PRESENTATION TO MR A. GRANT.

Evening Star, Issue 12765, 19 March 1906, Page 8

PRESENTATION TO MR A. GRANT.

A representative gathering of members of , the Railway Service was held at the Traffic ( Superintendent's office on Saturday evening ] for the purpose of presenting Mr A. Grant, Traffic Superintendent of the Hurunui-Bluff , eection, on the eve of his departure on a holiday trip to the Old Country, with a ( slight token of the esteem in which he is regarded by the staff. Mr F. W. Mac Lean (D.strict Engineer), who presided, referred to Mr Grant's long career in a responsible position with the New Zealand railways, but more particularly with the Otago district. He pointed out that when Mr Grant commenced his connection Otago possessed only eight miles of railway, against a present total of 396 miles, exclusive of Southland. He dwelt on the cordial relations which had existed between himself and Mr Grant, to the goon judgment invariably displayed by him, and' to the uniformly kindly feeling which Mr Grant had always displayed in dealing with the staff. : The chairman wished Mr Grant' every enI joymerrt and happiness on his holiday trip, which was undoubtedly well-earned after . ! thirty-two years' continuous service, and trusted that he would come .back with renewed vigor at the close of his sis; months and continue his connections with'the de- ' partment for many years. Mr Mac Lean also referred to the fact that almost the J whole of the railway staff throughout New j Zealand looked up to Mr Grant as a sort of railway " father," and all had a sincere and Genuine respect for his many good qualities, 'he local staff felt that they could not allow Mr Grant to leave them, even if only temporarily, without giving some tangible i expression to their feelings in this 'respect. [ Mr Owen, on behalf of the locomotive deI partment, and various members of the traffic branch also expressed their appreciation of Mr Grant's many qualifications and his value to the department. ] Mr Mac Lean then presented Mr Grant with a dressing case, two rugs, and for Mrs Grant's acceptance a case of silver spoons. It was explained that, under the circumstances, it had been thought better not to invite the staff generally to contribute, but to confine the presentation to those officers who, by personal contact or long service, were closely acquainted with Mr Grant. _Mr Grant suitably responded, expressing his appreciation ef the kindly feeling which prompted the* presentation. He had pleasant anticipations in connection with lus visit to the land of his birth, the interest be would tako in noting the many developments in railways and other changes ■ effected in the Old Country since his depari ture therefrom, and he trusted that the trip would benefit Mrs Grant's health. In conclusion, he hoped he would return and spend some years in the service of the New ; Zealand Railway Department. ! I The Chairman then a<?ked for Mr Piper j [ the co-operation and loyalty, of the staff ) during Mr Grant's absence, and wished that I gentleman success. ) Mr Piper suitably responded.