VALEDICTORY.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 198, 25 March 1913, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

MR J. A. MACKENZIE FARE-

WELLED. On Tuesday evening about 50 residents assembled in Mr Norden's sample rooms for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr J. A. MacKenzie on the eve of his

departure for Papakura to which town he has been transferred. Mr A. S. Wallace (chairman of the Town Board) presided, and

in proposing the health of the guest spoke in high terms of Mr MacKenzie's popularity gained during his two years residence in this town. As station-master, he had carried out his multifarious duties in a manner which had proved him to be a most capable

departmental officer, and yet withal, he had always shown a kindly consideration for the wishes of the public. Whilst regretting his departure, all present would join in complimenting him on the promotion brought about by the transfer. In responding Mr McKenzie expressed pleasure in the opportunity presented for bidding farewell to his friends. He regretted having to say farewell, but in going he took with him the very best recollections of many friends and happy days at Te Awamutu. In Proposing the health of the New Zealand railways Dr Reekie emphasized the importance of a proper railway service in the development of a country. The Dominion had accomplished a

very great deal in fifty years, and the railways had been a very powerful factor in the matter of progress. The railway officials had very grave responsibilities and much depended upon them for the safety of the public and of live stock and merchandise. His experience of railway servants had shown them to be big-hearted, honest men and in times of accident or distress most humane. Mr Lee, (Inspector of Permanent Way, South Auck-

land District) in fitting terms responded. He pointed out, however, that a large proportion of the men now entering the ranks were not of the stamp to build up a good service in the future. The prospects of the Railway Department did not rest with the

Minister, the new general manager, or any individual officer —it was a matter entirely in the hands of the public. Instances were cited showing utter

disregard to the public interest brought about by the indifference of junior assistants. In conclusion Mr Lee paid a tribute to Dr Reekie instancing an accident in which he had shown promptitude and professional sympathy. Messrs Green (Foreman of Works South Auckland District) Davis, Ness, and Comer (Mr Mackenzie's successor) also responded. The toast agriculture, was in fitting terms/proposed by Mr Bray and responded to by Messrs InnesJones, H. Andrew, and F. D. Wood. - The Ladies, which toast ' was proposed by Mr W. Jeffery, who, in appropriate language instanced the regard shown by Mr Mackenzie for his mother and wife was duly responded to by Messrs Oliphant and Bockett, whilst that of the incoming stationmaster (Mr Comer) was proposed bv the chairman, who, whilst regretting Mr Mackenzie's departure extended to Mr Comer a cordial welcome to Te Awamutu. Mr Comer, in replying, expressed pleasure in meeting so many of the residents and looked forward to his stay at Te Awamutu. He hoped they would all work amicably together, so that, when his time came to leave Te Awamutu he could go with only the brightest of recollections of his stay here. The closing toast, that of the chairman (Mr Wallace) and vice-chairman (Dr Reekie) was proposed by Mr Lee, who, on behalf of the visitors returned thanks for the hospitality of all, and expressed the desire that at some future date a re-union at Te Awamutu - would, take place. During the evening the chairman, on behalf of residents presented Mr Mackenzie with a suitably inscribed tea and coffee service on oak tray. In a brief speech the chairman expressed the very general regret occasioned by Mr Mackenzie's departure, and the presentation then made served only as a small token of esteem and he trusted that both Mr and Mrs Mackenzie would be long spared to remember the friends thev had made at Te Awamutu, and occasionally, whenever opportunity offered, to spend a few days at Te Awamutu. Mr Mackenzie was loudly applauded on rising to his feet to respond, and in a brief, yet appropriate speech returned thanks. Musical items interspersed the various toasts and added considerably to the enjoyment of the evening. Each item was loudly applauded encores on many occasions being called for. The following took part :—Songs: Messrs Mackenzie, Oliphant, Milroy, Rule, Galloway, Dalton, and Parker. Recitations: Dr Reekie and Mr W. F. Stewart. The evening concluded by the singing of Auld Lang Syne.