THE OPERATIC SOCIETY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 36, 18 June 1913, Page 7

THE OPERATIC SOCIETY

Mr F. Wilkie said he had been deputed by the Operatic Society to convey a resolution which had been passed that evening, wishing Dr. Carbery bon voyage, a pleasant holiday, and a safe return.

ODDFELLOWS' TRIBUTE. Mr C. D. Sole said he was in attendance on behalf of the Oddfellows' Lodge, for which Dr. Carbery had been medical officer for many years. Many members of the Lodge were present that evening. On behalf of members he desired to make a prtsenta. tion to the Doctor of a smoker's companion. If there was one thing more than another which truly tried the mettle of a doctor it was acting as medical officer to a friendly society. During the thirteen years Dr. Carbery had been connected with the Lodge, there had not been a single complaint. The presentation was not only from the Stratford Lodge but from the district branches also. A CO-WORKER. Dr. Steven said that no doubt the evening's speakers had all had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Carbery, but he (the speaker) had had the pleasure of working with him, and after seeing the manner in which he worked and the way in which he treated his fellowmen in all circumstances he had the highest possible esteem for Dr. Carbery. He (Dr. Steven) would be one of the most pleased to welcome Dr. Carbery on his return. AN OPUNAKE VISITOR. Mr E. H. Stohr, who had journeyed from Opunke for the purpose of being present, said he could not let the occasion pass without expressing his respect for Dr. Carbery, who always gave One advice as though one were his brother. They had been associated in connection with swimming and he (Mr Stohr) had hoped to have the pleasure of teaching the Doctor to shoot the waves at Opunake, but that would have to come later. "NO MORE THAN HIS DUE." The Mayor then, amidst applause, handed the two presentations to Dr. Carbery. In the presentations, ho said their giie?: was getting no more than his due. DR. CARBERY'S REPLY. On rising to respond, Dr. Carbery Mas greeted with prolonged applause. He said that on that occasion he had hoped to have excelled himself in oratory, but he hardly felt capable of do-

ing so. His two contemporaries had spoken, well of him. They had worked together, had seen into each other's hearts and had seen something good. (Applause.) When he had left Homo ho thought he had left a great deal behind, but at the age he then was 32, everybody was very cocksure. He then had the opinion that the country was not civilised, but had soon found his error. He thought ho had left everything behind in England, but every day lk ** Hvud i« Stratford he found new friends. (Applause.) AJI the time he had Leer, m Stratford his profession had not prevented him doing his duty as a citizen. Ho had often found that people in other parts of New Zealand liked Taranaki men when there was hard work to be done. People outside New Zealand found New Zealanders good workers, and he thought there was a general opinion that the Taranaki men were the best of the New Zealand men. He (the speaked) had always been keen on military affairs; and ho held that there could be no true citizenship without soldiership. Ho could call to mind a great number of things which had endeared him to Stratford. When he came to Stratford the town was very much different to what it now was. At that time there was no hospital, but there was a something in the community which was typified by the meeting that night. In those times a collar was only for wear by a parson and an unibre]la was cpiito taboo. (Laughter.) He did not like to weary those present, but when ho got Home he would have great stories to tell, including how he had once acted as a fireman. Ho could even remember when the first motor car came to Stratford. In the old days there was a healthy debating society in the town, and to it, no doubt, the Mayor owed some or all of his eloquence. Ho had been in Stratford before the Hospital, and he had nothing but praise for the manner in which it had been managed. There was no work ho liked better than the work in the hospital, and next to that came the work for the Lodges. The success of the English national insurance scheme, which was now assured, simply demonstrated the success of friendly societies. He had never had to complain of the treatment ho received from the local Lodge, though, of course, ho had at times to put up with some discomfort. He desired to express his thanks to members of the Lodge for their' handsome present; Mr Stolir and he,had been associated in swimming circles, hut' it had always been hard to get Mr Stohr to wash himself. (Laughter.) He would attend all sports and act as an official, but could never bo persuaded to enter the water. Swimming was the sport which ho''liked best, after yachting. When- ho (the speaker) ;and Mr Dan Malone"retirod from!business no doubt they would go to Opunake and enjoy and addressing the Mayor, Dr. Carbery and ddressing the Mayor, Dr. Carbery said the pleasure of the presentation was greatly enhanced by the fact that it had come through him (Mr Kirkwood's) hands. (Applause.) Tho gathering concluded with three hearty cheers for tho departing guest.