“A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW"

Evening Star, Issue 18101, 17 October 1922, Page 7

“A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW"

FAREWELL SOCIAL. POLICE SUPERINTENDENT M'GRATH Those people who' are accustomed to take a policeman on face value—that is to say, his "on duty face” value —would have been gratified to see seventy members of "the force” all merry and bright and with no trace of the “move on, please” expression, assembled in Kroon’s Hall last night enjoying themsujves to the full, and ever and anon assuring their superior officers-in the usual manner that they were " jolly good fellows. Especially emphatic were they in this regard when it came to the turn of their superintendent, Mr J. A. M'Gratb, to be so honored. For tho function was a farewell social to Mr M'Grath, who is retiring from the force after forty-four years of service. Tho proceedings throughout were of an exceedingly enthusiastic character and indicative" of the good fellowship that exists among the police in our city. One must come to the conclusion, after being present at this gathering, that if there was anything in the assertion, "a policeman’s life is not a happy one” in Gilbert’s day, the reason for it docs not now exist. Sub-inspector Eccles raacio an excellent chairman, and' everything went smoothly and as per schedule from start to finish.

The Chairman opened the proceedings with a few appropriate remarks. He announced apologies for absence from Chiefdetective Kemp (Wellington), Sergeant Nelson (Christchurch). Constable L. Skinner (Woodville), and others, and read a telegram of greeting and farewell from Inspector M’Naraara (Southland). The musical programme was begun by Constable F. J. Helse singing ’ The Sins -r was Irish,’ and then Sergeant H. Martin (Gore) proposed the first toast, which was that of " Absent Friends.”

Constable A. M‘Rae sang thecomiosong ‘lf I were the Man in the Moon,’ ana Constable R. K. Aitehison _ followed with ‘ Somewhere a Voice is Galling ’ and ‘ The End of a Perfect Day.’

Dr Evans proposed the toast of “The Police Force ” in a humorous speech, during the course of which he said that the police had unusual opportunities to win the good-will of the people, for they had ,twenty-four hours every day of the year in which to give those services which all appreciated. If‘in the darkness, he said, an, honest man should chance to lose his bearings the policeman was _ at hand to help him. The doctor, for instance, answering an urgent call, and unable to find his way, found the policeman’s lamp invaluable; or the householder, unable to insert his key in an unsteady lock, often owed his deliverance from an embarrassing situation to a policeman. It was during the day, however, that his time opportunity came for winning popularity. The innccent tradesman calling for _a-n order and barked at by a dog ; complains to the police; two cyclists collide, and a quarrel ensues as to which is risrht—'again tho police settle matters. With wliat fine impartiality the police on duty, say, between Rattray street and tho Grand Hotelorder prominent and obscure male citizens alike to “move on,” but with what courteous toleration they allow a group- of ladies in the same block to bend admiringly over the contents of a perambulator or to discuss the latest fashion in shortness of skirt or height of heel. But even a policeman, added the speaker, cannot be at his best all the time. A police surgeon cannot ensure tho strongest against that comparatively little thing indigestion. These things produce only short periods of inefficiency, especially where the force is medically cared for by a man who knows his business. Mr 0. C. Scott sang ‘Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,’ aml_ in response an emphatic encore ' 1 Know a Lovely GarL H. Mathieson, in replying to the toast of “Tho Force, said that it did not matter much what tho people said. The policeman had first to carry on and - do his best, though * his duties were not always pleasant. Things were different nowadays in many ways from what they were in years gone by. For instance, years ago, when Dr Evans rode a bicycle, ho was allowed to use the footpath or any other thoroughfare, but if he did the same now he would bo pulled up, probably by some young constable, and made to answer for his misdeeds. The chief toast, that of “Tho Guest of the Evening,” was in the hands of the chairman. Sub-inspector Bodes began by outlining Mr M'Grath’s career from when ho joined the Armed Constabulary in 1878 up to the present time. Everyone who bad been long in the force, ho said, knew that Mr M'Grath had carried out his various duties with very great intelligence and ability. During the nine months he (tho speaker) had been in Dunedin _ as subinspector he had found the retiring superintendent one of the very finest men he had ever served under. And this sentiment would, he was sure, be echoed by every member of the force. Mr M'Grath was noted not only for his great ability, but for his kindness of heart. He was no martinet, and any man, and especially the new man, making a mistake which brought him “on tho carpet” invariably found that he got a sympathetic hearing and a square deal. The exercise of tact and discretion had brought Mr M'Grath to his present high position, and to these admirable virtues were due the great popularity he enjoyed—a popularity which had found expression in tho enthusiastic gathering that night. Both the plain-clothes and uniformed branches of the service "here were sorry to lose him.. There was one aspect of the matter which should not be forgotten, and that was the fact that many years ago Mr M'Grath and Mr Wright were amongst those prominent in getting adopted the pension scheme. Tho speaker thanked Mr M'Grath for the many kindnesses extended to him personally, and wished him, his wife and family health and prosperity. Chief-detective Bishop supported the toast. It was not a pleasure, ho said, because he was parting with one of tho best friends he ever had in the foryo. He had known Mr M'Grath for thirty years, and had ever found him a man who got the best out of hie subordinates by making their welfare his main object. It was a pity that such men as he should have to retire; but it had to be, and he wished Mr and Mrs M'Grath many happy years Oif life. He could say that in Mrs M'Grath their late superintendent had a wife in a thousand, while his childMß»i were veritable “chips off the old block.” Senior-sergeant I. H. Mathieson also added a few words. He owed his presence in the -force, he said, to Mr M'Grath’s good offices twenty-five years ago. In appointing Mr M'Grath, a quiet, placid gentleman, with all the points necessary for a leader of men, to sit on appeal boards the Commissioner had shown foresight and. common sense. In the old days, said Mr Mathieson, tho man who made a slip was not allowed to say a word in his own defence when “on the mat”; but it was different now, and a kindly word went a long way. Ho was pleased to see that some ex-constables were present that night to do honor to Mr M'Grath. Sub-inspector Bedes, on behalf of tho officers, non-commissioned officers, and constables of the division of 0-tago_ and Southland, presented Mr M'Grath with u silver coffee service, a set of stainless knives, a group photo of the last parade of the Dunedin force under their late superintendent, and a gold albert and locket. For Mrs M'Grath there was a dainty bag, and for Alisa M'Grath a bangle. Mr S. G. Angell at this stage sang ‘My Friend.’ Superintendent ' M'Grath, on rising to reply, was received with prolonged applause. Ha thanked them cordially for the splendid testimony of friendship which they had given that night. He was pleased ana proud to see such a large gathering 1 of his comrades to bid him good-bye on tho eve of his retirement. Many had, ho knew, come long distances and at some inconvenience, and ho was honored by their presence. He too, with pleasure that some old comrades of other days were there looking halo and hearty, although they had been long on the pension lik. This encouraged him to hope that he, too, would airoio the ji&am

shock of severance from old associations. He had always valued highly _ the good opinion of the men he was associated with, and had ever desired not only to gain but to deserve that good opinion. Ho thanked them for tho very handsome and valuable presents which they had made him and his wife and daughter. Ho appreciated, too, the remarks that had been made concerning him, though ho was afraid they were much exaggerated. Of the many pleasant memories associated with his life in the force, the function that evening would bo the brightest. It was true what Dr Efrons had said about the kindness of the police to the public, and ho would advise the young men in the force never to miss an opportunity of doing a kind action, they would get their reward, perhaps not the one they might have chosen, but they would get one. Mr M’Grath then told of some incidents, mostly of an amusing character in his early career. He then went on to congratulate tho Dunedin force and the citizens generally on the appointment of such an excellent officer as bis successor, Mr Mar sack. Ho congratulated Mr Marsaek, too, on good fortune in taking charge of a district in which there was, probably, less crime than in any other place of its size in the world, and of a division of police that was second to none in the dominion. He bad had a very easy time during the three years he had been in Dunedin, and tins was due to the fact that the whole staff, from top to bottom, had performed their duties in a highly satisfactory manner. He was sorry to leave Dunedin, where he had made many good friends, but for family reasons it was necessary for him to settle in Wellington. If any of his old comrades came along and looked him up there would always be a hearty welcome for them, and the coffee _ service would not necessarily be brought into use on tho occasion of the visit. The Idlers Quartet sang ‘My Love is Like a Rod, Red Rose,’ and for an inevitable encore 1 Old Man Moses.’ (Sub-inspector Eccles introduced the now superintendent, Mr R. Marsaek, who, he said, was a man after Mr M‘Graths_own heart, with the same unruffled, kindly temperament, and the desire to give a fair deal. Mr G. A. Wycherley here presented a burlesque “wireless telephony” stunt, a number of amusing "messages” being received concerning members of- tho police and other well-known citizens. _ Superintendent Marsaek, replying to the toast of his health, said that his first experience of Dunedin was many years ago, when he was hero on temporary duty connected with the exhibition. Mr M'Grath had set such a high standard that it would be difficult to live up to it. He wanted to succeed, however, and tho only way to do that was to secure the loyal and, hearty cooperation of the staff. He wanted that, and was sure ho would get it, so they would be the happy family he would like to see the Police Force, Constable G. Munro played a stirring selection on the bagpipes, after which Mr J. D. Cameron sang ‘Mother Machrce and ‘My Sweetheart When a Boy.’ Chief-detective Bishop proposed the toast of 1 The Press/ <uid, in replying) Mr G. A. Wycherley added, on behalf of the pressmen of Dunedin, his tribute to the sterling qualities of Mr M'Grath. Mr C. E. Reid sang ‘ The Old Fashioned Town’ and ‘Plymouth Hoe.’ Dr Evans proposed the health of the promoters of what had proved such a successful gathering, mentioning particularly the sub-inspector, senior-sergeant, Sergeant S. G. Hall, Constables C. Dunford W. Kelly, and others. He also specially thanked the performers, including the accompanist, Mr G. Pope.^ The proceedings closed with tho singing of the National Anthem and ‘ Auld Lang Syne.’