MR. H. CHAPMAN.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19451, 26 October 1928, Page 8

MR. H. CHAPMAN.

FAREWELL BY RAILWAYMEN. A very large gathering of railwaymeu and officials gathered at the Hibernian Hall last evening to bid farewell to Mr H. Chapman, formerly District Traffic. Manager at ( Christchurch. Mr Chapman retired from his position, a short time ago for health reasons. The function last evening took the form of a social and dance. Mr H. Lowry, the Christchurch stationmaster, read apologies from the Prime Minister, Mr H. H. Sterling (General Manager of the New Zealand Railways), and many others. He said that Mr Chapman was leaving the railways carrying with him the very best wishes of all railwaymen. "He's little and he's wise, but he's a terror for his size," quoted Mr Lowry referring to Mr Chapman's past work for the railways. The speaker thought that all would agree that as far as railway management, from the point of. view of the bosses and the men, was concerned, Mr Chapman "wore the white flower of a blameless life." He was very-sorry that Mrs Chapman was absent owing to illness. Mr R. S. Kent, Divisional Superintendent, assured Mr Chapman that .he was not being forgotten in his retirement. The delay in bidding him farewell and making a presentation was occasioned by staff changes and the delay in appointing a successor. He was rather disappointed that Mr Chapman had not been able to complete his forty years' service. Since Mr Chapman took over the control of the traffic department practically all criticism had died away. He hoped that Mr Chapman would enjoy good health in the future. He then presented Mr Chapman with a case o*f bowls, a bowler's outfit, and a case of pipes. He also presented a complete sot of crystal ware for Mrs Chapman. Mr H. Gibson, officer in charge of traffic control, Mr G. Wilson, chief clerk of the commercial branch, Mr H. C. Lusty, assistant engineer of the maintenance branch, Mr J. J. McAloon, on behalf of the country stationmaßters, Mr S. Schofield, for the A.S.R.S., and Mr A. J. McCready, on behalf of the retired railway servants, also spoke, "I feel as though I had lost the tablet," said Mr Chapman in reply. "When one receives brickbats of criticism one can hit back, but after receiving so many compliments as I have this evening, one is apt to be reduced to rather the state of a jellyfish. I am sure if Mrs Chapman were heie she would hustle me home and apply cold racks and mustard plasters to reduce the swelling of my head." He said he had always found railwaymen a fine lot and their integrity and loyalty was not always fully appreciated by the ■public. He would carry with ; him many happy memories of his life in the service. ' '