Carbery, “regret his departure from this town j they regret that his stay with us is being cut short, the more especially because they have always found him most willing to assist, and a cheerful partner in their sometimes rather arduous labours.” (Applause).

In reply, the guest of the evening said he felt very deeply the kind re* marks that had been made, though he thought that these had been rather more glowing than he had deserved. As far as his residence in Stratford was concerned, he would never in his life regret having come here. (Applause). And he believed he could always have a good word to say for Stratford. He was leaving the district, not because he had any grudge against it, but because he desired a warmer climate in which to live. He still thought that Stratford was one of the best towns in the Dominion. (Applause). Mr Stohr went on to refer to the Swimming Club, and said he very mUcli,regretted to know that citizens did not take the interest in the club that they should. In conclusion Mr Stohr thanked all the different bodies and those friends who had seen fit to present him with such very‘acceptable gifts. He appreciated the' gifts in ( the spirit in which they were given. ' (Applause); The' gathering terminated amid cheers for Mt 1 and Mrs Stohr.