SERVICES RECOGNISED

Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1929, Page 11

SERVICES RECOGNISED

STATIONM ASTER ENTERTAINED.

Members of the council of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce met in the Victoria League room yesterday afternoon to give a farewell tea to Mr. IJ. F. Mirams, stationmaster at New Plymouth, who retires on superannuation on Saturday after completing 40 years’ service. Since he has been in New Plymouth he has been a member of the council.

Mr. C. H. Weston, president of the chamber, said that while Mr. Alirams had been in New Plymouth he had shown himself to be a zealous officer of the department and one who had always been most courteous in his dealings with the public. While attentive to the interests of railway clients, he had at the same time looked after the interests of the department. Mr. 0. E. Bellringer said he had dealt with Mr. Mirams as a business man, but more particularly in connection with his capacity as chairman of The New Plymouth Harbour Board. From time to time the board had had its little differences with the department, but he had always found Mr. Mirams willing to deal with matters in a pleasant manner and without allowing any friction to arise. While looking after the affairs of his department, he had always done whatever he could io meet clients Mr. Bellringer said he was not sure that it was a good thing for the countiy that just when a man had gained the valuable experience of years he was nut on the shelf. It would be impassible for a man who had given so long to his life’s work to remain completely rile, continnued Mr. Bellringer, and he hoped that, should Mr. Mirams decide to look for a new sphere for his activities, he would find enjoyment and happiness m whatever work he took. up. Mr. J. A. R. McGregor he had known Mr. Mirams for nine or ten years, including his period as traffic inspector before he came to New Plymouth. He had always been recognised as an efficient officer. As a member of the railway committee, continued Mr. McGregor, he had found Mr. Mirams everready to help the committee in its deliberations. He had given the Chamber of Commerce a very fair deal. As a business man he had discovered in Mr. Mirams a fine specimen of railway officer, willing always to lend a ready ear when there were grievances to be adjusted. Speaking as a public servant, Mr. W. D. Armit said Mr. Mirams was regarded as a useful and highly respected officer. It would certainly be a big break for him to sever his connection with the department after service extending over 40 years, said Mr. Mirams. He had joined the railway as a boy and that was the only work he had done. It was very gratifying to hear from business men and members of the council, that ho had made a success of his life’s work, at least to some extent, and that he went out with their best wishes. Of late years railway officers had gone more among the public than formerly and this, he thought, had had reciprocal benefits. If it had at any time been of service to the chamber it had been a pleasure. He appreciated very much the remarks that had 1 been made concerning, him.