MR. KELLER DEPARTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 255, 28 October 1936, Page 6

MR. KELLER DEPARTS

FAREWELL BY FELLOW BOWLERS. TRIBUTES TO WORK IN TARANAKI. Mr. P. Keller, for eight years district engineer of the Public Works Department in Taranaki, left New Plymouth yesterday for Dunedin, where he has been appointed engineer in charge of the Otago-Southland district. Vogeltown bowlers interrupted their progressive pairs tournament on Labour Day to say farewell to Mr. Keller and congratulate him on his promotion. The regret of members of the club at Mr. Keller’s departure was expressed by Mr. T. Innes, president. Mr. Keller, he said, was popular among bowlers because of his keenness and sportsmanship. On the green he was recognised as a good fellow and his bowling associates had noted with pleasure that he was also held in high esteem by those with whom he came in touch in the course of his professional duties. Mr. Keller was the guest at an informal farewell gathering of members of the New Plymouth Borough Council and Airport Board in the Pukekura Park kiosk on Saturday morning. Acknowledging Mr. Keller’s help with the development of the airport and his enthusiasm and readiness to co-operate in works to the advantage of the district, Mr. P. Stainton, deputy-Mayor and chairman of the New Plymouth Airport Board, said Mr. Keller’s promotion was but fitting recognition of his fine service in Taranaki. In hoping that Mr. Keller would return to New Plymouth in the future Mr. Stainton knew he was expressing the general wish Mr. A. F. Sandford, a former president of the Airport Board, mentioned the admirable service given by Mr. Keller in all departments, especially at the airport. Mr. Keller had been of every possible assistance. The Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, also referred appreciatively to Mr. Keller’s work, and Mr. D. T. C. Saxton, president of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, mentioned the ready help every part of the community had received from Mr. Keller. The Stratford-Main Trunk railway line was one of the greatest memorials to Mr. Keller in the province, said Mr. Saxton. It was an extremely difficult undertaking successfully completed. Mr. F. S. Grayling, a , member of the Airport Board, also I spoke. j Mr. Keller is well known in Wan- | ganui in his capacity as district en- ; sineer and chairman of the No. 8 | Highways Council.