Valedictory

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6918, 23 July 1932, Page 8

Valedictory

MR. C. H. DOWNEY RETIRES ON SUPERANNUATION Mr. C. H. Downey, yard foreman at the Palmerston North railway station, who has retired on superannuation after 35 years’ service, was this week farcwcllcd by a large gathering oi members of tho staff. Warm tributes were paid to Mr. Downey’s popularity and personality. Tho acting-stationmaster (Mr. G. T. Lawson) on behalf of the staff, presented the departing officer with a Morris chair, a pocket wallet and a goldmounted cigarette holder, and expressed regret that under the compulsory retirement clause they wore forced to lose the services of Air. Downey, a very capable officer, between whom and other members of the staff the most cordial relations had always existed, it had been the wish of the staff that they should express in a tangible manner their sentiments of goodwill and esteem.

Good wishes for a very happy life in retirement were conveyed to Air. and Airs. Downey by Messrs. J. Aluirhead (coaching foreman), J. W. Ridley (passenger foreman), J. Doig and A. Goudic (guards) and A. Lowndes (porter), all of whom added their appreciation of the good qualities of the retired yard foreman.

Warm thanks were conveyed to the staff by Air. Downey for the presentations, and he thanked them for the willing assistance given him at all times. Ho said the gifts would always bring recollections of very happy associations at Palmerston North. The retired officer will make his home again in Wanganui, having been transferred from that city temporarily recently.