VALEDICTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9540, 4 March 1919, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

"* RAILWAY OFFICIAL FAREWELLED.

Mr J. A. McCaskey, who has> occupied the , position of chief booking clerk at the Ashburton railway station for the past four years, will relinquish his connection with the Department on Thursday to-take up other employment.

Last evening he was entertained by railway employees and civilians in. the room at the rear of the Theatre Royal, the stationmaster, Mr T. J. Bell, presiding overran attendance of about 100.

A lengthy programme of musical items, interspersed with toasts, was gone through, the principal item being tho toast of "The Guesit of the Evening:." The chairman, in proposing the latter; referred in brief but eulogistic .errns to Mr McCaskey's ability. Being most efficient in his duties, he had proved a valuable officer, and hi 9 services would be greatly missed, especially in regard to the training of cadets. The speaker then presented the guest with a travelling bag and rug, and on behalf of the donors wished him success "and'i ha'-ppiness in his new sphere of duties: <?v-.-.J ;-.;.. ,-'■>.

Mr ,-E. .McSherr.y, Inspector of '.the Permanent Way, said he could not allow the evening to pass without paying a tribute' to Mr McCaskey's ability and.the esteem in which he was held by his fellow-employees. In parting with him. the Department was losing a very capable man, and one who was much respected by/all. He wished him every success and. happiness ,in his : venture.

These remarks were supplemented by Mes&rs C. Travis (shunter), J. Sutton ((pprtefy,' H. Stone (storeman), J. Rutledge,,.;,(driver), ;, J. Melville (electric ...liu'estnan)v^. Hodgson (guard), and S. Casse^' (ganger). Several civilians also spoke, reference being made to the departing guest's business integrity, one member remarking, that it was to be regretted the Railway Department did not do more to encourage the brainy men with a view to retaining their services.

Mr McCaskey said ; he, '. appreciated greatly the kind words spoken, and thanked the donors for their valuable gifts. He referred to the goodfellowship that had existed amongst the men during his 20 years' experience-on the railway, and especially to the happy relations that were in evidence locally. He had given the Railway Department a. fair trial, and had arrived at the conclusion' that the opportunities for getting to "the top of the tree were far tob slow and infrequent in the service. After mature consideration he was convinced that ho could better his position in employment outside the Department. In conclusion, he thanked both the railway employees and outsiders for their kindness during his stay in Ashburton and their wishes for his future .welfare. .