VALEDICTORY

Patea Mail, Volume LIII, 9 March 1932, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

ME. J. F. STRATFORD. Mr. J. F. Stratford, stationmaster, Patca, who has been transferred :o Hclcnsvillc, was the guest of honour at -a complimentary smoke concert in the Druids’ Hall last night. During the evening Mr. A. T. Christensen, who presided over the gathering, which was a thoroughly representative one, presented Mr. Stratford with a leather suitcase and hatbox on behalf of the local railway staff and friends, and in doing so referred to Mr. Stratford’s unfailing courtesy and tact and his willingness to go out of his way at all times to assist those who were doing business with his Department. He wished him and Mrs. Stratford and family every happiness and prosperity in their new home. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. F. Ramsbottom), on behalf of the townspeople, spoke culogistically cf Mr, Stratford’s services, and wished him every success in the future. Mr. A. H. Hodge, on behalf of the West Coast Ecfrigeratingg Company and the South Taranaki Shipping Company, and Mr. A. N. Williams, of the Patca Farmers’ Co-op. Freezing Company, also spoke and referred to the many good qualities and the unfailing courtesy of Mr. Stratford and wished him every success. Mr. Stratford, in a brief speech, thanked the speakers for their very kind remarks and the donors for their handsome gifts. Ho stated that ho was more than sorry to leave Patea, where lie had spent a very happy time. Ho assured them that he would never forgot the many kindnesses he had received on every hand. During tho evening, opportunity was taken by the chairman and His Worship the Mayor to welcome Mr. Alan Maxwell, Mr. Stratford’s successor, to the town. Both speakers stated that from what they knew of him they felt sure that the same friendly relations that had existed between the townspeople and the Department in the .past would continue under Mr. Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell suitably replied, and assured those present that ho would do his utmost to see that the same happy relations continued.

The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought a very successful, evening to a close.