RAILWAY OFFICER HONOURED

Southland Times, Issue 23773, 22 March 1939, Page 2

RAILWAY OFFICER HONOURED

PRESENTATION MADE TO MR BENFELL TRANSFER TO PETONE AS STATIONMASTER Mr E. W. Benfell, chief clerk of the Railway Department at Bluff, who has been promoted to the position of stationmaster at Petone, was bidden farewell by members of the staff before his departure yesterday for the north. A presentation of a wallet of notes was made by the stationmaster (Mr L. E. B. Edwards), on behalf of the staff. Mr Edwards, in making the presentation, expressed his personal regret that Mr Benfell was leaving the staff at Bluff, as he had proved himself _ a highly efficient officer. As senior clerk in the department, Mr Benfell had carried out his duties in a manner that left no doubt as to his ability. On behalf of the staff .Mr Edwards congratulated him on his promotion and extended best wishes for the future. Officers from the various departments also spoke, and Mr Benfell replied. EUCHRE TOURNAMENT There was a good attendance at the weekly euchre .tournament held in the Willard Hall in aid of the funds of the Bluff Dominican Convent. Mrs Drake was the winner of the women’s prize and Mrs C. Ladbrook was second. The first prize for men was won by Mr M. McTigue and Mr W. Lowe was second. Other prizes went to Mrs C. Jackson and Mr P. Develon. PRESENTATION A presentation was made to Mr W. Hanna, of the engine-room staff of the Bluff Harbour Board’s dredge Murihiku, who has left the dredge, after 15 years of service, to join the shore staff of the board. In presenting Mr Hanna with a case of pipes; the dredge master (Mr W. F. Cameron) spoke of his long association with the Murihiku and said he would be missed when he went ashore. Mr McMurran, for the engineroom staff, and Mr W. P. Butler, for the deck staff, also spoke and Mr Hanna replied.