POPULAR RAILWAY SERVANT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 28

POPULAR RAILWAY SERVANT.

There was a representative gathering of railway officers at the Dunedin railway offices on Saturday, 3rd, the occasion being an official farewell to Mr S. F. Whitcombe traffic superintendent, of the South Island Railways,* who has retired on superannuation. _ _ • Mr W. Bowles, District Traffic Manager, presided, and expressed his regret that their guest was retiring from the service, stating that the relations between Mr Whfccombe and his brother officers had always been of the most kindly nature. They were met to tender a small presentation from the senior officers to mark their esteem. Mr Bowles then called upon Mr H. Buxton, Chief Traffic Manager, W elington who was on an official visit to Dunedin, to make the presentation. Mr Buxton stated that from the General Manager down, every officer had the kindliest feelings towards Mr Whitcombe, who hud, during his career, been stationed in Victor), Greymouth. Auckland, Napier, Wanganui, Christchurch, Wellington, Invercargill, and Dunedin, and wherever he had been he had g-ained the goodwill and affection of his brother officers. Mr' Buxton then presented him with a roller top desk ti.d a silver ink stand. Messrs. J. F. Jones, A. W. Morgan, E. Cameron, D. Wallace, E Debbie, W. E. Smith, and R. P. M'Cracken also spoke In reply Mr Whitcombe stated <r.at lie had commenced life in the legal nrofession in Gloucestershire, but later joined the Midland Railway, with which he was connected for four years. He then came to New Zealand. It was 49 years since he first started work, and he had been connected with the New Zealand Railways for 43 years. He had enjoyed Ins lite as a railwayman. ... Hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Wlutcombe terminated the proceedings. Mr Whitcombe will remain in Dunedin.