Farewell Dimer To Popular Kaikohe Police Officer

Northern Advocate, 3 December 1941, Page 4

Farewell Dimer To Popular Kaikohe Police Officer

Regret at the departure of Constable David Robertson from Kaikohe was expressed by police officers who met in Kaikohe on Monday to farewell him at a complimentary dinner. The meeting was well representative of members of the police force in the Whangarei police district which extends throughout Northland, and more would have been present if it had not been for petrol restrictions imposing restriction on travel.

Constable Robertson has been stationed in Kaikohe for exactly seven years, it being a coincidence that he was transferred to that place on November 30, 1934, and transferred from there on November 30, 1941. Reference to his sterling service during that period was made by those who attended the dinner. Fellow Officers’ Tributes Inspector J. Fox presided and Constable J. F. Frain acted as master of ceremonies. Detailing his association with Constable Robertson ever a long period of years, first in Southland and latterly in Northland, Inspector Fox spoke highly of Constable Robertson’s work and his efficiency as an officer. As officer in charge of the district he greatly regretted his departure. The clerk of court. Kaikohe (Mr. E. G. Tyler) also expressed his regret at the departure of Constable and Mrs. Robertson and wished them every happiness in their new sphere. An old friend and comrade, Sergeant W. E. Simister, of Kaitaia, dealt with his association with Constable Robertson when they were stationed in adjacent sub-districts in the South Island and paid tribute to his qualities as a capable police officer and a loyal and helpful comrade. Second to None Detective J. B. Finlay said that he had first been associated with Constable Robertson when investigations were being made in connection with the Lakey murder in 1933. During the past four years they had frequently worked togelher and he considered Constable Robertson should take unto himself the motto of a regiment of his countrymen, the Scots Greys, “Nilli Second us,” as Constable Robertson was “second to none.” He thanked him for the ready assistance he had received and the kindly hospitality which had been extended by Constable Robertson and Mrs. Robertson and wished them well in their new station.

Constables Macpherson, Molloy, Muir, Buckley, Ryam and Frain also spoke in similar strain, after which Inspector Fox. on behalf of officers in the Northland district, presented Constable Robertson with a handsome reading lamp. In reply Constable Robertson spoke of his happy association with the North and thanked his brother officers for the manner in which they had honoured him.