VALEDICTORY

Opotiki News, Volume III, Issue 316, 27 September 1940, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

MR. A. P. STUART HONOURED CIVIC FAREWELL •SIXTEEN YEARS’ SERVICE A civic farewell was tendered to Mr. A. P. Stuart, yesterday in the Wattle Tearooms, where about fifty prominent citizens representing all walks of life, gathered. During some sixteen years’ of service as Postmaster of the Opotiki Post Office, Mr. Stuart has carried out his duties most faithfully, and has earned the respect and friendship of all sections of the community, in spite of the many uunpleasant tasks which present conditions, have put before him. Ample evidence of this was given in the many fine tributes paid to Mr. Stuart by a large number of speakers during the reception.

The Mayor, Mr. 0. S. Moody, was in charge of proceedings, and after the guests had enjoyed the fine repast provided by the management of the tearooms, the chairlnan called upon Mr. J. R. Sinclair to read out a large number of apologies from those who were unable to be present. These included messages from Messrs. W. Stevens, G. J. Meilson, F. W. Oswald, A. L. Fetch, E. J. Parkinson," G. Guthrie, N. F. Chatfield, A. G. Stevenson, J. G. Murray, C. T. Clark, M. 0. Kidd, G. J. Tabb, and W. T. Burretfc. Members of the Post Office stall who'were on duty, also apologised for their absence. Sergeant J. Isbister, on behalf of the Opotiki police, sent a letter of appreciation of Mr. Stuart’s services. Mr. Moody, in his opening remarks expressed regret at having to bid farewell,,, to one who had carried out his none too easy duties in so admirable a manner. Mr. Moody said that he could always remember Mr. Stuart as a friend, to whom he could always go for advice. On behalf of the district he wished Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and family the best of luck wherever they might go, and said that the district would always be ready to welcome them back.

The next speaker, Mr. F. J. Short, expressed pleasure at being associated with the function. Mr. Stuart had had many extra duties thrown on him, and Opotiki could congratulate itself that it had such a capable man as Mr. Stuart as postmaster. Mr. Stuart had always looked after the interests of the Department which lie represented, anil beside that was a prominent member of sporting anil social clubs in the district. Of the Golf Club lie had been a member, at bowls he had proved himself a good sport, and of (lie Opotiki Gentlemen’s Club lie was president. Jt was only natural that Mr. Stuart would be missed, and Mr. Short joined with others in wishing the guest of honour,many years of retired life, and extended to Mrs. Stuart and family his very best wishes.

Mr. W. J. Connor, chairman of the Opotiki Dairy Association, speaking on behalf of the farming community expressed regret at losing Mr. Stuart, who had always given complete satisfaction to all. The growth in the amount of work had been great in the past few years, throwing a greater amount of responsibility on the postmaster. Mr. (Stuart’s pleasant manner and the genial way in which he greeted all had made him popular. Mr. Connor paid a tribute to Mr. Stuart’s sporting qualities, and joined in' wishing Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and family the best of health.

Mr. liei, on behalf of the Maori people, paid a tribute to Mr. Stuart’s business abilities, and his great ideals of fairness. In social life Mr. Stuart had proved a good friend, and Mr. Hci extended his best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and family. Mr. W. A. Gault, speaking on behalf of the Opotiki County Council and also the Bay] of Plenty Power Board, said that those two bodies had had quite a lot of dealings with Mr. Stuart, and the executive of both these bodies greatly approved of the way in which Mr. Stuart hatl met them at all times. Mr. Stuart had carried out his onorous duties to the complete satisfaction of the public. Mr. Gault wished Mr. and Mrs. Stuart a and happy life in retirement.

Mr. T. I. Steele, representing the Opotiki Patriotic Committee, wished to associate himself with the remarks of the previous speaker. Mr. Stuart had had a difficult job in Opotiki, having under his charge more highly trained officers than anyone else in the community. The Government was always ready to establish another department, but did not. do so without ascertaining if they could put a lean-to ‘on the post office. Mr. Steele had always found Mr. Stuart ready to help people, and in the patriotic sphere they had always met with a very

sympathetic ear. Mr. 0. Pipe', in associating himself with the remarks of others wished Mr. Stuart a safe return of his sons from the front.

Mr. J. T. Merry said that possibly nobody knew Mr. Stuart better than ho did. He knew the guest of honour well over 30 years ago, when he was quite a young man. Mr. Stuart had always played the game with everyone. In some of the activities in which the speaker was associated, he had found that Mr. Stuart conducted his job in a very excellent manner. In conclusion, Mr. Merry wished Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and family the best of luck in the future. Mr. J. 11. Reid said that he was to have the opportunity of expressing his keen appreciation of the services of Mr. Stuart, and the many good turns which he had done him." From Mr. Stuart he always obtained sound advice, and Mr. Reid joined with others in wishing the guest of honour many years ol success.

Mr. E. A. Bunkall, representing the legal profession, extended his very best wishes to Mr. Stuart, and thanked him for the very pleasant manner in which he had always carried out the difficult tasks and the manner in which lie went about things. Mr. S. M. Jephson, on behalf of the members of the Citizens Bowling Club, said that he was very sorry that Mr. Stuart was going away, but he congratulated Mr. Stuart, on his young retirement.

Mr. E; Thompson, on behalf of the Farmers’ Union, said that he was always sure of receiving courtesy and good advice from Mr. Stuart. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Stuart a long and useful retirement.

Mr. T. 11. Pearson, on behalf of the parents whose children went to the health camps, thanked Mr. Stuart for his work in connection with transport. Mr. J. It. Sinclair associated himself with others in their remarks, and asked. Mr. Stuart to accept a clock on which would be an engraved plate, the gift of the citizens of Opotiki. Mr. Sinclair said that he hoped, Mr. Stuart would take on sane,light job such as farming. On rising to return thanks, Mr. Stuart was greeted with a found of applause. Mr. Stuart said that alter hearing all the complimentary remarks he was sure everybody was thinking of someone else. The position of postmaster was not altogether roses. In recent years many extra duties had been placed on the Post Office. Extra taxations made extra work which was liot altogether pleasant. Benzine restrictions caused a great deal of additional work, and it was not always possible to please everybody. During his stay in Opotiki there had been no real friction, and he had always endeavoured to see the other point of view. He had made few enemies and many friends, whom he hoped to meet on periodical visits. Mr. Stuart thanked the gathering for their very generous gift, which in years to coino would remind hi«n of Opotiki. In many things which hud cropped up he had always found others only too willing to lend assistance. He had been ..fortunate in having the co-operation of a very loyal and willing staff, to which much of his success was due. In conclusion, Mr. Stuart took the opportunity of bidding all farewell and thanking them for their kindness.

The function concluded w.th the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”.