A STRIKING TRIBUTE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17984, 1 April 1930, Page 8

A STRIKING TRIBUTE.

SERGEANT A. E. J. STARK. CITIZENS OFFER FELICITATIONS. A POPULAR OFFICER. A striking tribute to his popularity as a man and his efficiency as a representative of the law was given 1:1st evening, when a large and reprosenta live gathering of Frankton citizens assembled in the Frankton Bowling Club’s pavilion to farewell Sergeant A. E. J. Stark, on the occasion of his transfer on promotion to Senior Sergeant at Napier. During the four years lie has been stationed at Frankton Sergeant Stark lias earned many friends, and his departure from charge of that integral part of the borough will be missed by all who have the efficient administration of Frankton at heart. The evening took the form of a social, the various toasts being interspersed with vocal items contributed by some of the town’s best known artists, including Messrs K. P. Fade, W- Fenton, and B. Mclntosh. The chair was occupied by .Mr F. Baker, president of the Frankton Bowling Club, who expressed Ike general regret felt at Sergeant Stark’s departure from Ike town. On behalf of the citizens of Frankton he wished him every success and happiness in his. new sphere of activities, and expressed the wish that they would have the privilege of having him, some day, hack amongst them once more. Splendid Body of Men. During the course of the evening opportunity was taken by Mr J. Fraser Smith to present the guest of the evening with a beautiful . clock, suitably inscribed, on behalf of the citizens of Frankton. The speaker, in asking the Sergeant to<accept the presentation, assured him that while they were indeed sorry to see him leave, they were at the same time pleased Lo know of his merited promotion. He had well earned their respect, and this had not been gained at the sacrifice of duty. They had gathered together in an endeavour to express in some small way their appreciation of his efforts in the interest of Frankton. Air Fraser Smith noped that this token of their esteem would assist to remind the Sergeant of his days amongst them. Mr F. J. Farrell, in proposing the health of the Police Force, pointed out how fortunate New Zealand was in having such a splendid body of men as the guardians of law and order. In the years he had known their guest he had found him ideally suited to the important position he held, and that he had carried out his duties capably was evidenced by the representative gathering present on such a unique occasion. It was said I hat a man in Sergeant Stark’s position should not be farewellcd in this fashion, as he had but done his duty, but it was the speaker's considered opinion that Hie public should show its appreciation in some tangible form on occasions such as these. Constable W- Peters suitably replied. Importance of Sport. Mr D. D. Wilson joined with the previous speakers in wishing Sergeant Stark success in his new work, lie had known the Sergeant for a number of years, and had always found him honest and upright in his dealings. One could easily realise _ why the Force was held in such high esteem if all its officers were of the same calibre as their guest. Among those present was Mr C. A. Mathieson, Chief Postmaster at Hamilton. who. in proposing the toast of “The Sports,” stressed the importance that sport played in every walk of life. One must have a healthy body to have a healthy mind; it was because of liiis that he had always encouraged sport in his department. Sergeant Stark tiad been a sport of the real type, and the speaker assured nim that he would find a warm welcome awaiting him at Napier. The manager of the Frankton branch of the Bank of New South Wales, Air W. D. Ross, reiterated the remarks of Mr Alathieson. Sergeant Starlc, in reply, expressed his pleasure and surprise at the large gathering of citizens who had joined in such a happy function- He was deeply touched, and appreciated fully the spirit that had prompted such a function. lie was glad Lo say that he had made few enemies in Frankton. lie would look on this evening as one of the happiest of his life. Sergeant Stark concluded by paying a tribute lo ilac officers under him —a staff of keen and efficient men, whose cooperation had made possible any popularity he may have gained. Farewelled by Staff. Yesterday afternoon members of the Frankton Police Force, Constables W. Peters, A. P. Packer, and G. F. Atkins, farewelled their chief, and congratulated him on his promotion to the rank of Senior Sergeant. Constable Peters, on behalf of the Frankton staff, presented the Sergeant with a handsome wallet.