VALEDICTORY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XV, Issue 125, 2 May 1925, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

MR E. N. FALCK’tt RETIREMENT. Mr E. N. Falck, postmaster at Hastings, who is retiring on superannuation, after over forty years service, was entertained by the staffs of the Hastings and Napier offices at a farewell gathering held at tho Hastings Cabaret, last night. Mr D. H. Hooker, Superintendent of the Telegraph Office in Hastings, presided over a large attendance of ladies and gentlemen, including a considerable representation from Napier, Mr J. G. Young, tho relieving postmaster at Hastings, being also present, and in opening the chairman extended a warm welcome to the Napier visitors. He also read apologies for unavoidable absence from the Mayor (Mr Maddison), Mr G. McKay, M.P., and Mr F. Perrin (ex postmaster, and Mr W. C. Whitluck, editor of the “ Tribune? ’

The proceedings commenced with the loyal toast, after which the chairman proposed “Mr and Mrs E. N. Falck,” the toast of the evening. In the course of his address, he said that he was voicing the feelings of the staffs when he said they were all very sorry to lose Mr Falck, whose courtesy, tact, kindness and desire to help and encourage others has earned him a place in their esteem, which would never be forgotten. The number present alone testified to the esteem in which he. was held. In addition to his capability as an officer, he was genial and ho was al ways ready to promoto the-social spirit amongst his officers. Hu wat a good sport and they all joined in wishing Air and Mrs Falck long life and good health to enjoy Air Falck ’a retirement in happiness. Tho toast was drunk with musical honours, three cheers being given for Mr and Mrs Falck, and the chairman asked Mr Penlington to make presentations to the guests. Mr F. W. Penlington expressed the great pleasure it have him to be present. Mr Falck and he were old friends, having met twelve years ago in Dunedin, and Mr Falck was the same kindly geni-| al gentleman now that he was then, and as he always would be to the end of his days. Mr Falck had been in the I combined offices for 9j years, he wasi operating for 17 years, clerk for two years and relieving postmaster for lOjl years, so it could be readily understood that Mr Falck was a thoroughly experi-i cnccd and competent officer when he took charge at Hastings. During Mr Falck’s term, the work at the Hastings office had increased wonderfully, the savings bunk business being doubled within the past twelve months. This in crease threw a great deal of responsibility ou the post master, whose duty it was to see that the work was done properly and correctly. Ho fulfilled th« duties pertaining to his office in tho highest degree, not only officially but in his contact with the public, by his tactfulness, conurtesy and approachablness, whilst, at the same time, he was loyal and faithful in his service to his department, w'hich was losing a valued officer. He had served his official life and he must look back on his career, having pleasure in knowing that in the prime of his life he was handing over his office, leaving his department a little the better for his work.

In asking Mr Falck to accept a gold watch and Mrs Falck a fruit bowl, he wished them, on behalf of the staffs, many years to enjoy Air Falck’s retirement in a long life of happiness. Mr Falck, who was received with loud applause, expressed his thanks for the honour done him and, in doing so, he extended Mr Penlington, on behalf of the staffs and for himself, congratulations on his well merited promotion to the chief postmastership of Dunedin (applause). He also congratulated Air J. 11. McKenzie on his election to the Hastings Borough Council (applause;. It came to the lot of every one who got through to come to tho cud of his official and, when that time came, he hoped they would all feel as he did, that they had done their best to improve the conditions of their offices and their staffs. It was pleasing to him to learn that ho had earned the esteem and respect of tho staffs. Tho Hastingy staff was second to none in New’ Zealand. Therf was never any trouble, all forming one big happy family, with himself as “tho dad” (laughter). It was impossible for a postmaster to carry out his work successfully unless the staff worked with him, loyally, and especially was that so in a largo office like Hastings. When promoted to Hastings, three years ago, ago, he felt very doubtful as to how ho would get on, but since his arrival, ho had met nothing but kindness and consideration from everyone. He thankuJ them very much for the kind expressions and for their beautiful gifts to himself and to his wife, and ho also thanked tho members of the Napier staffs for coming out to wish him good bye. In leaving tbo department he -felt a certain amount of regret in parting from so many happy associations and, in thanking his staff for the loyalty they had given him, ho asked the same for tho Incoming postmaster (applause.) Air J. H. McKenzie proposed “The Visitors,” replied to by Messrs Penlington (Chief Postmaster, Dunedin), and H. B. Poppelwcll; Air Harding pioposed “Tho Ladies,” replied to by Mr Bruco and “Tho Retiring Officers’’ was proposed by Air J. H. McKenzie, and replied to by Alessrs Falck, Bedford and Copd. During the evening songs were con tributed by Miss Downes. Messrs H. B. Poppelwcll and T. L. Cater, and the evening wound up with u delightful little dance. _