STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 170, 29 June 1900, Page 2

STRATFORD.

e FAREWELL BANQUET AND PRESENTAc TION TO MR. ALLBWORTH. J On Wednesday night Mr. E. G. Alls- .. worth was tendered a farewell banquet - at the Club Hotel by the citizens of e Stratford and residents of the sure rounding district. The Mayor, Mr. ¥. * Steuart, presided, being supported on 3 his left hand by the Mayor of New - Plymouth, Mr. E. Dockrill, while the ' gueet of the evening occupied the place [of honour on the right. The capacity j of the large room was taxed to its , utmost by the representative as- - semblage which sat down to the well- ■ laden tables. After full justice had , been done to the excellent repast pro- ; vided by host Mumford, and the usual j loyal toasts had been proposed and resj ponded to, that of " The guest of the [ evening " was proposed by the chairman. ■ b Before the toast was chunk, several ■ prominent townsmen were afforded the J opportunity of speaking to it. This they did in most felicitous and complimentary terms, alluding to the interest chat Mr. Allsworth had always , taken in the affairs of the town and district, and the great usefulness of his services thereto. Hearty wishes for Mr. Allsworth's prosperity and success were echoed on every hand, as also, for that of Mrs. Allsworth and family. Mr. Allsworth, is responding, after expressing his appreciation of all the" kind things that had been said, referred to the marked growth and 'progress of the town and district since he first settled there some ten years ago ' hi the first six months he used to \vrjto ' his editorials in the station, that being ' the quietest place in the town though : both Post Office and Eaihvay business were carried on there. Ho also took advantage of the occasion to urge the of Stratford with New Plymouth, as the interests of both were mutual and were those of the whole province. These sentiments were most 1 cordially received and endorsed by c those present. Several other toasts'( followed, the responses thereto being'< 1 made the occasi >n of further conipli- J t ment.uy remarks. The Mayor then j presented Mr. Allsworth with a magni- 1 ficenily illuminated address, which had, f

rbeen beautifully engrossed by Mr N Benporath of Manaia, the artistic workmanship of which was quite unique. This testimonial reads as follows:

To E. G. Auswoeth, Esq. Dear SiE,_We, the undersigned residents of Stratford and district, whilst congratulating you upon your appointment to the editorial chair of the Taranaki News, desire to express our deep regret that it should necessitate your leaving us. During a ten [years residence here your generous and untirag endeavours to advance the interests of the town and district have laid all under a debt of gratitude which will be most difficult to repay. As the first editor of our pioneer newspaper, so appropriately named The Egmont i>Mer, you have, since its inception, worked most earnestly and conscientiously, and have ever proved yourself a consistent champion of the people, especially the people of these parts! We feel that we express the popular opinion when we say that except for your efforts as a journalist we should be without many valuable privileges and institutions, the establishment of which you have so ably advocated. In public life, notwithstanding the limited time at your disposal, you have acted in many capacities with both credit to yourself and benefit to your fellows. You have been a most useful member oTthe Town Board, School Committee, Education Board, East Egmont Forest Board, Public Library Committee, Chamber of Commerce, and other offices, besides giving your valuable assistance to nearly every local institution. In educational matters you have always taken a keen interest, and your services on the School Committee and Education Board are praiseworthy indeed. We especially thank you for the very important part that you took in connection with the establishment of the Stratford District High School, a school of which you, as well as the whole community, may feel justly proud. With regard to social functions, Mrs. Allsworth, the Misses Bobin and yourself will be greatly missed, for the ever ready sympathy and courtesy of your family have been invaluable. Concluding, we desire to offer to Mrs. Allsworth, yourself, and the members of your home our hearty good wishes for your future prosperity and happiness, and to assure you that the warmest welcome will always await your return to the town, where your services have been so much and so generally appreciated.—Yours faithfully, Walter Symes (M.H.R.), Fred. Steuart (Mayor), H. Norman Liardet, R. Dingle, Joseph Mackay, J. Strachan Greig, R. Mc.lL Morison, N. J. King, W. G. Malone, Thomas 0. Fookes, William Nicholson, R. B. Tatton, T. Elliot Wilson, T. : Harry Penn, T. W. Rapley, William A. Ellis (J.P.), Fred. W. Wake, Kgmont Settler, J. W. Warren, Joseph Thomas, Sidney James, George Smart, 0. D. Sole, E. Burgess, F. W. Webster.

After this bad bera read through by Mr. T. C. Pookes, the Mayor handed Mr. Allsworth a splendid token of the esteem in which he was held, in the shape of a handsome and valuable gold watch, albert and seal. The watch had the monogram "E.G.A." elaborately engraved on the back, while on the inside case was inscribed: " Presented to E. G. Allsworth, Esq., in recognition of his valued services to the town and district of Stratford. June 20th, 1900." Mr. Allsworth, who experienced some difficulty in finding words to suitably express his deep gratitude to the donors of the presentation, mentioned that this would be a most treasured memento of his residence in their midst, and of the kindly relations existing between them. Amongst other toasts, that of " Ois Worship the Mayor of New Plymouth" was drunk with musical honours and great enthusiasm. Mr. Dockrill, in reply, alluded to the good feeling existing between New Plymouth and Stratford, and hoped I this would always continue. He remarked that Stratford had one great advantage, inasmuch as their public men could sink private feelings and pull together for the good of the town. During the evening several songs and recitations were given by various members of the company present, and served to promote the general enjoyment and harmony of the function. The pleasant proceedings terminated by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."