RAILWAYMAN RETIRES

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 November 1946, Page 4

RAILWAYMAN RETIRES

STARTED WITH THE OLD MANAWATU COMPANY. Alter 40 years' service with rail transport in New Zealand, the first two years with a private company, Mr J. J. Fitzgerald, wagon supply officer for the Wanganui district, was farewelled yesterday on the eve of his retirement. The popularity Mr. Fitzgerald has won during the 18 years he has held this position in Wanganui was testified to by the large gathering at the pleasant function, which was attended not only by officials of the Railway Department but also by representatives of road transport, shipping, stock and manufacturing con. cerns. Mr. Fitzgerald entered the railway business in 1906, when he joined the Manawatu Railway Company, and when this was taken over two years later by the Railway Department he transferred to the national undertaking. He is one of the two surviving members of the clerical staff of the former private company. Before coming to Wanganui in 1928, Mr. Fitzgerald was stationed in the Wellington and Hawke’s Bay districts. His transfer here was to take up the post of wagon supply officer, and the period of time he has had that office is unique. The war years provided the most difficult period for the Railways Department, with more goods to be transported and fewer men and roll, ing slock to do the job, but as speakers stressed at yesterday's function, a good job had been done, and so far as wagon supply was concerned, the business community had much to thank Mr. Fitzgerald for in the efficient manner he bad handled his exacting duties.

The district traffic manager, Mr. A. Findlay, chairman of the gather, ing, in congratulating Mr. Fitzgerald on a job well done, presented him with a cheque witli which to purchase himself an article to serve as a memento of his associations.

Other speakers were Messrs H. H. West (Waitotara Lime Co.), G. R. Selfe (Kempthorne Prossers), G. L. Hammond (for the stock and station agents), McKenzie (carriers), T. R. Clancey (shipping), Wilson (assistant district traffic manager) and W. O'Malley (train running and operating).

In returning thanks for the tributes paid him and for the presentation. Mr Fitzgerald said that any honour that had come his way was due to the cooperation given him by his associates. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgeiald intend to live in retirement in Wanganui.