45 Years Service

Hutt News, Volume 11, Issue 41, 23 March 1938, Page 5

45 Years Service

MR CHABLES EASON KETIBES .Oa his retirement from the Barlway Workshops after 45 years of service, Mr. Charles Eason was met recently by a very large gathering o,f his past and .present work mates who extended to him their sincere and best wishes for a continuance of good health to enjoy years Of happiness. The gathering was presided over by the acting manager of the Shops (Mr Bonifant), who expressed appreciation of the faithful and loyal service given by their guest. He eulogised the splen did example set by Mr Eason and the" help and encouragement, he had always given to the younger memlbers of his staff. All regretted that the time had arrived) for his retirement, but he was leaving behind him a memory which would always be cherished by those who had come in contact with him during his long connection with the Shops. On behalf of the staff of the boilermakers' department, Mt. Bonifant asked Mr. Eason acceptance of a handsome silver watch suitably engraved, and for Mrs. Eason a (beautiful crystal rose bowl. Mr. G. Hook, .on 'behalf of the immediate members of the element repair work, presented Mr Eason with a very lrao miniature of a super heater element. This was mounted on a beautifully polished piece of rosewood with a silver plate bearing an inscription. Mr Hook, in paying tribute to the guest, remarked! that Mr Eason had been connected with that' particular class of work for 21 years, during which time he had shown remarkable albility. Mr. W. Henry, sub-foreman of the boilermakers department referred to the fine principles of Mr Eason and his excellent and thorough workmanship. It had been the speaker's privilege to havo been associatedi with the guest for the past 22 years during the whole of which time ho had always found hiin one of the best of mates. Mr. J. McKenzie, who Ibegan his. apprenticeship at «the Petone Workshops With Mr . Eason, and is mow rotired and residing in Petone, said it was indeed a privilege to be present to wish his old mate the best of good luck. He recalled many incidents during the early days of the shops and mentioned that Mr. Eason was the first apprentice to complete his time at the Petone Worktops. Messrs Leopard (paymaster), Frank Parr (on. 'behalf of Tradesmen's Association), and W. Whit-worth (boiler - .makers' staff) also spoke. . Mr. Eason who was loudly cheered, expressed! his deep appreciation of the kindness shown and also for the handsome gifts which would always be piueh cherished by himself and. Mrs. Eason. He referred most interestingly to, the early days at the Petone Shops andi compared them, with the present day -methods of the now up-to-date works. He remarked that when he first joined up with the shops there was a staff o,f only 62 engaged 1 whereas at present the staff approximately 2000. Wonderful progress had been made both in plant and buildings and the working conditions were, consequently, now most congenial. At the conclusion of his remarks cheers were lustily given' and so .brought to a close 45 years of faithful .loyal andi conscientious service. Mr. and Mrs. Eason left last week on an extended holiday of tihe North Island.