PRESENTATION TO SIR R. STOUT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1648, 18 October 1887, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO SIR R. STOUT.

Aboat forty citizens assembled in Sir Robert Stout’s private room, Dunedin, on Friday afternoon, to witness the presentation of an address which bad been extensively signed by electors of Dunedin and the surrounding districts. The Mayor said at first he doubted if it would bd proper for him to present the address, but on being satisfied that it had been signed not only by electors who supported Sir Robert Stout’* policy and Government, but by men of -II aides, and that there were about 6600 signatures . representing Protestant*, Freethinkers, ) and people of all religious den'iniria'ions, he thought it right that be should attend in his official capacity as Mayor of the city. All were proud of Sir Robert Sfnnt as a citizen, who bad by his own efforts risen from the lowest rung of the ladder to the highest position that it was posniblo to hold in this country. ' He then presented the address, which expressed sorrow at the loss the cohny had sustained through being deprived ef hia services, and asked him to reconsider bis decision, and allow himself to be nominated for a constituency should an opportunity offer. Sir Robert, in replying, said that (hough he realised that it was a great honor to be called on to represent one’s fellow citizens, it was also a position that entailed a great sacrifice in respect t« health, comfort, and wealth. •he representative was a loser, especially one like himself, who did not pose as a wealthy man and who had young children of his own to bring up and look after. Though he coiu'd not comply with their wish expressed in the address, he would never forget the kindnes* of those who had signed it and the good wishes exprossid by other fellowcolonists. He bad always been handicapped in election contests by the relig'ous cry being raised against him not by the people at large, for, as had been pointed out, members of all religlsus denominations had signed the address now presented—but by what he might term the least enlightened of the colonists. In respect to this matter he, as they knew, always contended that it was not right for a man to disguise the views he hold. H'S fa'her and mother,; who were strictly orthodox, had taught lath that it was a duty to express one’s opinions, icme weal, come woe. He would keep the requisition for his children as a memorial **. of kindness on the part of those who had • signed it. and if he ever did re-enter Parliament again it would be Ins aim to do Ida be*t f' r our common ©ouotry. The Mayor said it had been intended *o make the presentation publicly, but this had been altered in compliance with Sir ~ Robert's request.