VALEDICTORY.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 799, 21 August 1900, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR JAMES. ' vi ROBERTSON. . ; v',":About 30 gentlemen, composed principally of members of the different departments of the local railway staff, met in the vestibule of the Gora railway station on Saturday evening to take farewell of Mr J. Robertson, engine driver, who has been resident here for the past four and a-half years, and who left yesterday for Clinton. Mr P. A. Duncan (stationmaster) occupied the chair. The evening wris most enjoyably spent in speeches, songs, etc., the proceedings being harmonious throughout. An abundant 'supply of light refreshments was provided, and those having charge of affnirs are to be complimented on the successful manner in which the function was carried out. The following toast-list was given : — " Army and Navy," Messrs J. Robertsou, H. Martin, and Power ; " Our Guest," the chairman ; " New Zealand Railways, 1 ' Messrs Cunningham, Duncan, and Toogood ; " Our Cocarriers," Messrs, Green, Sherborne, Sayers, and W. Robertson; "The Ladies," Messrs Blackwood, Mair and Lischman ; " The Press," and the " Chairman." At an interval Mr Duncan, on behalf of the staff, presented Mr Robertson with a handsome rocking chair aud a most artistic set of carvers, as a token of the esteem in which he was. held. In making the presentation, the chairman said that though they were sorry at having to part with Mr Robertson their regret was tempered by the fact that his removal meant ' promotion, and he took that opportunity of presenting their departing friend wfth a tangible indication of their esteem, and also to let him take away some token to show that be was remembered in Gore. He (the chairman) had had associations in railway work with Mr Robertson in other parts of the colony besides , Gore, and had always heard him well spoken of and highly esteemed by his co-workers. There had always been the best of feeling between Mr Robertson and the local staff, who wished him God-speed wherever he might go. -Their wish was that Mr Robertson, wife, and family might enjoy health and prosperity wherever tkoy were located. — Mr C. Green, yard' foreman, paid a high compliment to Mr Robertson in looking after the safety of shunters, and expressed regret at their guest's departure. Wherever he went Mr Robortson could rest assured that he was remembered by the Gore staff, and more especially by the shunters, with whom he had always been on the best of terms, and whose interests he had always looked after. — Messrs O'Neil, Toogood, Lischman, Blackwood, and Sparks-, Power, Geisig, and Mair also spoke in high praise of the many good qualities possessed by their guest, some of the speakers having had associations with Mr Robertson for over 20 years. The hope was expressed on all sides that he would enjoy health and happiness, and assurances were given that he would always be remembered by the Gore railway staff.

Mr Robrrtson thanked his friends for their handsome presents, and said he would always look back on his stay in Gore with the most pleasant recollections. He had worked with lhe best men in Gore he had met with during bis long association with the railways. It had ever been a pleasure to work with them, and he should never forget his stay in Gore. — Mr Robertson's health was drunk with much enthusiasm and the singing of " He's a Jolly Good Fellow," followed by cheers for himself, wife, family. During the eveng capital songs were given by Messrs Mair, Wallace, Lischman, Green, Wilson, and Stewart, Mr Beliski contributing an Irish jig. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Stowart for the use of her piano. Proceedings closed with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and " God Save the Queen." On Friday evening a party of friends paid a visit to the residence of Mr Robertson for tho purpose of making a present to Mrs Robertson. Mr C. Greeu acted as spokesman, and presented Mrs Robertson with a handsome jelly dish and silver stand, spoke in high praise of the many good good qualities possessed by Mrs Robertson, 'and expressed regret at her departure. A pleasant evening was thereafter spent in dancing, parlor games, songs, etc., and a very excellent supper partaken of, for which Mb Robertson was heartily thanked.