LATE COLONEL MALONE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 73, 25 November 1915, Page 4

LATE COLONEL MALONE.

UNVEILMENT OF MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPH. At the afternoon session of the JCounty Council yesterday, a fine lifesize portrait of the late Colonel Malone was unveiled in the presence of a large representative gathering. The Chairman of the Council (Mr Win. Hathaway). in unveiling the portrait, stated that he was gratified to see such a gathering present to pay testimony to their old friend who had given his life for his King. The late Colonel Malone was one of the founders of the Stratford County and its first clerk. He held that position from JB9O to 1900, when he became the Council's legal adviser, which capacity he filled till death. He was not only a solicitor, but was also a farmer, and above all. a soldier, but, in every capacity, lie was a man of sterling worth. As a soldier he went to fight from a sense of duty for his people and for the shirkers. y\v G. A. Marchant, an ex-chairman, stated that the occasion,carried with it a strong feeling of sorrow, hut there was yet an element of pride, because Colonel Malone'had passed his working lifetime among the Stratford community. Colonel Malone and himself arrived here together and were ncighhours on their farms. Together they fought hard for a County, and when the County was created Colonel Malone was its clerk and he (the speaker) its chairman. His relations with Colonel Malone were intimate,, and in them he found his departed friend a man of the highest honor and integrity whose memory and fame would ever be cherished in Stratford. Colonel Malone gave up everything, and everyone should follow liis example if necessary lor the Empire. The Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon) said that it was not a time for many words, hut he was anxious to place on <ecord the appreciation the town cherishes of their military chief. He always found Colonel Malone most unselfish. The men in cam]) loved Colonel Malone hecause he had the knack of getting them to do so.

1 Mr J. B. Hine related the circumstances of the appointment of the late Colonel to the command he held. In answer to a request, he interviewed General Godley to see if he would do anything for Colonel Malone. General Wiley replied that there was no need to push Malo'ne's case, as he (Godley> was sure he could not get a better man. Malonc's greatest strength was his determination to do his duty not only to his Empire, but to his men. and therefore the men loved him. He was a great man. "Ma.v his portrait, though dead, speak*" concluded MiMine. Rev. Father Maples testified to Colonel Malone's thoroughness in evervthing he did. As a Catholic, he was an example to all. He had lost a .rood friend, but he would say. "Master, go on and I will follow thee to the ■lust unsp." . The legal fraternity's tribute was paid in a fine speech by Mr T. C. l-ookes. who was a very old friend of Colonel Malone's. He stated that Colonel Malone was a pioneer in every sense of the word. In- spite of revovsps", he always came up smiling, and this was due to his steadfast character and conscientiousness. Colonel Malone was a, man of wonderful individuality, and it would be hard .to find a finer man anywhere in New Zealand. Colonel Malone was the first secretary of the Stratford Football Club and one of its best players. As a soldier he had very few equals in life, for which he was peculiarly fitted. His sacrifice and example was an inspiration to all. He had lived a good life, and in his death he achieved his greatest ambition—to die for his peoMessrs J. Masters, G. N. Curtis, W. Godkin. ami W. P. Kirk wood also paid tributes to' Colonel Malone. Mr T H- Penn replied on behalf of Mrs Malone and family. He stated that manv fine tributes had been paid to Colonel Malone in letters from men in high positions at Home and in the Dardanelles.