VALEDICTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17365, 29 March 1928, Page 8

VALEDICTORY.

STATIONMASTER HONOURED. HIS SERVICES EULOGISED. A smoke concert was tendered to Mr A. G. Grant, stationmaster, at Taupiri. During his two years of office Mr Grant had made himself verypopular by his courtesy and obliging manner. This w-as evident, by the representative gathering of business men and farmers from the whole, district. The function was presided over by Mr A. If. Waring, one of the oldest settlers in the district. Musical and vocal items were contributed by Messrs. W. Fonton, T. Main, Jones. Hughes. R. Quick. A. Clark, and Williams. The pianist was Mr Whitehead. The toast of " The Railways " was proposed by Messrs. Geo. Walters and W. Hubbard, and replied to by Messrs. A. G. Grant and Mr Craddock. Mr Grant, in his reply to the ioast. made an appeal to the settlers to support the railways. He contended that the Railway Department was responsible for the. fertiliser war, resulting in a reduction of freight. During the evening a presentation was made to Mr. Grant of a beautiful travelling rug, and a cheque was handed to Mrs. Grant. Several complimentary speeches were made by farmers and business men, eulogising the splendid services given by Mr. Grant to the public of the district. Mr. Grant suitably replied to the expressions of appreciation, and also tendered thanks for the gifts to Mrs Grant and himself. The function was pronounced a great success, and concluded with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and the National Anthem.

Mr Grant has been appointed stationmaster at Te Wera. on the Stratford-Whangamomona braneh, and left for his new station on Wednesday.

FAREWELL AT CLAUDELANDS. MR AND MRS FRENCH LEAVING. Mr C. A. French, having recentlysold his business in Claudelands, will, with his family, live near Auckland. At a very pleasant function held at Mrs Waite's residence yesterday afternoon by the Claudelands Methodist Ladies' Guild, a presentation was made to Mrs French, and appreciation expressed of her services as organist and worker in the Claudelands Church. Mr French has been a local preacher in the Methodist Church and an active worker in the temperance cause, in which circles he will be much missed. Mr French was farming in the Waikato for 12 years, in Te Kowhai and Morrinsville districts, and took a kecu interest in Farmers' Union matters, and for the last four years has been in business in Claudelands.

RAILWAY GATHERING. EMPLOYEE FAREWELLED. Mr J. Webber, who has been one of the Goods' Foremen at the Frankton Railway for the past 2i months, and who has been transferred to Lambton, was fareAvelled by a large gathering of railway men yesterday afternoon, and was presented with a travelling bag, a pouch and cigarette holder. Mr G. W. Mason (reaching foreman) was in the chair, and in a happy speech referred to the good services Mr Webber had rendered during his term at Frankton. He congratulated the guest, on his promotion. The remarks of the chairman were supported by Messrs A. G. Bradley (Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants), G. Haynes (locomotive branch), C. F. Sleeth (Te Kuiti), G. Davis (Signallers), J. Jones (shunters) H. Middleton (goods' foreman) and J. Thegstone (driver). Mr W. Webber made a short but sincere reply, in which he thanked the various speakers for their remarks and presentation made, to him. The health of the guest was toasted and hearty cheers given for him, with the best of wishes extended in his new branch of the service.