VALEDICTORY TO CR WARD

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 22, 24 January 1913, Page 5

VALEDICTORY TO CR WARD

Councillors last night made a presentation to Councillor Ward of a handsome silver fruit and flower cperg ne, and accompanied the gift with expressions of good-will and appreciation of valuable services rendered. The Mayor, in making the presentation, on behalf of councillors, the town clerk, and himself, said that Councillor Ward, during his twelve years’ of office had done good work on the Council. He might say that the departing Councillor had been a man prolific in his ideas of matters that might be of benefit to the town. Though Councillor Ward fought strenuoush for what that Councillor ’considered right, he had never known him tr utter one word in anger. He would like to say also, in connection with Councillor Ward’s long residence ir Stratford, that the Councillor hac “helped many a lame dog over a style;” there were quite a number of people in Stratford who had to thank him for many charitable actions. Referring to the ‘municipal spirit” with which Councillor Ward had been im bued, the Mayor said that it was a great pity that we in Stratford had not more of that spirit, and that then were not many more men willing tc take up municipal work. In this connection, His Worship stated that it would be a good thing if the younger people could be persuaded to take an interest in affairs municipal. He advocated the establishment in the schools, if it could be arranged without disturbing the curriculum, of t “mock borough council.” This would have the effect of familiarising the pupils with the rules of procedure, ae he knew that lack of knowledge of this important subject deterred many geople from seeking office on tin ouncil. The Mayor then wished Councillor Ward prosperity and happi ness, wherever ho might go. (Applause.) Cr. King endorsed the remarks ol His Worship in reference to Cr. Ward. He (the speaker) was one of the first to meet Cr. Ward on his arrival in Stratford. He had dealt with him in business the whole time and haci always found him the “straight wire.” Sometimes Cr Ward did not know where he sat, but he always came tc the vote and did his best in the interests of the borough. Cr King said he sincerely trusted that in Australia or wherever Cr Ward might be, he and his family would have every prosperity, and when he looked on the memento would remember the old place. Probably he would be back again, and if so, not only the people of Stratford but also the members of the Borough Council woedd welcome him again.—Applause. Cr Ward, in reply, thanked the Council for their kind gift. He as sured them that he would always prize it. He also took the opportunity of thanking the Town Clerk for the many kindnesses shown to him during the time he had been in the position. Cr Ward said he felt it was an honour to be a member of the Council. He was not done with municipal life yet, wherever he went and had the time to devote to municipal work, he would still do his best for the ratepayers. (Applause.) Unfortunately he had not been able to see eye to eye with his colleagues, but he had never taken any feeling in Council matters away from the table. He would always look back with pleasure upon the very pleasant times he had had in Stratford and especially at the Borough Council. (Applause.)