A POPULAR OFFICER

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 July 1920, Page 3

A POPULAR OFFICER

ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. TO MR U W. COOKE. A large and fully representative gatliering of public and business men of Oreymoutli assembled in tbe Council Chamber, Town Hall, yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr C W. Cooke, Public Trustee at Greymouth for the past nine and a-half years, on the eve of bis departure for Christchurch. Owing to indifferent health, Mr Cooke has been compelled to relinquish liis appointment, and intends to make his future home in Christchurch. No better proof of the high esteem in which he is universally held could have been afforded than the enthusiasm and good feeling which characterised yesterday’s proceedings, the function being one of the most pleasant ever held within the walls of the Town Hall. It was a typical West Coast function. The Deputy-Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) occupied the chair, and among those present were: Messrs H. C. Harlev. Shallcrass, -r. ■'i r tt a at * r* rn '

‘lk McKay, A. JN'aylor, G. 1. Moss, J. Lowden, G. Perotti. W. J. Joyce, T. E. Coates, W. Cochrane, J. Mclndoe. F. A. Kitfdiingham, J. D. "Blackwood, J. Tennent, J. W. Hannan, E. J. Smith, E. A. Warnes, J. Steer, J. Hendon, P. C. Heaphy, T. Jones, Davis, W. C. S. Cnlclough, J. R, McNaugliton, J. K. Jefferies, F. H. Denton, Inspector Cruickshanks. Apologies for absence were received from tlie following:— Messrs F. Campbell, J. D. Lynch, H. F. Doogan, H. W. Kitchingham, W. J. Reynolds, P. Mackenzie, W. J. Mcllroy, F. Barrcwman, J. C. Gittos, J. P. Kempthorne, Canon Carr. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the National Anthem. , Mr Parfitt said they were present to bid “an revoir” to one of their citizens, in the person ol Mr F. W. Cooke, who had occupied the position of manager of the Public Trust* Office for some nine and a-half years. During that time all who had been bi ought into contact with Mr Cooke had found him to be a real gentleman. He did not know what “red tape” was; he had broken down the barrier of “redtapeism,” and was very tactful in his official capacity. They great--1 / regretted Mr Cooke’s departure firm Greymouth owing to illhealth, and trusted that he, Mrs Cooke and family would have the best of health and happiness in their new home at Christchurch. (Applause). Inspector Cruickshanks said he understood that Mr Cooke was not in very good health. If it was true that lie had broken down the “red-tapeism” of the Government of New Zealand, lie (the speaker) * was not surprised to hoar of his had health—he was surprised that Mr Cooke was alive at all! The speaker had not broken down yet, but—(laughter). As/ far as the Public Trust was concerned, tbe

Inspector said bis department bad found Mr Cooke to be very courteous and obliging* indeed. It was pleasant to do business with a man who showed discretion and consideration for those whom he dealt with. lie wished to thank Mr Cooke for his unfailing courtesy and kindness, and hoped a, sojourn in Christchurch would soon restore his health. The speaker had been at many “sendoffs,” and had been struck particularly by the fine feeling that existed in Greymouth among the business community and others, who recognised and .appreciated services rendered. He hoped Mr Coo!ce would have a pleasant trip, and that his health would soon he restored, (Applause). Mi- I). McKay was the next speaker, and stated he had known Mr Cooke ever since that gentleman had been in Greymouth. As : i i. „ i i

; a leaseholder; lie had come in contact now and again with their guest, and had always found in him a most courteous and obliging' officer. Mr Cooke for many years had been a member of the Greymouth Howling Clnl). and at one" time had occupied the position of secretary. lie showed good work in that office, and also outside as a snort. He did not dodge any work, and the records left behind when he vacated the secretaryship had proved very valuable. If everyone worked as well as Mr Cooke had done, it would he a good thing. Speaking on behalf of the whole of Cm members of the Bowling Club, Mr McKay said fhpy would be very

sorry to lose Mr Cooke. They wished their guest and Mrs Cooke the best of* health and happiness in the future. (Applause). v ’Mr T. Jones endorsed the remarks of Mr McKay in regard to the Greymouth Bowling Club. ■ While the speaker was presiduet • of the club, Mr Cooke had given ■ him great assistance as secretary. ■ He had known their guest for 1 nearly ten years, and they had ’ been good friends. He hoped that Mr Cooke would enjoy better health, and wised him every success in the future. (Applause). Mr G. T. Moss briefly spoke, wishing Mr and Mrs Cooke every happiness in future. It had been a pleasure to know them—both in an official capacity and in home life. Mr T. E. Coates expressed his regret on hearing that Mr Cooke had been compelled to resign his position. The work had never been done more perfectly. It was a rather difficult position to fill, and much, tact was necessary. Frivately, it was a pleasure to know Mr Cooke. It was satisfactory' to know that he was to live in Christcurch. He might be able to give them a few tips for the Grand National. (Laughter.) “T 7. J Al' I ■\T,..'ru.L,.

, jllo trusted Mr and Mrs Cooke , would have good health and a ■ pleasant time. (Applause). Mr A. Naylor expressed his appreciation of Mr Cooke's good work, and trusted that his- health would improve. lie would like their guest to stay in Greymouth to see the coming League football match, as he (the speaker) wished '“to convert Mr Cooke to the League code. However, it was to he hoped that he would have an oportunity of seeing the English team before they left New Zealand. Mr J. It. McN aught on endorsed the sentiments of previous speakers. Mr Cooke had been most helpful in business matters, and was well liked in private life. Mr ML -I. Joyce said lie could only endorse the previous remarks and hope that Mr Cooke would eniov bettor health in Christchurch He had been courtesy itself to all with whom he fame in contact. Tiis successor would,have a hard task to follow him. Mr -I. ML Hannan said that if the next manager of the Public Trust Office was as good as the last one bad been, everyone would be satisfied. Tie expressed the hone that Mr Cooke would return to Greymouth at an early date. Mr ML Cochrane also added his endorsement to the remarks made, and regretted that Mr Cooke was leaving the district. He had always taken a great interest in hovel Inn matters. The speaker trusted" that Mr Cooke would improve in health, and wished him • every happiness in his future every happiness in his new home. Mr J. Me!mine (Clerk of the Greymouth Magistrate’s Court), ou behalf of the Public Service Association, extended best wishes to Mr Cooke. His department had done no business with the Public Trust in the last manager's time. They regretted the departure of Mr Cooke, because the old, tried horses were always missed. TT 1 1 _ 1- -I*l i, 'A

Young 1 hands perhaps did not take as much interest in the work, lie wished both Mr and Mrs Cooke the best of health and happiness. (Applause). Mr Davies (Collector of Customs) said it had always been a pleasure to have dealings with Mr Cooke, while in private life lie was a gentleman. He hoped their guest would live long and enjoy health and happiness. (Applause.) The Chairman then asked Mr Cooke to accept a pocket wallet. In doing- so, Mr Parti i t said his was a pleasant duty, and the presentation was made to one who was worthy. On behalf of the many friends of Mr Cooke, he had much pleasure in making the pre‘sentation, not because of its intrinsic value, but because of the

very high esteem in which their guest was. held by the citizens of Greymouth. They trusted he would have continued success and every happiness wherever he went. (Loud applause). “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was sung with great enthusiasm, and.three cheers followed. Mr 11. C. Harley said he had been asked to respond on behalf of Mr Cooke, who did not feel quite equal to doing- so. Mr Cooke felt considerable regret in leaving Greymouth. His departure bad been largely brought about by failing- health. He appreciated very ' much the representative gathering present to bid him farewell. He also appreciated greatly the kind references made to bis wife and daughter. Had his health permitted, Mr Cooke would no doubt have made Greymouth bis home for many years to come. On behalf of tbe guest of tbe occasion, lie thanked them very sincerely, not only for their expressions of goodwill, but also for their handsome gift. He would treasure it as a memento of many happy days spent in Greymouth. He again thanked them very' sincerely. (Applause). The singing- of “Anld Lang

Syne” and the National Anthem followed by three hearty cheers, a very pleasant and successful function. MllS COOKE FAREWELLED. Thirty friends met at the residence of Mrs T. Jones, Ivilgour Head, yesterday afternoon, in order to bid farewell to Mrs C. ML Cooke, the hostesses being* Miesdames T. Jones and TI. Harley. The afternoon was very pleasantly spent with bridge,, music, etc. Miss A era Hannan sang several solos, which were much appreciated. Gramaphone selections were also rendered. The bridge prize, which consisted of a bridge scorer and a pack of goldedged cards, was won by Mrs Allan Smith. Mrs T. Jones, on behalf of Mrs Cooke’s large circle of friends, in a very appropriate speech, said that they would greatly miss Mrs Cooke from their social gatherings, and on behalf of the company she wished her long life and happiness, and trusted that Mr Cooke’s health would be improved as the result of the change to Christchurch. They felt that they could not let her depart without a token of their esteem, and as a recognition of her good qualities they asked her to accept a present of a pair of solid silver candlesticks and a silvermounted photo frame, whilst they asked Miss Cooke’s acceptance of a silver thimble and case. Mrs Cooke, who was visibly affected, said that she could not adequately express her appreciation of the kindly feelings expressed by those present towards her husband, her daughter and heiself. Although'she had only been in Greymouth a comparatively short time she bad made many fide tubs, from whom she sincerely regretted to part. She assured them that she would be most happy to see any of them when they visited Christchurch. 4 n i ' i 1 T * 1 .1 .. 1 _

Afternoon tea and dainty delicacies were then served, which were greatly appreciated, the gathering being brought to a close by everyone shaking hands with Mrs and Miss Cooke and wishing 1 them good health in their new home.