VALEDICTORY

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 7 January 1930, Page 4

VALEDICTORY

POPULAR OFFICERS FAREWELLED DEPARTING RAILWAY-MEN. Four popular railway officials who are leaving Hawera were faTewelled by their associates and others in. the Railway Hail last evening, the function being in the nature of a smoke concert. The 'guests were Mr R. A. G. Fowke, stationmaster, who 'has been transferrd to Auckland; Mr R. Campbell, chief clerk, who takes up duties at Wanganui; Mr E. Warner, clerk, who has been appointed to the staff at Greatford; and Mr F. Wosley, outside staff, who ihas been transferred to Christchurch. Mr G. Boesly presided over a large and representative gathering.

In handing Mr Fowke and Mr Campbell each oi leather suit case and a pipe as a small token of the esteem in which they are held, Mr Boesly, on behalf of the local railwaymen, businessmen, carriers and others, said .that it -would be hard to replace Mr Fowke, who had .been an extremely popular officer and a better stationmaster would be hard to find anywhere in New Zealand. Ho had always endeavoured to assist his staff in every possible manner and his extreme courtesy at all times was greatly appreciated. Mr Campbell also had the respect of all and (his popularity was fully deserved. Messrs Warren and Wasley were presented with a shaving- set and toilet outfit respectively. Mr Boesly stated that both were popular and courteous officials, and it. was regretted sincerely that the guests' of the evening were leaving Hawera. He 'wished them every success in their new spheres of activities.

> Eulogistic references to the many fine qualities of the guests were made- by Messrs D. Myers, W. L. Lewis, W. B. Fearon, J. C. Oawsey, D. Cameron, R. McNeill. J. Bartlett, J. Goodwin, E. Nixon, R. Crocker, E. T. Peach and J. Cahill, all of whom wished the guests every future success. In returning thanks, Mr Fowke said that he would remember very pleasant associations during his two years ’ stay in Hawera. He had had a really good staff, without whose co-operation and loyalty little, could have been achieved, while the assistance and sympathy of 'the business community had been most helpful. He regretted that he had not conic into more close contact with the public, but pressure of business had not permitted him to do so. Mr Campbell said that it was with feelings of deep regTet he was leaving Hawera. His stay had been comparatively short, but extremely pleasant, and some very happy associations had been made—friendships that would be hard to sever.

Messrs Wasley and Warren both regretted their impending departures and spoke of the good fellowship they had always found in Hawera.

Following-the honouring of the loyal toast, that of “Railway Societies” was proposed by Mr J. Cahill, who referred to the many courteous and efficient officers connected with the institutions, and of the co-operaJtion and good fellowship existing in the various ranks.

Messrs Kennedy (R. 0.1.), Bickmall (A.S.R.S.), and Christensen (E.F.C.A.) responded. Other toasts were: “The Visitors,” proposed by Mr Turnbull; “The Press,” proposed by Mr Kennedy; and the “Artists,” proposed by Mr Boesly. Musical items were given by Mcssts .1. Burns, Hector Briggs, K. Mahoney, Lewis and Christen (songs), and Barleyman, sen. (novelty item). Mr Ba.rleymnn, jun., was accompanist.