A POPULAR STATIONMASTER.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 47, 25 February 1911, Page 3

A POPULAR STATIONMASTER.

There was a. large gathering of railwaymen last night, in the rooms of the Wellington Railways Mutual Improvement Club for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr. A. E. Pollock, stationmaster at Thornden, who is on the eve of departing for his new .sphere of duty at Hastings, after having been connected with the railways at Wellington [Manawatu and Government) for twenty -four years. Mr. A. W.- Hutchins, assistant-stationmaster, occupied the chair, and among those present was Mr. J. Macdonald, who succeeds Mr. Pollock m his position as stetionmaster at Thorndon, and also takes charge of Lambton. During th© evening the cHairman .read letters of apology tor compulsory absence, and then, on behalf of the staff, bade a formal farewell to Mr. Pollock, whom he had known for about twenty years, and of whom "he related several interesting anecdotes. Mr. Pollock, he added, had been, connected with the Manawatu. Railway Company for twenty-two years, first as goods clerk and then as statienmaster, subsequently entering the service of the Government 1 , and all the while he had been zealous in promoting anything pertaining to the welfare of those around him. Mr. Hutchins then presented Mr. Pollock, on behalf of the railway staff, wifch a handsome silver-mounted oak tray and bread -platter, and an illuminated address <n book form from the ex-employees of the Manawatu Railway. The health of Mr. Pollock was drunk with musical honours, and the remarks made by tho chairman were endorsed by several of those present. In responding Mr. Pollock, who was greeted with loud applause, said he had always tried with the staff to act the .^tationmaster and the friend, and he was glad to see that his efforts in. that direction had been successful. Several other toasts were honoured, and with song and story a very pleasant evening was spent.