VALEDICTORY.

Franklin Times, Volume XX, Issue 71, 23 June 1930, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

STATION MASTER FAREWELLED.

FUNCTION AT MERCER

On Wednesday evening of last week, the residents and railway employees of Mercer met in the town hall to farewell Mr J. Leslie, who has held the position of stationmaster at Mercer for the past two years. The evening took the form of a smoke concert. Mr A. J. Bourne was in the chair and he carried out this duty in his usual able and affable manner. Several toasts were honoured including the King: Mercer Town Board proposed by Mr Leslie, coupled Mr Morey and Mr Bourne. "Our Guest," proposed by Mr Mercer; "Sports," Mr Peacock and others.

The chairman in handing Mr Leslie a valuable dining room clock and full shaving outfit, expressed the regret cf Mercer residents and railway staff in losing his services, and said that his congenial smile would be missed by all. The business dealings with the Department, business people and residents of Mercer were always carried out in a pleasant and business-like manner. The interest of olients were looked after and every satisfaction given and at the same time the Railway Department's interests were conserved and prestige upheld. He expressed the wish of all present that Mr Leslie, in his new position, that of Officer in Charge of the Casual Booking at Auckland, would have every success and that he would receive promotion from time to time and go far in the service. In conclusion he wished Mr and Mrs Leslie and family the best of good wishes and success in their new sphere and that they would always have a kindly thought and word for Mercer and surrounding district.

Mr Leslie, on rising to reply, was loudly applauded. He thanked' all present and others for their very valuable presents, and said he would long remember the kindly expressions of good wishes from the several speakers, and that although being transferred to Auckland City it was with regret he was leaving Mercer. ' He thanked all for their kndly co-opera-tion and assistance during his stay and to the staff as a whole, he expressed his thanks for their loyalty and assistance, as without, that, success could be turned to failure. In conclusion he again thanked all for the presents and the many kindly expressions of good wishes for himself and his family's success in the future.

A musical programme was given, the following kindly giving items:— Messrs Gay, Butcher. Gibbs, Agune, Leslie and Peacock. Messrs D. Morey and McFadgyen officiated with piano and violin.