VALEDICTORY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 December 1928, Page 10

VALEDICTORY.

MR. C. J. BAGBY EAREWELLED. A small gathering of well-wishers was held in the Mayor’s room at the Eltham Borough Council Chambers last evening to bid farewell to Mr. C. J. Bagby, manager of the municipal gasworlcs, on the eve of his departure to take up his appointment in a similar capacity at Dargaville. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. I. J. Bridger) presided, and there were also present: Councillors E. H. Thomas, R. Li. Garden, J. O’Hagen, G. \V . Tayler, A. C. Ricketts, Messrs. W. Waters (Town Clerk), and J. H. Williams (borough overseer). In -extending to Mr. and Mrs. Bagby and family the very best wishes of the Borough Council and members of departmental staffs for their future welfare, the Mayor said it was matter for regret that, solely on account of illness in his home circle, Mr. Bagby had found it necessary to seek a more congenial climate than that of Taranaki. He had entered the council’s service at a. time when the gas department was assailed by opposing interests of a serious nature, and throughout his four year's of service had produced results' entirely satisfactory to his employers. It was to he hoped that in his new sphere of endeavour he would not have to contend with such an opposition as had been his portion in Eltham, and the earnest wish of every member of the council was that the exchange would prove a stepping-stone to better appointments. Although the primary cause of transfer was illliealth,'it was known that Mr. Bagby was desirous of advancement in his profession, and his ambition was appreciated by those with whom he had been associated during his- residence in Eltham. It was pleasing to record that there had never been any friction or unpleasantness between the council and their gasworks manager. In conclusion, the Mayor asked Mr. Bagby’s acceptance of a gold-mounted fountain pen as a slight mark of esteem from the council and staff. The Mayor’s eulogy was endorsed by Cr. Thomaas, who agreed that Mr. Bagby had assumed his duties at an opportune time so far as the Borough Council was concerned, and he was quite sure that the manager’s services were duly appreciated by the council and residents of the town, who regretted his enforced departure after surmounting the major difficulties which beset his path. Mr. Waters (Town Clerk) .also voiced his regrets as losing the services of Mr. Bagby, who had taken up his duties at' practically the worst stage of the council’s gas experience. He congratulated Mr. Bagby on his promotion, and sincerely trusted that his advancement would not end at Dargaville. They had got along very well together. Mr. Bagby suitably acknowledged the kindly expressions of goodwill towards himself* and family, and in the course of his reply said that, to him, [the most pleasing feature of his leavetaking was the fact that lie had given satisfaction and his services were ap- ' preciated. The health and future prosperity of Mr. and Mrs. Bagby was honoured in bumpers, and the rendition of “They are jolly good fellows” concluded a pleasing function.