A POPULAR GAOLER.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12256, 2 July 1909, Page 2

A POPULAR GAOLER.

PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF MR

MADDEN

Wo take the following from the "Oamarn Mail" :—

Tho popular appreciation ofConstablo M. Madden, fjr 20 years gaoler in Oamaru, was effectively shown this morning when representatives of the citizens gathered to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs"Madden. The gathering took place at 11 o'clock in Sergeant Grif. fith's office, amongst tho c present in addition to Mr and Mrs Madden, Sergeant Griffith and members of the local force, were His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Milligan), Councillors J. M. Brown, A. Clarke, J. Vernor. Messrs R. Milligan, J. E. Hoed, J. W. Chilcott. T O'Grady, A. Mackay, A. Potter, P. C. Hjorring, J. O'Brien, R. C. Young, and J. B. Grave.

His Worship remarked that it was a little unusual to see so many respectable gentlemen assembled in this particular room—(laughter)—but the occasion was the projected departure of Mr and Mrs Madden. The ttep taken by the Department in regard to- Mr Madden was one that involved promotion to him, and they were all pleased that this well-deserved promotion had been accorded. At the same time they would liko to express the sense of regret at their departure, while wishing them hearty success in their new home. (Applause.) Mr Madden liad been associated with Oamaru for 20 years and had discharged his dut'os not- only to tho satisfaction'of the department, but also, as that gathering testified, to the satisfaction of the citizens generally. Twenty years was a large portion of a man's life, and Mr and Mrs Madden would never forget Oamaru, where their children had been born and where Iht'i't} were so many pleasant a?sociations to cause regret at- severance of relationship with the town; but they would carry away the very best wishes, of the citizens. (Applause.) He supposed that no gentleman present that morning had at any time received hospitality from the gaoler—(laughter)— but ho felt sure that any one who bad bad the misfortune to find himself in the position suggested would receive kindness at the" hands of his temporary host. (Applause.) A number of friends and well-wishers had subscribed for a little memento, and he h."d great pleasure in presenting to Mrs Madden a gold ring, which was very handsome, and which would remind her of the estesm in which she and her husband were held : they trusted that she would always have very kindly feelings for Oamaru. Accompanying the gold ring was a purse of sovereigns which might bo- useful to her. Lastly, in making the presentation to Mrs Madden, he hoped that Mr and Mrs Madden would never lose the memories of their long association with the town of Oamaru. (Loud applause.)

Councillor Brown, ex-Mayor, also paid a, high tribute to Mr "Madden, speaking as a very old resident of Oamaru. Mr Hjofring remarked that many of his clients did net seem to have any objection to being in gaol— (lalighter)--owing to the kindly treatment received. Councillor Clarke, one of tho promoters of the presentation, joined heartily in the eulogies. Ex-Sergeint O'Grady, one of tho promoters, gave a witty and telling speech into which he succeeded in weaving sentiment, funny stories, and a genuine appreciation* of his old constable.

Sergeant Griffith brough loud applause by his recognition of the loyal honest service rendered by Mr Madden. He also expre:sed pleasure that duty well done had won the recognition of the citizens. In conclusion, he paid a grace.ful compliment to Mre Madden for her kindly skill in attending to any sick prisoners.

Mr M. Madden, who was heart:ly applauded, said he had been in Oamars lor 20 years and had tried to- do his duty to the beet of his ability. Ho must have given a fair amount of satisfaction to the department or he wou'd not have been kept in Oamaru so long. It was a great pleasure to meet so many leading citizens of the .town, headed by his Worship the Mayor. Ho wished to tender to them his most sincere thanks for the purse of sovereigns and splendid piece of jewellery given to his wife. His wife and himself would always be glad to see any of them if they visited.-Wanganni. He and Mrs' Madden were very grateful for tho kindly sentiments expressed and for the presentation. (Loud applause.) Mr Madden was ako made the recipient of a substantial token of appreciation from the members of the local police force.