Presentations.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11948, 18 May 1903, Page 2

Presentations.

On Saturday night a large gathering of Post and Telegraph officials assembled in the operating room for the purpose of making a dual presentation to Messrs Aitken and Bolton, members of the local telegraph staff; on the eve of their departure, the former being promoted to the Chief Clerkship at Hokitaka, and the latter on transfer to the Wellington Telegraph Office. Mr Miller, Chief Postmaster, in making the presentations, expressed his regret at losing two such efficient and promising officers, and incidentally quoted statistics showing that in several branches the business here wouldv favourably compare with that transacted in a large city like Dunedin, and was still rapidly increasing. In the face of this, it was absolutely essential that the office should be efficient in all branches, so as to satisfactorily meet all exigencies which may arise at any time. However, he was pleased that their transfer meant well-deserved -romotion, and he was quite certain they would be a credit to any office. He concluded a pleasant and complimentary speech by wishing them and their families good luck, and called for three cheers—a call which wag, heartily responded to. Mr Bates (in the absence of Mr Hemus through indisposition), speaking on behalf of the telegraph branch, also expressed regret at their departure. They were thoroughly good officers, who had never spared themselves when duty called. In the case of Mr^Aitkm, it was well to know that when the senior officers who had borne the brunt of the day were called! upon to retire on pensions the department had such promising officers who could so worthily fill their places. The department', as was well known, enjoyed an excellent reputation, and he felt sure that when some of the younger officers were called upon to fill the higher and more responsible positions they would do so with credit to themselves and the department. He expressed the hope that the departing officers and their families would find their new homes congenial in every way. Mr Beswlck also sjpoke, eulogising Mr Aitken, whom he had known for a number of years, and although not coming together iin close contact officially, he knew Mr Aitken ihad ■always' borne an excellent reputation and was well qualified in all branches of the service. Sir Bolton he had also known for some time as a capable and painstaking officer, and wished them both prosperity and good luck. Mr Redmond added' a few words, recalling old memories of bygone days in which he and 'Mr Aitken were associated together, and, although expressing regret at their departure, he congratulated them on obtaining good {promotion. Messrs Aitken and Bolton, in responding, I expressed their pleasure at the kind tokens of esteem, which, however, were not necessary to remind them that they possessed the good opinion of their fellow officers. They had worked amicably with all, and performed their duties, they hoped, to the satisfaction of all. They were sorry to leave. Wanganui, where they "had spent some pleasant years. Mr Aitken was presented with a handsome silver teapot and hot-water jug, and Mr Bolton with 'a handsome clock with barometer and thermometer combined.

The proceedings then! terminated