A Pleasing Affair.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 192, 6 September 1888, Page 2

A Pleasing Affair.

PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT BTAGPOQLE. If any man ever had reason to be proud Sergeant Stagpoole ought to be, considering the demonstration which last evening was made in his honor. Under the auspices of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and assisted by the Garrison Band, Mr Townley’s City Bink was made use of for an evening’s entertainment of an exceptionally pleasant nature. There was a large attendance, the gallery (reserved for onlookers) being full. Rinking was kept up gaily, to the music of the'Band, until shortly after nine, when the Mayor (Captain Tucker) performed the ceremony of the evening, the presentation to Sergeant Stagpoole of the Humane Society’s medal, which had been conferred on him for his gallant conduct in rescuing a life, and attempting to rescue other lives, during a boating accident at Tologa Bay. The facts are, indeed, so well known that it is quite unnecessary to repeat them. The Mayor said the med(d had been forwarded by the Government with a request fhat it should be presented in the most publjc mariner'goasibla, and he believed every inhabitant of Gisborne tha adjoining districts could join in congratula'i ting Sergeant Stagpoole on the tribute which had been conferred on him for the courage and humanity that had characterised his action, (Loud applause.) He could well recollect when the news of the accident at Tologa Bay first reached Gisborne, how anxious they were for further information, and how, when they beard of Sergeant Stagpoole’s safety, they looked upon him as one returned from the dead, and they congratulated one another, as well as his relatives; who had been most in* tereated. He now, on behalf of them all, congratulated the Sargeant on being there tp receive that medal, and hoped that he might long live to wear it, and that it would be an incentive to others to act with the same spirit of yglor. (Cheers.) The medal was then pinne'd' on by Tucker. Sergeant Stagpoole briefly replied.' Ho fejt deeply on the reception that had been given’ him that evening. He had only done what he considered his duty to his fellow-men, and he had no conception that when he came back to Gisborne he would be eo warmly received. Those who had dope better service, he did not believe, could anticipate stjoH a reception as had been given him. He heartily thanked the Fire Brigade, and all those present. In response to a call from the Mayor three cheers were then given for the recipient of the medal. After this dancing was begun, and with rinking at intervals, continued until after eleven. Some of the tinkers ap* peared in fancy costume. Mr Townley genarously gave tns ires use of his hall for tha occasion, and the proceeds are to be devoted defraying the cost "of a team to represent the grigqdg at the annual borht petition.