VALEDICTORY

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1915, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

A POPULAR STATIONMASTEB

(Own Correspondent)

On Thursday evening, 22nd inst, in James's Hall Ahaura, a number of the friends of Mr Ryal Roberts, Station, master, met, tlie occasion being the eve of his departuc, and in case of such a popular officer tlie residents could not let him go without recognis : ng his s»»---vicos so tlie general public, Mr Hargreaves (Chair), and several other gentlemen occupied the platform. After a few dances had been indulged in, the Chairman rosevuid in a few well-chosen remarks, said that although we were losing Mr B'obe.its, he was pleased to know that the removal meant promotion in the service. Mr. Roberts had been with us in tlie capacity of Stationmaster for a mutter of four or five years during Avhich time he had pro\*d himself to be a good servant to the Department, always being obliging to the public on any occasion, a boon that all fully appreciated. He was kind and courteous to all he came in contact Avith thereby cementing the friendship he had made. Personally he the speaker, Avas very sorry nt our loss, but at the same time lie Avas pleased to see. so many there to Avish Mr Roberts farewell, a thing Avhich in itself, no doubt, would not be forgotten by that gentleman in days to come. On behalf of the public of Ahaura he avouUl ask Mr Roberts to accept a small gift (a purse of sovereigns), as an earnest of the esteem that he was held in by the general public. (Applause). Mr Roberts, upon rising, was met with a very hearty round of applause. He said that lie was quite taken aback at the present ,that he might say he could hardly- express himself. He was very pleased to know that thepeople of ! Ahaura had such a good opinion of him. He had always tned to do his duty by the Department and so to the public, and was pleased to hear that so far he bad succeeded in his attempts to do so. He must thank one and all for their generous g'ft and kind re. marks. The. proceedings closed with the singing of "He's a Jolly Good Fclloav."