PRESENTATION TO MR GRAHAM.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13835, 22 February 1909, Page 7

PRESENTATION TO MR GRAHAM.

Mr Andrew Graham, who, as stationmaster, has. been transferred from Timaru to Port Chalmers, was the subject of another presentation on Saturday night, when between 50 and GO railway men assembled in Budd s Arcade, Cafe and expressed in unmistakable terms, their regret at losing as *• boss," one of whom they esteemed in the highest degree. The gathering was a very pleasant one. Mr Budd provided a nice supper, and an hour or two passed very quickly. Mr T. C. AVatson, chairman of the local branch of A.S.R.S., presided, and made a very good chairman. An apology for absence .was received from Mr Watson chief clerk at the Timaru railway staiton, but he sent a note expressing his high appreciation of the departing stationinaster. Some of those present had travelled a considerable distance among these, being Mr Day, late inspector of permanent way on the Otago Central line, but now retired. Mr Gifford, stationinaster at St. Andrews, was also present, and while apologising for the unavoidable absence of other country stationmasters —Mr White, of Glenavy, Air McNeil, of Makikihi, Mr Milner, of Studholme, and Mr Ansell, of Morven —he conveyed their hearty good wishes to Mr Graham. . Mr Graham was presented witli a very handsome solid silver afternoon tea" tray, and teapot. In making the presentation, Mr Watson said that when Mr Graham had been transferred from Timaru to Port Chalmers a feeling came over the railway staff as though something serious had happened,—he might almost say as though each one had suffered a personal bereavement. This could scarcely be other-wise.-when Mr Graham was held . in such high esteem by them. (Hear, hear). In losing hini they lia'd lost a father, one who at all times had showu the utmost consideration to. those under him, and was never tired of helping the men in every possible way by taking a personal interest in, and helping to promote anything likely to be of benefit to them. Mr Graham had been a railway servant for many years and he had held many positions »,n the railway. He represented the division to which he belonged, on the Appeal' Board, until, of his-own' free will he had retired, because he could not approve of the methods adopted, when dealing with the men who came before the Board to have a grievance righted. He had also represented his division on the Superannuation Board, and the fact that he had been through general elections and still held this seat, was evidence th?t railway men had full confidence in liim. (Applause). Mr Graham represented not only the men of his own division, hut all the railway men of the Dominion. In a democratic country such as this,, there should be no class distinctions in the railway service. Mr Watson went on to say that he believed the railway men of this Dominion had a true friend in the present Minister for Kailways, the Hon. J. A. Millar, and no matter what steps the Minister might take to put the railways on a sound footing, the employees would have no cause to worry or feel anxious ahout their positions. (Hear, hear). Mr Millar had made an appeal to the railway men for loyalty, but as a matter of fact they always had been loyal, and would, he felt sure, continue to do their duty loyally to the Department, and the general public. As to Mr Graham, he had been not so much a boss, but one of - themselves, and in him they had beau ideal of what a boss should hff. Men of his stamp were not to be found, every day of the week, and they regretted exceedingly, that they were losing him. In conclusion, Mr Watson wished Mr Graham good health, long life, and success wherever his lot might he cast in the future, and assured him that though absent from Timaru, the railway men of this district would ever retain a warm place in their hearts for liim. (Applause). The health of Mr Graham was drunk with musical honours and cheers, after which Mr J- Parr, (stationmaster'a clerk)' Guard Robertson, Driver Hoare, bLationmasttr Gilford, Guard Angus of Christchurch, Ganger Williams, Guard liemson. and J. bcott (of the railway wharf staff), all spoke to the toast, until nearlv all the phrases by which praise could be bestowed, were exhausted. . . , i Mr Graham on rising to respond, w as greeted with hearty applause. He very cordially acknowledged the beautiful presents given him and the kindly sentiments which had been uttered coilceraing liim, modestly deprecating tlie great praise that had been given him. He said it was true that he always did his best for his fellow workers, but he had the reward lor this in the pleasure which it gave him, and he looked for none, oilier. They had said that they were sorry to lose liim. ell he could r e -e(.-lio that sentiment and say he was sorrv to lose them. He believed in working with and for his men as only liv mutual co-opereation could the best results be achieved. He had been through every department of the service from }K>rter upwards, and could therefore sympathise with his men. He always aimed at having a contented staff" and found that the confidence he had placed jn those under him had never been misplaced. The only position he had nob filled on the railway, was that of general manager. (A voice: "It's coming 1 *), but, (jocularly) he felt that his 35 years of service had almost qualified him for that high place. He was aware that he had been looked upon as a bit of an agitator, but what he had done had been in the irit •>■ s:s cf th- men. and so long as he could render them a good service, he would do it. (Applause). He had never been asked by any man to get anything for him, by lasting the Government, and consequently, as lie had onlv to work for what was fair and just, he did what he could, with pleasure. He felt deeply, the token of good

will they had given him that night. he looked at it, lie would be reminded fact that it represented a. gift from between 300 and 400 men, not one of. whom ,on his leaving Timaru, had a word to say against him. (Hear, lieai and applause).

" For He's a Jolly Good Fellow " was then heartily sung.

,A number of oth?r toasts were honoured ,including tlut of the new stationinaster, Mr Matleson, who was referred to as "a real white man and a worthy successor to Mr Graham." Mr Matheson made appropriate acknowfedgment of the compliment paid him, and advised the railway men never to be afraid to approach him on any subject; •they could he sur« of getting at least, civility, and the "best of his attention. (Applause).