A POPULAR STATIONMASTER

Mataura Ensign, 2 May 1917, Page 7

A POPULAR STATIONMASTER

FAREWELL AT PUKEIMU. A large and representative gathering assembled at the Pukerau Hall on Friday evening to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs E. A Newman, who are leaving Pukerau :f or Invercargill, Mr Newman having received well-deserved promotion (writes our correspondent). Mr C. Bennet occupied the chair and at a suitable interval made a presentation to the gueSt of the evening. In doing so he said that Mr Newman had h"on in r-h-'-ge of the local railway station for 3.J years, and although they regretted losing such a capable and courteous official, yet they knew thnt it was to Mr Newman's advancement to leave, and this thought tempered their regret. He (Mr Newman) had always been willing to meet the travelling public and those forwarding projduce in as fair a manner as possible. His ■efforts in this direction were (especially appreciated by those who j were situated at a distance from the i railway. Mr Newman was always willing to assist at any of the local concerts, especially in anything of a patriotic nature. Mrs Newman, owing to her | homo duties, had not been able to take as active a part as she might otherwise have done, still she was a very gcod ! neighbor to all who knew her. On behalf of the residents of Pukerau, Benio, Arthurton, Kaiwera and Otikef>rnma and the local railway staff, he (the speaker) had much pleasure in presenting Mr Newman with a cheque enclosed in a handsome handbag for Mrs Newman. (Applause.) Mr Jas. Young said ho regretted Jtfr Newman's departure as he was ever ready to assist those consigning or receiving stuff. Mr W. Littlo also spoke in a similar strain.

Mr L. H. Marshall said Jie would never forget the personal assistance rendered to him hy Mr Newman during o veyy trying time in his family through illness. Mr Alex. McLay said Mr Newman had acted for some time as .-secretary of the local Oddfellows' Lodge, and in such capacity had done a great deal to put fresh energy into the lodge. On behalf of that body he presented Mr Newman with a smoker's outfit.

Mr Newman, in rising to reply, said that he appreciated the many kind remarks of his frjettds and thanked them for their handsome presents, .to himself awl Mrs Newman. He had always endeavored to assist the public? as far as lay in his power, and he would always remember his sojourn at Pukerau. (Applause). During the evening Misses Voight. (Pukerau), and JjNellie Miller (Gore) danced a./J%w,6rsJ ; | dance very gracefully, Mr BrSorfre>,'£§|cNab) danced a hornpipe, gave a song. ■sss S» ''' A very followed.