FAITHFUL PUBLIC SERVICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7830, 24 June 1909, Page 2

FAITHFUL PUBLIC SERVICE.

Mr Charles Fowke, of Tenby Cottage, Wakanui road, who has been m the service of the Government for about forty-four years —34J as a railway en-gine-driver—ran his last train to Christchurch to-day, on the eve of his retirement on well-earned superannuation. During the whole time of Mr Fowke's association with the service he has been engaged on the main line m Canterbury, on the Ashburton to Christchurch, llangiora, Lyttelton and Timaru sections; and while acting as a fireman m the early days he ran from Christchurch to Rakaia on the broad gauge to connect with Messrs Cobb and Co.'s through coach service to Dunedin, Although Mr Fowke has always been recognised as one of the most competent and careful drivers m the service, his experience as a fireman and driver has not been altogether without incident. On one occasion m the early days his train, m consequence of a wrong signal having been given, collided with an engine m the Lyttelton tunnel. Both engines were seriously damaged; indeed, one of them was completely overturned; yet Mr Fowke and his companion escaped without a scratch. While driving his train from Ashburton to Christchurch on another occasion, two axles of the carriages broke, and it was entirely due to Mr Fowke's prompt action and coolness that serious loss of life was averted. For this action Mr Fowke received a highly commended certificate from the Minister of Railways and a testimonial of gratitude signed by the whole, of the passengers. My Fowke ha.«_ been connected with other minor ace, Wits, on the permanent way, but by tha exercise of judgment, and as a result mainly of being able to keep cool under exciting circumstances, he has been enabled to avert on more than one occasion loss of life and damage to' the rolling stock. As an exceptionally abstemious man, Mr Fowke, despite his long term of service, leaves the employment of the Railway Department enjoying the best of health, and m him the Department loses one of its most faithful servants and "coaches." Mr Fowko intends, m the course of a few months, to pay a visit to his native homo m Wales. Wherever he may be, we trust that the evening of his life may be long and pleasant; for his personal character, and the faithfulness with which he has done his duty throughout life, entitle him to the cordial goodwill of all worthy men.