TRANSFER OF MR T. A. MURPHY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 9721, 12 June 1893, Page 2

TRANSFER OF MR T. A. MURPHY.

FAREWELL MEETING.

A number of friends of Mr T. A, Murphy, Collector of Customs, who has been transferred to Lyttelton, met ut tho Criterion Hotel on Saturday night at 7.30 o'clock for the purpose of bidding that gectleman a formal ■Farewell There were pn-sent Messrs J C George (Chairman of Chamber of Commerce), J. Paul, R. Cock, H. Wane, A. D.Gray, D. Miller, P. Teed, P. R. Carthow, H. Burgess, W. Cottier, D. Berry, J. Hialop, A. Goldwater, F. P. Corkill, J. W. Foote, W. D. Webster, H. Dempsey, W. Rennell, A. E. A. Clarke, C Rennell, N. Okey, N. King, W. Morey, G. Blyth, J. Ellis, and J. B. Roy. Mr J. C. George was voted to the chair.

The Chairman said that ho need hardly exp'ain to them the object of the meeting, as they were no doubt all aware that they Ind met to say farewell to Mr T A. Murphy, who had worthily filled the position of Collector of Customs hero for almost three years. (Applause). During that period Mr Muiphy had made many friends by his courteous and obliging manner in carrying out his official duties The dutios of a Collector of Customs were perhaps sometimes unpleasant ones to discharge, but while doing his duty in a zealous manner as became a Government officer, Mr Murphy had perfoimsd hia work without giving offence £o anyone. (Applause.) Not only would he (Mr Murphy) be missed by thorn in his official capacity, but his absence would also be felt in athletic circles, as ho bad always taken a keen interest iv all out-door games, and in some of which he was an active participant. (ApplaiißO.) Tho loss of Irs Muiphy would also bo keenly felt, for that lady had by her many amiable and hospitable qualities endeared horself to miny. ! (Applause ) He could assuie Mr and Mru Murphy th'it when tiny left hero on Monday for their naw 'iome they would boar with them many good wishes for thoir future welfare and prosperity. It was his duty to ask Mr Munjhy to be the bearer of these wishes to Mrs Murphy, along with a purse of sovereigns as a token of their esteem. (Applause.) Mr Paul said that he would like to add hia quota to what had just been stated. He hud tound Mr Murphy at all times to bo courteous in the fulfilment of his duties. As a citizen 'tho gentleman would also b.. greatly mis3ed; in fact they had only one fault to firj'l with him, and that was in not being a more prominent bowler. He was, however, going t'i a bowling centre,, and it was to bo hoped that Mr Murphy would become an exponent of the game in his new quarters. Before ho sat down ho i would like to say that he had been asked to say a few words on behalf of the young niembeis of the meeting. It would, perhaps, huvo been more fitting if Mr Gray Inul spoken, but that gentleman suffered !rom excebsive modesty. (Laughter.) What ho had been, nsked to sny was to tlhiuk Sir and ii..s Murphy for the kind hospitality they hid nisplayed to the young puople s:nco they hud been here, and to present to Mrs Murphy a silver cruetsUnu" as a small token of the appreciation in which that lady was held by thoso who had enjoyed her hospitality. (Applause.) Mr R. Cook, Chairman of tho Ilaroor Board, remarked that ho desired to toke this opportunity to speak of the valuable services Mr Murphy had rendered in i ivmg statistical information. As the late Chair man of tho Chamber of Commerce he cou'd apeak personally of Mr Murphy's kindness in this direction. (Applause). He also spoko of the zeal displayed by Mr Murphy in getting the pl«ce credited with what was imported by inducing them to pay all their duties here, and by his ifforts this office now showed £1000 a month collected, whereas when Mr Murphy first catno here it was under £300. (Applause). In conclusion he had much pleasure in wishing Mr and Mrs. Murphy health and prosperity in their new homo^ Mr Corkill said that on be half of tho Masonic fraternity,, who were woll represented at the meeting, ho wished to make a few remarks. Mr Murphy joined shortly after hia airival here, and he had become one of tiieir most active members (applause). In fine or bad weather Mr Murphy always attended, and ho had rendered valuable assistance in Masonic circles. They would miss him very much, but he was going among brothers, and what would be their loss would be their brothers' gain, (applause) Mr W. D. Webster, on behalf of the shipping interests, first apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr W. L. Newman, and t'.ou wont on to speak of the assistance that Mr Murphy hid, at all limes, been willing to give. They would part with him with extra i o regret

Mr MoitEY exprcfsed his regret at Mr Murphy's departure, and hoped that he would gain as m-»ny friends in his now sphere as he did here.

Mr Dempsey, on bohalf of the Royal Arch Chapter, s iid lhat ho was sure that the brethren were indebted to Mr Murphy for tho work he had d~no.

Mr Cautuew ulso spoke of the valuable services rendered the place by Mr Murphy, and also oxpiessod his appreciation of tho unifoim courtesy with which ho had always been treated by Mr Murphy whon they met to settle business.

Mr Murphy's health was then drunk in champagne, with musical honors.

Mr MrjapiiY, who was received with applause, sail' he felt highly honored and gratified at their kind remarks. Ho had hoped that the Government would have allowed him tocomplolc his remaining years here, which would not bo long, as he had been in the service 28 years, hut of course he had to obey orders. Since be had beon hero he tiud always tnod to do his beat for tho place, and it pleased him to coo the place go ahead. Whon he ca-iio here the port in importance was about Kmt in the list, but now it was eighth. (Applause). Ho had no doubt that his successor. Mr Nixon, would give every fucility, and that the newspapers would receive monthly returns to show what was being dono. He then thanked them for tho presentation, and also tho young people who hail marked their appreciation of the hospitality that thoy had met with in his house. 110 had hopes of becoming a bow er in Lyttelton i ho could spare the time. In conclusion, ho thanked them heartily for tho way tho heath of Mrs Murphy and himself had boen drunk. (Applause )

Tho Chairman said it was a puro oversight thut Air Nixon, Mr Murphy 'a sunceaaor, had not been invited to themeoting.

The members of the company then shook hands with Mr Murphy, and tho meeting terminated