VALEDICTORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4671, 15 June 1893, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

i Presentation to Sergeant J. O'Malley. On Wednesday evening there was a large and representative gathering of residents of Lyttelton at the Borough Council Chambers for the purpose of saying farewell to Sergeant O'Malley, who his had charge of the Lyttelton Police Station for the past five or six years, and who is now being transferred to Wellington. Mr H. N. Nalder was voted to the chair. He said he was sure Sergeant O'Malley would be pleased to see so many of his friends present, as it was evident that during his stay in Lyttelton he had discharged tbe many unpleasant duties which fell to the lot of the chief police officer of a portjike Lyttelton in a manner which had found favour with the majority of the residents. From time to time the head of the police department was called upon to exercise a considerable amount of tact and discretion, and he (the speaker) had on many occasions had opportunities of knowing how well their gueßt had exercised thoee important and necessary qualifications. It was generally supposed that when a police officer took up a case he did so with the fullest intention of obtaining a conviction, but it was jußt as generally known that Sergeant O'Malley had never behaved in a harsh or oppressive manner in tbe diecharge of hiß duties, not, at any rate, unless he had very good cause to do so. He (the speaker), on behalf of the residents of the place, wished to Bay that they all hoped his removal to Wellington would be conducive to his benefit and the benefit of his family; He had, therefore, on their behalf, to aßk Sergeant O'Malley's acceptance of a purse of sovereigns. The puree, which contained fifty sovereigns, bore the following inscription : — " This purse of sovereigns waß presented to Sergeant O'Malley on the occasion of his removal to Wellington. Lyttelton, June, 1893." The following address, which ia to be illuminated and framed, was also presented to the Sergeant :— " " To Sergeant James O'Malley, Lyttelton, "Dear Sir,— We, on behalf of «he citizenß of Lyttelton, having heard of your proposed transfer to Wellington, desire to expresß our appreciation of your sterling worth as a peace officer while residing amongst us. In the discharge of your onerous duties you have always been uniformly courteous, civil and obliging; while in your official relations with the general publio yon have been scrupulously impartial, firm and conscientious. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns, as a substantial token of our esteem and regard, and in finally taking leave of yon, we heartily wish you, Mrß O'Malley, and family long life, contentment and prosperity.—We are, dear sir, your esteemed friends." (Here follow ninety-two signatures.) Mr G. Agar Baid he wished to endorse all that Mr Nalder had said with regard to the respect in which their friend was held by the residents of the port. Some of his opponents said—and it must be remembered that every man in any position of authority had enemies — that he was not strict enough. Well, all he (the speaker) had to say was that in all probability if their friend had been a little more Btricc many of them would now bo in gaol. (Laughter.) Sergeant O'Malley, who was greeted with applause, said he was totally unable to find words in which to express his feelings. He wished to thank them from the depths of bis heart for the address, the present, and the kindly feelings which had prompted them. He felt that he waß not entitled to the many favourable expressions which had been made use of towards him, During his stay amongst them he had endeavoured to do his duty to the best of his abilities, and if he had succeeded he was satisfied. He again thanked them for the present, and could asßure them that the address would be treasured as long as he lived to remind him of his con nection with the residents of Lyttelton. At a later stage of the evening the health of Sergeant O'Malley wa9 proposed by Mr G. Laurenson, who also paid a high compliment to the admirable manner in which their guest had carried out the responsible duties of his office. After Mr Orton Bradley and several others had spoken in a like strain, and a vote of thanks had been accorded to Messrs G. Agar aud W. G. Johnston for their energy in getting up the gathering, the meeting terminated.