SERGEANT POWER LEAVING

Taranaki Daily News, 1 February 1933, Page 8

SERGEANT POWER LEAVING

WORK AT STRATFORD PRAISED.

FAREWELL FROM BUSINESS MEN.

During his four years at Stratford Sergeant J. J. Power, who has been promoted to senior-sergeant at Hamilton, has earned the admiration and friendship of a large section of the community so that the municipal chambers were filled to overflowing yesterday when business and professional men gathered to bid him farewell.

The Mayor (Mr. P. Thomson), who presided, commented on the large and representative attendance as an indication of the popularity of the guest. It was four years since Sergeant Power came to Stratford, he said, but it was not a question of the length of time a man spent at a centre, but the quality of the service he rendered, and Mr. Thomson was sure . that the sergeant had ' added to his laurels during his stay at Stratford. A police sergeant by officiousness could make himself objectionable to residents of a town, but that could not be said of Sergeant Power, who, while doing his duty diligently and with credit to himself and the force, had exercised a measure of tact and discretion. Sergeant Power had fitted himself for the post of senior sergeant and congratulations were due to him on his promotion. The Mayor was certain that the present promotion would not be the last Sergeant Power received; he would reach the top of the tree. As president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. J. B. Richards said that when it was known that,Sergeant Power was leaving, a desire became manifest ’ that recognition should be made of his services. It was necessary that a country should be properly policed, and to that end it was essential that the police officers should be men of vision with a comprehensive knowledge of their work. Everyone would agree with him when he said that Mr. Power had discharged his duties at Stratford in an efficient and conscientious manned. Mrs. Power, also, was held in high esteem in Stratford, and on behalf of the business people he expressed the hope that success would attend the future lives of the sergeant, Mrs. Power and family.

Mr. N. H. Moss, president of the Stratford branch of the Taranaki Law Society, joined with former speakers in congratulating Sergeant Power on his promotion and extending best wishes for his future career. He said the sergeant was one of the bert prosecuting police officers with whom he had come in contact, and one who would prove a foeman worthy of the steel of members of the Bar at Hamilton.

' Speaking as a justice of the peace and as coroner, Mr. W. L. Kennedy also commended Sergeant Power upon the quality of his work. “I feel that I cannot adequately express my feelings for the kind and encouraging remarks that have been made,” Sergeant Power said. “I have enjoyed every day of my stay here because business and professional men gave me every assistance that lay in their power.” The appearance of, the town impressed him when he came to Stratford, and he could see that the people took a pride in their town. The police recognised Stratford as one of the most law-abiding communities of its size, and he always tried to suppress anything that tended to spoil that record. His wildest ambition could not have foreseen what had happened that day,, and as a paid servant he never expected such recognition of his work.

He paid a tribute to the men who had worked with him, for their co-operation had always been given willifigly. They were a splendid type of men, and he regretted that his promotion necessitated his leaving Stratford. Police work at times became a little irksome, but when one’s work was appreciated one was spurred on to greater efforts, he stated.

BOWLING CLUB’S FAREWELL.

AVON MEMBERS’ TRIBUTES.

“I have the sad duty to perform of saying good-bye to you, and I am voicing the general opinion when I say we are very sorry to lose you,” said Mr. H, L. Betts, president of the Avon Bowling Club, yesterday afternoon, when members gathered in the pavilion to farewell Mr. J. J. Power, who has been promoted to Hamilton.

The only fact that gave them pleasure was that Sergeant Power had received promotion, Mr. Betts said, and in his new capacity the sergeant, he hoped, would have the best of success. All extended best wishes to Mrs. Power and the family. Mr. Betts also paid tribute to the keen interest Mr. Power always displayed in all matters connected with the welfare of the club. The esteem and respect in which Mr. Power was held were expressed. Mr. Power was then accorded musical honours.

In thanking the members, Mr. Power said he joined as a new member, and all through his membership he had had a good reception. “I regret having to leave the Avon club—l could not have had a better time,” he said. “If any of you come up to Hamilton and do not come to see me voluntarily, I will send out to bring you in,” he concluded, amidst laughter. Mr. P. Keller, Public Works Department, Stratford, added tribute to the popularity of Sergeant Power. There was one thing in particular he would stress, and that was the regard in which Sergeant Power was held by brother departments of the civil service. Such amicable , co-operation was of undoubted benefit to the community. “As secretary of the club, I take all the knocks and bumps, bu; right through his membership Mr. Power has never had a complaint,” said Mr. H. C. North. Mr. Power had been one of the first and one of the most willing to contribute toward any presentations that had been made. Mr. North also wished to convey the best wishes of the croquet club to Mr. Power and family. Further eulogistic reference to Sergeant Power was paid by Mr. Hardy Jones, the oldest member of the club. SWIMMING CLUB NIGHT. RESULTS OF STRATFORD EVENTS* The Stratford Swimming Club held a club night yesterday but the adverse weather had its effect upon entries, as well as on the number of spectators. Details are:— 50 yards junior boys: First heat: N. Baker (10s.) 1, E. Robinson (35.) 2, R. Masters (55.) 3. Second heat: E. Richardson (125.) 1, the rest retired. Final: N. Baker 1, E. Robinson 2, R. Masters 3. Intermediate boys’ dive: N. Turnbull 1, H. Skuse 2. 440 yards men: R. Girling (55.) 1, A. Robson (scr.) 2, H. Lonsdale (255.) 3. 25 yards men’s scratch race: A. Robson 1, R. Eagar 2, R. Girling 3.