Mr A. V. King.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume XIV, Issue 696, 17 September 1918, Page 3

Mr A. V. King.

, » PRESENTATION BY CITIZENS. Tho Postmaster m an inland centre comes into close touch with a very widely scattered clientello. The post, telegraph and telephone departments link him up with every man, woman and child within the circuit of his dislrtiet. The testimony of speakers on Wednesday boro eloqaeut evidence of the respect m which Mr A. V. King, for 12 years Postmaster at Otautau, has been held throughout the distriot. The smoke concert m the Wallace Hall drew together residents from widely scattered parts of the fiistrict to dq honour to our departing Postmaster. Smoke concerts, genial gatherings as they are, are usually tho prerogative of the niale sex only, und this one proved no exception to the rule, and m this, showed the only weak link m tho chaiu, as fully 80% of the offieia's m the country branches of the Post Office attached to Otautau aro ladies ; however, it was a men's gathering and was au unqualified success, and must have been a source of pleasure to Mr King, as evidencing the regard of his fellow- mon after 12 years publiu service iv their tuideU Dr. Stewart occupied the chair uud genially aud capably earri-id uut his duties. The usual loyal toasts wet* honoured, after which Mr VV. J. A. McGregor proposed the toast of "The Imperial and Allied Forces " m felicitous terms. Mr John Macdonald was equally happy m proposing " The Western District," to which Mr John Findlay eloquently replied. Other toasts were "The Ladies," by Mr M. O'Brien, responded to by Messrs 0. Joyce and W. Buick. m humorous strain. Theprincipal toast was proposed by the Chairman, "Our Guest." Dr. Stewart very sincerely referred to the many excellent characteristics of Mr King, his scrupulous attention to duty, his adherence to the regulations of his Department, interpreted iv a spirit of reasonableness and consideration for the publiu, aud his excelleut disciplinary control of the many cadets passed through the office. While regretting Mr King's departure, they wero very muchpleased to know bis removal meant sub? stantial promotion m the Service. ' The response to the appeal which had been made for recognition being given to their guest's good services hod been generous and spontaneous. On behalf of those present and of the many others who were unable to be present, he asked Mr King's acceptance of a gold watch, the best that money could buy, and expressed the hope that m good health he would long be spared to wear it - On handing over tho gift to the recipient there was the most enthusiastic applause. The watch bears the insciptioh : " Presented to Mr A. V. King by his friends m Otautau and Dietriot, whom ho served so well as Postmaster for over 12 years. — September 12bh, 1918." The Chairman's address was supplemented by .appreciative remarks by Messrs W. Fraser, W. Bradley, J, Findlay, T. W. Kennedy, A. McKenzio, A. A. Liddelh. M. O'Brien, J. Fisher and J. T. Brooker. Mr King, on rising to reply, was unable to proceed for cjuite q, while till the energetic hand-clapping was allowed tp cool down. "Foi the handsome gift aud the khidly words that accompany it, for the expressions of regard for myself and family, I am deeply grateful. I shall «vev remember with feelings of pride aud eiuoere gratitude the kindness of this evening." Beginning thus, JMr King, iv a quiet conversational way, gave some interesting information of the working oi the office, how the tejephope bureau ot the Otautau otfice hod grown from 11 connections ou his taking up duties, till the century was touched a few days previously, aud that there were other 4 machines to go m immedirtely, Instead of a luxury, tho 'phone was now an essential m the house. In the far-back homes it was aeotupauiou to the wife wheu her husbuud was away; it brought the outpoets into touch with the centres, Iv the office he had passed a great many lads through his hands, some now occupying responsible positions, and many of whom were with the forces. The many changes of hands consequent upon the war, had made the carrying out of the work difficult, aud may have led to some „ mistakes, but every effort had been made to carry out the duties -of the office without fear or favour, and as far as he knew he was leaving the district without an enemy. He bespoke fdr his successor the st}. tno consideration that had been extended to him. Mr King's remarks throughout were tl)e occasion of frequent bursts of applause, and his health was drunk with musical honours aud with euthusiasm> At intervals capital songs ware rendered by Messrs W, N, Andcrsou, G, Sinclair, J. T. Brooker, E. Jellymun, J. Kerr and A. MeKeuzie, and recitations by Mr W. | Porteous and Mr S. Cooper. Mr E. Jellyujiiii acted, as acQQoipanist,