Inspector Angland Given a Cordial West Coast Farewell

Grey River Argus, 6 October 1949, Page 4

Inspector Angland Given a Cordial West Coast Farewell

The citizens of Greymouth turned out in full array last evening to bi'd farewell to Inspector M. J. Angland, his wife, and family, who, to-day, leave for Nelson, where Inspector Angland will take over charge of the Nelson Police District. The large and representative gathering was presided over by Mr A. Beban.

The chairman 1 said that he did not know of any man in the district more loved and respected than their departing guest. His kindness and humane sympathy was known to eevryone, and this quality manifested itself not only in his private life but also in the conduct of his official duties.

“It is inspiring to be associated with a man who, whether the tour be dark or bright, manifests f®s faith in you,” said the chairman. “Mr Angland’s hear? is as great as his mind, and I value his personal friendship and his fine understanding of life. I am delighted to join with the people of Greymouth in honouring him, first as a friend, then as a man who carries out his duties with merit and honour. The good wishes of these people must bring to you great personal happiness, Mr Angland, because the good wishes and respect of one’s fellow mortals is priceless and far above any monetary reward.”

On behalf of the gathering, Mr Beban presented Mr Angland with a token of esteem and wished him and his family health happiness and prosperity in theff future years. Mr J. Taylor, of Hokitika, said that he was very pleased to be present and to endorse the remarks of the chairman. He wished Mr and Mrs Angland a long life and happiness in his retirement, which he thought Mr Angland would take in Nelson. Hon. Miss M. Anderson, M.L.C., paid a tribute to Mrs Angland and Miss Adeem Angland, for their help in the homes of people. It was from the home that character sprang. She had known the Angland family in Rotorua, prior to their coming to Greymouth, and heartily endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks and she asked Mrs Angland to accept a small gift.

“I have never had my leg pulled so much in all my life, remarked Mrs Angland, who added that she did not think she deserved such warm appreciation. Mr P. P.'anchfield said that he was indeed pleased to be associated with the gathering. He had on former occasions bade farewell to notables in various walks of life and it would have been a unique occasion had Mr Angland not been given a real West ■Coast farewell. There was an old truism, “A prophet in his own town was not good enough.” What was Greymouth’s lot’s is Nelson’s gain. ( In his four years’ in the district, Mr Angland had been respected by the law-abiding, and feared by the lawbreakers. He has been held in high regard by all. He wished Mr Angland and' family the best of health in the years to come. Senior-Sergeant R. C. Mcßobie said that, he had worked in close association with Mr Angland fo’- the past four year ond he had never worked with or under a more considerate and kindly person. He was stern when he had to be and he (Sergeant Mcßobie) regretted the departure of the Angland family. “Your telling me,” burst forth Mrs Angland, in her ready Irish wit.

The climate of Nelson may, perhaps, be better, but the people wont said Mr Mcßobie.

Messrs T. P. Ryan, T. Mclntosh, and D. R. Dowell, all supported the remarks of the previous speakers and wished the departing guests everything they wished themselves.

' In replying, Mr Angland said that he wished to thank everybody from the bottom of his heart for such a touching farewed. It was something that he would treasure down the years. Mr Artie Beban was the first man he had met on the West Coast and in him he had found something of Sullivan’s “Lost Chord.’’ When ' Mr Beban spoke tonight I could feel his heart beating a love of friendship. and to the Hon. Miss Anderson and the other speakers, I thank them for their generosity of heart.’’ He was only the head of a department, said Mr Angland, the work was done by the officers and men. He was so to speak, the unelected representative of the people. Law is immortal, Tie added, it comes down down the ages. The law is made by the people and the police are there to administer it. He mentioned tha 4 Mr Ryan had said Judges of the Supreme Court have said that they have been presented with more white gloves in Greymouth than in any other part of •New Zealand. This is entirely correct, he added. On tLe West Coast said Mr Angland, a man’s word is his bond. There is no need for anything in writing. Fie paid great tribute to the West Coast as a sporting province, having, in recent years, victories over England and Australia. In conclusion, he thankeed the artists and said au revoir, but not good-bye, for, in his own words he will be back to. the good old Coast again. PRESENTATIONFROM LEGAL FRATERNITY Yesterday afternoon Inspector M. G. Angland was farewelled by members of the Greymouth Bar, and Justices; of th© Peace, on the eve of his departure to Nelson. Mr T. E. Coates on behalf of the gathering, presented Mr Angland with a token of esteem in the form of an envel-

ope. Mr Coates said that no part of New Zealand could be prouder of its police force than the West Coast. He said that it was only members of the police force like Mr Angland, who made this so. “The people are very soiry that you are going away,” said Mr Coates. “You have gone out of your way to make hard things easy. We are particularly sorry to see you go, but we must congratulate you on your promotion,” concluded Mr Coates.

Mr W. Meldrum thanked Mr Angland for the help he had given the Justices of the Peace. He wished the Inspector and his wife every happiness in his new position, and wished him a long and prosperous life. Mr M. J. Fogarty said that the In-

spector had always helped him when he needed advice. He heartily endorsed the tributes paid by the previous speakers and hoped that Mr Angland and his wife would be happy in Nelson. Mp W. D. Taylor expressed his personal appreciation of assistance Mr Angland had given him during his term at Greymouth. He said that with the exercise of human consideration and sympathy, Mr Angland had carried out. his duties admirably during his stay. In acknowledging the presentation and good wishes of the gathering, Mr Angland said: “My term of: office on the West Coast, is drawing to a close. I am deeply grateful for the kind things you have said about me. l r ou are typical West Coast people. I am going away with a deep respect for the barristers, solicitors and Justices of the'Peace of Greymouth. For my part, I am following in the footsteps of my predeceasors. We don’t make the law—the law is made by the people. The police force has not a hard job, but the work brings us in contact with our fellow men. The W’est Coast is well known for its sport especially its football—Rugby and League —and where you find a sporting community, you usually find law-abiding citizens. I am deeply grateful for the kind things' you have said about me and especially for this httle gift. I am going to Nelson, and, after all, Nelson is the front door to the West Coast.”

Inspector W. Kane .formerly of Masterton, who is replacing Inspector Angland here, said: “After what I have heard to-day, I will endeavour to follow in my predecessor’s footsteps. I hope that when it is my turn to leave, I will be held in the same high esteem as Inspector Angland is.” Mr A. Lulham said that he was indeed pleased when he heard that Mr Angland’s successor was to be none other than one of nature’s gentlemen in none other than a sport in the true sense of the word —Bill Kane. Bill is a grand fellow and would be sure to find favour with all West Coasters.

Mr Angland’s successor, Mr W. Kane, in a few well-chosen words, said that he would have something to live up to in keeping up the traditions of Mr Angland, but he would do his best to fill the bill. He was however, starting off on the same acquaintance as his predecessor for the first man he got to know was none other than that grand old sport Artie Beban.

Items were rendered by Messrs D. McGill, W. Haybittie, T. Hatch, J. Beban and Mrs D. Hogg, Mrs M. Buchanan was the accompanist.

Mr Angland. was farewelled by th” officers and staff of the .Police Force and Detectives Office during the afternoon. Numerous speakers then paid tribute to Mr Angland’s Stirling sualities and he was presented with an arm chair.

Mr Angland suitably replied.