PATEA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 151, 29 June 1932, Page 3

PATEA

VALEDICTORY. MR. L. G. THOBBUBN. Ono of the largest assemblies ever gathered in the district was seen at the social held last Alonday night, to bid farewell to the manager of the Whenuakura Dairy Factory, Air. L. G. Thorburn. Mr. J. Sheahan presided over the social, held in the Whenuakura Hall. Apologies for non-atten-danco were received from Air. ami Mrs. F. Bosley, Mr. R. W. Hamerlon and many others. Tho Mayor (Mr. F Ramsbottom) of Paten, on e behalf of the district, expressed gratitude for what Mr. and Airs Thorburn had done for the community during their residence over the past 17 years. Both had triven unstintingly in the efforts towards the erection of the district hall. Air. Thorburn could retire fyom his work feeling that he had done nis utmost, and had earned a well-merited retirement. His service to the distner ns manager of the factory had always been willing and often his help in matters pertaining to his suppliers’ troubles had been given unselfishly. As n token of the respect he and Airs. Thorburn had '/aim'd during their residence in the district, Air. Ramsbottom asked them to accept a beautiful Doulton dinner service and a leather travelling bag. Mr. Hemingway also spoke, referring to the unceasing energy of both Mr. and Mrs. Thorburn in the Queen Carnival several years ago for funds for the Paten. Domain building. Mr. Thorburn had also acted on the Whenuakura (School Committee for several years.

Air. Lund, on behalf of the suppliers to tho factory, spoke of the courtesy Mr. Thorburn had extended to them always. On behalf of them, he wished Air. and Airs. Thorburn a happy and prosperous future. All. L. Hunt, speaking on behalf of the factory staff, endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. Mi. Thorburn had always been a considerate and encouraging employer. He had ever been willing and eager to help his employees to climb the ladder of the dairy factory industry, e.nd to this industry his retirement would bo a great loss. He asked Air. Thorburn to accept a gift from his staff, with their wishes for a long and happy life. Air. J. L. Taylor, of Alangatoki, representing the Factory Alanagers’ Association, expressed that body’s deep regret at Air. Thorburn’s severance from it. but knew he would bo willing at any time to give of the wealth of his experience when needed or asked for. He apologised for the absence of the Dominion president (Air. Petersen) and the Taranaki president (Air. Alurray). Air. Thorburn, during his years of associatiou with other dairy factory managers, had been an indefatigable worker, with no thought for self. Air. Taylor also paid a tribute to Airs. Thorburn’s hospitality at all times, whether inconvenient to herself or not. Everyone knew, he stated, of her great love of children and her kindness to all who came in contact with her life. On behalf of the association, he asked Air. Thorburn to accept a beautifully silver-mounted wallet.

Air. Thorburn, in reply, stated that any words of his would be inadequate to express his feelings at the breaking of the ties formed during the years in the district. He knew he was leaving many and true friends behind, and with Airs. Thorburn, he was deeply

sorry to bid good-bye to them all after many happy years among them. During his years of service connected with dairy farming, he had seen the dairy factory industry grow from its infancy, and had grown old himself with it. He had been lucky in having good working staffs with him each season, and they had carried out the duties he sot them faithfully. He appreciated the presence that evening of so many of his follow factory managers, and ho asked them, and the suppliers of the factory to give their support to his successor, Mr. C. 8. Martin. He stated that no factory manager could get the best results without the co operation of the suppliers. nnd-he asked these to bring to him their very best milk and cream, working towards this right from the bottom of thoir farm work. On behalf of Airs. Thorburn and himself, he thanked everyone for their valued gifts and many kind words, which would be remembered by them both all thoir lives. During tho evening items were given by Alessrs. Naismith (Patoa), Tilingworth (Alton), Aliss O. Adams (Patea), Alessrs. Dunlop and ,T. Crawford (Whenuakura). Supper was served at the conclusion of the programme, and was followed by dancing, which was enjoyed bv many until long after midnight to music played by Air. A. Gilmour.