FAREWELL TO MR.C.J. McEACHEN.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13775, 16 July 1913, Page 2 (Supplement)

FAREWELL TO MR.C.J. McEACHEN.

A POPULAR OFFICER.

(From "Tho Colonist," July 14.)

On Saturday evening Mr. C. J. McEaehen,,chief clerk on the Nelson section of- the New, Zealand railways, who lias l>een promoted to tho position of stationmastcr at Clinton, was entertained at a farewell social gathering by his fellow-emplqyeos at tho Oddfellows' Hall. Between "sixty and seventy were present, including several invited guests, among them being Mr. T. Edwards, stationmaster, Mr. H. Atmore, M.P., Mr. J. McEadien, and the representatives of several business houses. Mr. G. G. Stewart presided. A number of toasts were, honoured, infersijcrsed with vocal items, recitations, etc., and a very pleasant time was spent. In proposing tho health of "Our Guest," Mr. Edwards' said he had a •difficult-task to perform, because he could not say anything flattering enough about him. Much as he would': have liked to retain Mr. McEachen hi tho office with him, it was essential for his future welfare that he should accept promotion, and he was going to tho important station of Clinton. Mr. Edwards continued that when ho first came to Nelson he "spotted". Mr. Mc-i Eachc-n as a trustworthy and pains- i taking officer, and year by year he had recommended him for promotion. Mr. j McEachen had been in tho Nelson office | for 20 years, and it would not be in his own interest to remain longer. Some people gave him (Mr. Edwards) credit for the manner in which ho worked the railways, but he could not have done it without tho co-operation of the staff. Mr. McEachen had his department, and ho (Mr. Edwards) never interfered with it because ho could not do it better. He expressed regret at Mr McEachen's departure, but. prophesied that he would bo filling his (Mr. Edwards') position in from three .to five years. (Loud cheers.) He knew that Mr. McEachen would bo glad to get back to Nelson. The toast was supported by Messrs. McKenzie, Stevens, Smart, Minims, Schwass, Miller, Sbarman, Lipscombe, Burge, Bright, Cusack, Robb," Wolff, Dougan, Granville, and Knapp, representing the -different branches of the service, and the warmth of their speeches showed tho high esteem in which Mr McEachen was field by his fellow employees. Messrs. E". K. Madtgan, D. Pcgler, W. Liddle, representing _the'_ commercial interests, also spoke in high terms of Mr. McEachon's unfailing courtesy as an officer. The chairman said it gave him very great pleasure to add to the remarks of the previous speakers in regard to Mr McEachen's.general characteristics. Ho had been associated with him in tin? office longer than any man in the service, and consequently he knew a great I deal about him. Mr McEachen, he said, I was a clever mathematician, and he had a. profound knowledge of human nature which helped him materially in his position. During his term of office ho had given many evidences of his capabilities, and he had carried out his duties with satisfaction to the Department and tho public. The managers of the Nelson section were to be congratulated upon having Mr. McEachen as ! their coadjutor. The position of chief 1 clerk was that of a buffer between ', the manager and the men, and in carrying out this onerous- office.' Mr. McEachen had given complete satisfaction to both. The fact that Mr. McEachen had been in the Nelson office for over 20 years had not militated, against his progress, in the department. Mr. McEachen's promotion would add to his already wide knowledge of railway work, and. they must recognise that the new position wa.s only a step to a higher position which his ability fitted him for. (Loud cheers.) Mr. H. Atmore, M.P., said he know Mr. McEachen as a very good friend, and ho knew that he was held in the highest respect by those with whom he came in daily contact, which was ; tho biggest tribute they could pay, to him. Ho wished Mr. McEachen every success in his new sphere. ■' . . ] Mir. Edwards, at the request of the *i chairman, then presented Mr. McEachen with an oak and silver afternoon tea tray, and three-tier cake stand, silver 'cream jug and sugar basin, and case of cake forks. The health of Mr. McEachen .was then drunk with musical honours, amidst enthusiastic cheering which lasted several minutes. On rising to reply, Mr. McEachen « was roeeived with further cheering. Ho ; thanked the various speakers for their kind remarks, and their very handsome presentation. Ho was extremely sorry i to say'good-bye, but he recognised that he could not progress any further in Nelson, an<Ljta .his transfer meant promotion, he felt he was only doing the

right thing in leaving. As all railwayman knew .ho was going to a very busy station, although many outsiders hardly knew where Clinton was, (laughter.) ai:d ho would endeavour to do his beet in the intei-osta of the department as ho had dono here. Since no joined, the service in 1889, the mileage of the section had increased from 23 to 61, and the revenue, from- £8,500 to £29,095. (Further cheering.) Whilo ho had boon m Nelson he had soryed under five managers, and three relieving managers, viz., Mr. F. W. MacLean (now inspecting engineer), Mr. H. St. J. Christophers (retired), Mr. G. E. Richardson" (now loco, engineer, Petone), Mr. E. G. Wilson (now1 stationmaster, Taihape), Mr. T. S. Edwards (present st&tionmaster), and Messrs. J. H. Fox, J. D. Harris, and D. Mui.iro, relieving officers. During Mr. Christophers' term 18 years ago, he was appointed chief c'.crk in the district office, and he had held that position ever since. Thoro' were only three men on the section who joined before him, viz., Mr. J. R. Burgo (1877), Mr. G. Day (1879), and Mr. It. Savage (1881). He believed Mr. Stewart was to succeed him, and he was sure they would find that he would fill his place with satisfaction to the- statf and the manager. (Applause.) Ho hoped the Nelson section would continue to prosper, and he could assure them that he would look forward to spending his holidays in Nelson. On behalf of his wife and himself he again thanked them very sincerely for their handsomo presentations, which would always 6orve to remind him of the many happy days he had spent in Nelson. (Applause.) During tho evening a number of otlveir toasts were honoured, including "Tho New Zealand Railways and the Nelson section," proposed "by Mr. J. W. Nealo: "Country Members," Mr. P. R. Miller; "Railway Societies," Mr. J H. Roid; "Our Visitors," Mr. H. F. Mirame-; <(Th© Ladies," Mr. H. A. Fanze'.ow: "Tho Press"; and "Tho Chairman."