VALEDICTORY AT PUKERAU.

Mataura Ensign, 26 December 1913, Page 6

VALEDICTORY AT PUKERAU.

A POPULAR STATIONMASTER. Mr Jno. Paterson, who lias been in oharge of the Pukerau Railway Station for the past four years and who has lately .been promoted to Woodlands, was, with Mrs Paterson entertained at ■* farewell social- im- the Pukerau Hall last Eriday evening 4 when despite the 'rough weather there was a good attendance twntes "our correspondent). Mr Bennet, who occupied the chur, said that though one and all regretted losing Mr still they were pleased to know that he -had gained well-earned promotion. During his sojourn in Pukerau Mr Paterson had always proved himself a rery courteous and obliging official. In a scattered district tike theirs it depended a good dea l on the stationMaster in providing facilities for receiving and forwarding goods, and in th ; s capacity Mr Paterson lad often been at a good deal of personal trouble in giving assistance. At the same time he always watched that the interests of the Railway Department were protected. As a postmaster he was equally obliging, particularly when the telephone was required in case of sickness. On behalf of their many friends he presented Mr Paterson with a purse of sovereigns and Mrs Paterson with ai lady's handbag. Messrs H. Marshall and J. J. Nagle also bore testimony to Sir Paterson's obliging qualities. Mr J. McTaggart, on behalf of the railway employees, testified to the good feelings that had always existed between Mr Paterson and those associated with him in the office. Mr Newman, Mr.Paterson's successor, wh; was welcomed by the chairman, acknowledged the cordial welcome he had received.

•Mr Paterson, in responding, said he cordially thanked them dne and all for the handsome way they, had treated himself and Mrs Pateroon. He gave some interesting details of the increased traffic that had gone through the • Pukerau Station* during the past four years. He had always got on well with the residents of the district and was erne his successor would do likewise. /