MR. W. J MAHONEY'S DEPARTURE

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12726, 23 March 1909, Page 7

MR. W. J MAHONEY'S DEPARTURE

Further Presentations There was a large gathering of officers ol all branches of the local Post and Telegraph Office last evening in the room of tho officer-in-charge to bid farewell to Mr W. J. Mahoney, who left by this afternoon's train for Hawera, whither he has been promoted. The Chief Postmaster (Mr. Miller^ branded Mr Mahoney a rery handsome silver tea service as a gift from the staff, and in doing so referred to the recipient's long, connection — some 27 years — with the local office,. and spoke eulogistically of the manner in which he had always carried out his duties. He also pointed out that it was only perseverance aud devotion to duty that had earned for Mr Mahouey his well deserved promotion, upon which he (Mr Miller) tendered his own congratulations and, he was sure, those of the- entire staff. Messrs Corliss (officer-in-charge), Bates, Klliovt, Bankin, and Sykes, most of whom have been associated with Mr Mahoney lor considerably more than a decade, tendered their felicitations oni the promotion which had just come his way and wished* him, Mrs Mahoney and family God speed and good luck in their new sphere. Mr MahoEpy was given quite an ovation on rising 1 to reply. In expressing las sincere thanks to his brother officers for their valuable presentation, he mentioned that during his long association with the office he had seen a great number of officers ccme and go, and now that his own time to mako a shift had arrived be felt party-, ing very keenly. It 'iad fallen to his lot? to prime up many a fellow-officer abouijf to go through the "farewell presentation "V, ordeal, but now when it came to himself he could readily appreciate the feelingtf and could not find words to express hie sentiments. He recalled many incidents of earlier days arid concluded by again expressing his sin Are thanks to his fel-low-offieens for^sWWr-'c'rirdiar'eend off. Three cheers for Mr Mahoney concluded the gathering.

At tho Corporation Baths last evening there was a large number of swimmers, ■who had assembled to say good-bye to Mr Mahoney, who has done such splendid work for many years past towardjs .popularising swimming as a sport. M^ Saynor Griffiths (President^ the Wangqzuii^matcur Swimming Centre), on behalf of the local swimmers, presented Mr W. J. Mahoney with a handsome silver tea and coffee service. In making the presentation Mr Griffiths feelingly referred to the great lohs Mr Mahoney's departure from Wanganui would bo to swimming. He had known Mr Mahoney for a long period, and he felt he was voicing 1 the feelings of everyone present when he said that in partinsf from Mr Mahoney li© was losing a valued friend, one who was, ever ready with a helping hand, bright smile, and cheerful word. Regarding the great assistance Mr Mahoney had rendered swimming words would be inadequate to express the true value, young and old alike reaping the full benefit of his experience :ind good nature. He wished Mr. and Mrs Mahoney and family a long, happy, and prosperous life in their new sphere, nod asked him to accept the tea and coffee set as a small token of the esteom and regard felt for loth himself and Mrs. Mali onoy by the Wangaciii swimmers. Mi Ma ho ,v« v, in a very feeling speech, 1 hanked Mr Griffiths and the swimmer* present for their handsome gift, and&a ; d he appreciated very highly tl»e good feeling which must have prempted his friends to make him such a present. He had done whatevfr he couM to assist swimmers, because it had always been a pleasure to him. Some <,f his best days had been spent amonsr swir. mere. In concluding lie again thankad all present for their "■nod wishes on 'iel;alf of Mrs Mahoney, himself and family.