A.S.R.S- Annual Smoke Concert

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5618, 6 April 1931, Page 6

A.S.R.S- Annual Smoke Concert

NEED FOR CO-OPERATION. The annual siuoke concert of tlie /j.S.R.S. was held in the Railway ball at Palmerston North on Saturday evening when several hours of social intercourse were greatly enjoyed by a large gathering of members and friends. Mr A. G-oudie presided. The stationinaster, Mr J. W. H. Smith, was also in attendance. Mr Ryder proposed the toast of the A.S.R.S., paving tribute to its loyalty in times when co-operation was necessary. In proposing the toast of “Kindred Societies” Mr J. Doig stated that it was necessary that members of the various Government workers societies should be brought together at the present time. “We have something to think about in what has been put across us in the ten per cent, cut and wo must be careful that in future we place men in the House who will vote one way or the other, not men who will go down to Wellington and not vote at all as you have no doubt seen by the papers.” Mr H. Johansen of the R. 0.1., responded to the toast of “Kindred Societies” and in doing so stressed the importance of unity, particularly at the present time. There was one other thing and it would effect the railway people even more than the ten per cut and that was the depolitiealising of the railways. If this was carried the proposed board would take over all the railway servants control. During the vear there was a greater light coming. Mr A. R. Syder representing the E.F. and C.A. also stressed the importance of unanimity, and as there was more to come it was more than ever important. In proposing the toast of the superannuated members, Mr J. Haining said it was one of the great joys of a railway man that after he had spent so many years in the service he could leave his troubles behind and spend the remainder of his life in happiness.

Mr Savage, on the goodished staff, spoke of the service rendered by Mr M. Cavanagh. There had never been a more popular and capable foreman at the goods shed in Palmerston North and everyone would wish him happiness. Several others also spoke to the toast.

Mr Cavanagh, who is retiring after 40 years’ service, responded stating that he had done his best and he hoped that it was appreciated. Mr T. Barnes, coaching foreman, who also is retiring, spoke thanking the gathering for the eulogistic references made to him. The stationmastcr, Mr Smith said that the two retiring members, Messrs Cavanagh and Barnes had set an example to the men of the railway service. They were men who had risen from the ranks and everyone present had the same opportunity. At the present time all sections of the railways should pull together. Mr C. Haining proposed the toast of stationmaster, speaking most highly of what Mr Smith had done for the men. Mr W. O’Donnell, secretary of the branch, endorsed Mr Haining’s remarks, giving instances of the station-master's many kindnesses to the men since he took charge at Palmerston North. A largo and varied programme of musical items was greatly appreciated. The toast, “The Ladies” was also honoured during the evening.