A MARK OF ESTEEM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10282, 10 July 1911, Page 5

A MARK OF ESTEEM.

i PRESENTATION TO MR JOHN STRANG. Ail indication of the high esteem in which Mr John Strang, of Glenside, is held by his fellow-settlers, was afforded on Saturday, when the Mastterton A. and P. Association, at comparatively short notice,' presented him with an illuminated address on the eve of Jus departure for England to seek advice concerning an affection of his eyes. The presentation was made by Mr James McGregor, one of the oldest , members of the Association. Mr McGregor said he knew of no name toore universally respected than that of John Strang, of Glenside. (Applause.) They were all extremely grieved to know that Mr Strang had J found it necessary to go Home to seek advice concerning a. physical trouible, and they all hoped that he would return well and strong, and with 'his eyesight much improved. If there was one man whose name stood 1 out in the district for •publac-<spirit-edness; if there was one man whose name stood for.generosity, that man was John Strang. (Applause). If there was any person to whom they, as lan Association, were indebted for having come forward at the right time and in the right manner, that person' nvas John Strang. (Loud applause.) Well did he (the, speaker) remember the short,'speech* made by Mr Strang when they were in trouble about their old ground. "We havenot all gone bung yet!" said Mr Strang. • There was* a wealth of meaning in these words. It showed ' that behind the Association there were men of backbone who would ■stand by it. Mr Strang was not only a man of words, but of action, and he had given vim and push to the Association, which they all appreciated. (Applause.) Not only was Mr Strang of great value to the Association—he was of inestimable value to the whole district. In that connection Mr 'McGregor instanced the good , work done by Mr Strang ins Treasurer I of the Gladstone Church. ' He' repeated that Mr Strang's affliction I "would grieve them all, and theytrasted he would come back well and strong. On beh aJf of the Association he had pleasure in presenting him with a small token of their high appreciation of his kindness and generosity. Glenside was known far and wide for its generosity. John Strang was every inch of him a "white man," and a .man with a reputation held by very few other men. in the Wairarapa. (Loud applause.) The testimonial presented to Mr Strang read as follows: "We, the General Committee on behalf of the members of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, on the. occasion of your departure for England, desire to place on record ou> appreciation of the valuable services rendered by you ■during the many yeans you have been connected with the Association, especially in regard to your invaluable assistance in bringing to a successful issue the acquisition of the Showgrounds ait Solway. We sincerely trust you will return fully reicovered. .in health, and that you will for many years .fill a place in- the management of the Association." (Here follow tftie signatures of the General Committee.) Mr Strang, in acknowledging the gift, said he could not thank those present in words. He. felt their kindness very deeply, for he believed that their expressions had been given from the bottom, of their hearts. He felt that anything he had done for the Association had Ibeen very small. He was going Home more on account i of his family and. friends than, for his own sake. If "he underwent an operation here, and. it was not successful, thev would .say he should j have gone Home for the best advice i procurable. He felt that he was ' doing the right thing. In conclusI ion., ho asked that he 'be left off the Committee, and urged those present to keep their shoulder to the wheel. "Don't leave a stone unturned," he said, "because you have been successful." He again thanked them •for their kindness. Mr Strang then shook hands with everybody in the room, and wished them good-hye.