MARTON'S NEW POSTMASTER

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12015, 18 March 1920, Page 7

MARTON'S NEW POSTMASTER

That Mr J. James# Marten’s new Postmaster, had earned high esteem .at hio late post is shown'lby the following which appeared in oar Waipawa contemporary : Perhaps no person is so well known throughout the district as Mr J. James, who for the past ten years has filled the position of postmaster at Waipawa, and who has, at various times, acted as registrar of electors, returning officer, census enumerator, registrar of births, and filled other public positions tending to bring him constantly and prominently in touch with the general public. That ha has carried out his duties to the satisfaction of his superiors is manifest by his recent promotion to a larger office, and that these duties Were discharged in a courteous and conscientious manner, giving satisfaction to the public, was clearlj' shown by the appreciative testimony tendered at tbe large arid enthusiastic gathering of representatives of all classes of the community held on Friday afternoon to bid him rarewell and wish him good luck in his new sphere. Apart from carrying out his official duties Mr James has acted on the School and Library Committees, and was also a prominent figure in Masonic circles, having occupied the principal position in the local lodge. Mr James also took an active interest in outdoor games, his capabilities as a bowler being of no mean order, though his keenest interest centred in the golf club, of which he is the present champion. Having proved a good and useful citizen, it is not surprising that regret is experienced at his departure, and this feeling was the prevailing note' of the speeches at Friday’s function. Mr H M Ratbbone, Deputy Mayor, apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr Limbrick, and Mr A E Jull, both out of town. Referring to the occasion for which the company had met, Mr Rathbono said he was very sorry Mr James had been transferred from Waipawa. Marton’s gain was Waipawa’s loss As an officer of the Post and Telegraph Department, Mr James was conscientious, courteous and obliging. Whilst discharging the duties of his office to the complete saitsfaotion of his superior officers, he studied the interests of the general public, and often went out of his way to assist them in their difficulties. As registrar of electors during the recent General Election he had carried through the onerous duties in a manner which gave general satisfaction. Mr James had done excellent work on the School Committee, and he (the speaker) had never come across a better secretary. Their guest also took an active interest in two branches of sport, bowls and golf, and was at the present time champion of the Waipawa Golf Club. As a citizen he was widely and highly esteemed, and the good wishes of the community of Waipawa and district would accompany Mr and Mrs James to Marton. After the toast of Mr James’ health had been drunk with musical honors, Mr Kathboue asked his acceptance of a solid leather suit case, Mosgiel rag, case of pipes, and wallet containing a sum of money, as tangible evidence of goodwill from the townspeople, settlers in the country districts, and members of the Golt and Bowling Clubs. The eulogy of the Deputy Mayor was supplemented bv Mr R H Wedde, president of the Bowling Club; Dr Deck, Golf Club, Mr E Jull and Mr T Butler.

The postal staff joined in the general appreciation. Mr James was recognised as a strict disciplinarian, but they admitted that in all his actions justice was tempered with mercy and dealt out without discrimination. They were convinced that it was his tact and kindly interest in every member of the staff that conduced to the good fellowship and esprit de corps existing which tended to smooth the pathway of daily°routine and make their labours light. The country postmasters of the district, and neighbouring postal officials, also expressed their appreciation of the unvarying courtesy experienced in business relations and for the advice and assistance ever at their disposal, and whilst regretting bis departure joined in congratulating him on the well merited promotion.

Mr James, in acknowledging the kind references to himself and Mrs James, and in returning thanks for the valuable gifts presented to him, regretted his inability to adequately thank those present, and also those who subscribed, for their kindness towards him. He was unaware he was held in such high esteem, as he thought that his strict adherence to the regulations occasionally conflicted with what the public was apt to expect from a public official. He always triedto do his duty impartially, and was glad to know that his efforts had been appreciated. His term of office in Waipawa had been a very happy one personally,, and he was very grateful for many courtesies extended to himself, his wife and family during their residence in the district. He took the opportunity to thank the postal staff for their loyal support, and also the postmasters in the district for the assistance rendered in connection with electoral work.