PRESENTATION TO MAJOR STAPP.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 1180, 30 March 1872, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MAJOR STAPP.

To tlie Editor of the Taranaki Heb.vld.

Sir, — In these degenerate times it is not often that one has the pleasure of recording the fact of an individual holding a high public position for many years, retaining so great and deserved popularity as to draw forth at separate periods two public demonstrations.

It was with great pleasure that I read of the presentation of a sword to Major Stapp. JBYom remarks made at the parade there appeared to be an utter ignorance of a similar spirit of gratitude for tho Major's manifold good qualities, having evinced itself either in the year 1854 or '65, when a subscription was eutered into — open to all classes — for the purpose of presenting a suitable testimonial ; the money was collected, and used towards the pnrchnso of a memento, but for some reason that has not. trnnspirod, these transactions were never given publicity to by the press; the whole affair was carried through with unbecoming privacy. This is not aa it should have been— a gift of the kind is intended not only for the individual, but to encourage others to go and do likewise. Our young men strnggl ng onwards into political life, may learn a lesson by studying Mnjnr Stapp's public career, which, all may rent iissured, has been far from either an easy or pleasant one. In the first place, although much fault and complaint has Often been found with the various officers placed in supreme command over us, the Major has steered through, doing his duty to his superiors without oppressing the inferiors ; and in his actions of latter days, has shown that he is fully aware of the difference between mare mechanical drill and organisation; he understands every man in the Province, and, at a very short notice, in case of emergency, could select a force ready to follow anywhere. Whilst thoroughly doing his duty, he has nerer allowed exult-ition to carry him away, but has always met and treated the settlers in a kind an 1 gentlemanly manner, so aa to draw from them the lasting feelings of esteem and regard. Many a young man is wrecked on the very threshold of success from being unable " to bear his blushing honours" — let such treasure the words of the great dramatist — " Mark but my Fall, and that, that ruined me. Cromwell, 1 ohar^e thee flinsr awsiy ambition ; By that sin fell the angels, how ein man then, The imn>;e of his Maker, hope to win by it ? Love thyself last : cherish those that hate thee." I am, &c., W.I.G.