VALEDICTORY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 347, 19 August 1930, Page 6

VALEDICTORY

POPULAR POLICE OFFICER CONSTABLE JOHN AicALPINE. Alcmbers of the Wangauui police force, the staff of the Wauganui Courthouse, and the Press met at the Wanganui Police Station yesterday afternoon to bid farewell to Constable McAlpine, who has bceu transferred to W’uiroa The eulogistic references paid him yesterday were but a slight indication of the esteem in which he is held. His departure has been brought about by family Illnesses. This is greatly regretted, and it was the preuominani wish with all the speakers that the change will effect the muchdesired improvement. Inspector ’ Till said that during his seven years in Wangauui, Constable McAlpine had compelled the respect of ad and had done much bo compel a continued ad. :irati|n for the work of the force. Wairoi’s gain would be Wanganui’s loss. On behalf of the members of the Wangauui Police Forc«>, and as an indication of their admiration, he handed to Constable McAlpine a travelling fug, a Pirex dish and two pipes. “As one associated with Constable MCAlp.ne for a period of 18 mouths, 1 think that it is fitting that Inspector Till has been able to attend this function.” said Senior-Bergeant McLean. “It is not usual for an inspector to attend farewells to coir stables, but it is au honour well deserved by oiir guest. Constable McAlp.ne has'been a splendid officer, and if all of us took a line from his life we could but be benefited - men. Had we our Why. I am sure that we would buy him a motor car and a house. As it is 1 am sure that Constable McAlpine will accept these small mementos in the spirit in which they are given. He is indeed a man of which every member u. the service may well be proud, and it is a matter for regret that necessity in tho way of ill-health has compelled him to afrahge for a transfer.” Sergeant Dunford, in adding his appreciation to the outstanding qualities of Constable McAlpine, said that he had been a man in every sense of ’the word. Detective' J. Walsh said he had known Constable Ale Alpine since 1923. “At that’time I was sent to Wanganui to make’enquiries regarding a murder. As far hs picking out a man from a description of a photograph I havo never s<?eb ’h’is aai<f tive. ‘ ‘ Had he been i n a large city 2 am sure a place would have been found for him in the detective branch. ” Other'speakers weie Messrs Phillips, .» senior constable, and Mr J. Kennedy, •• r 'nr'’-' ' 4 nig the members cf the Court*