VALEDICTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17411, 25 May 1928, Page 8

VALEDICTORY.

MR AND MRS P. DOYLk LEAVING TE AWAMUTU. TWO PRESENTATIONS. The Town Hall at Te Awamutu was filled to over-flowing last evening, when the people of the town and district assembled to do honour to their departing-guests. The chair was taken by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr G. Spinley. Songs were given by Messrs E. White, J. F. Low, E. Pooley, and E. White.

The chairman said he could noft help thinking that the very large attendance this evening was a tribute to their guests’ worth. Constabl© Doyle’s record had given them complete confidence ever since he had been here. They were losing a very fine officer, and also a very good friend. Ho was afraid their guest: would miss some things when he went to the city, and one of these wasJersey cows. The departing .ifflceri had always been scrupulously fair. IfcS was his pleasant duty to present toi Mr Doyle a gold wat-ch and chahv suitablv inscribed, as a memento froms the residents of Te Awamutu and surrounding districts. He added thacUifr 1 subscriptions had been strictly. limited. (Applause)'. Mr S. C. Macky, chairman of County Council, said he was pleased toi be there that evening to help to da* honour to their departing guest, wbo< had been promoted. He understood this promotion was unique in the* annals of the police force. (Applause). On behalf of the country settlers lie." wished their guest the best of luck. They had always had great faith in Mr Doyle. Mrs Doyle, though, not so much to. the for?, had always done her share well and kindly. Mr W. Jeffrey, president of the Chamber of Commerce, also added his tribute. It was 21 years ago since Mr Doyle had joined the police force, 13 years of which had been spent in Te Awamutu to the great benefit of the town and district. He also drew attention to the duties of the wife of the constable in the country, and ho couid not help feeling that Mrs Doyie l ad always done well, and tie thought Te Awamutu appreciated it to the fulL He wished them both health, success and prosperity. (Applause). Mr G. Osborne, oh behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, trnared Mr Doyle their hearty congratulations.' Mr Doyle had the Sou.'h African medal, and it seemed to him, members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association were risiug to high executive positions. Inspector Eccies. thanked the authorities for inviting" him. Tiie assemblage there that night was a' high compliment to the police force. (>pplause). He had heard of tin London policeman, hut as li'’ as versatility is‘ concerned, no policeman in the world could, heat the New Zoaiaiider.

The chairman then asked the Mayoress to present a silver tea service to Mrs Doyle. This done, he. wished Mrs Doyle well, and lioped she would remember Te Awamutu. ' Sergeant Doyle’s Reply. Detective-Sergeant Doyle, in rising 1 to reply, was greeted with enthus- j iasm. He desired to return their ! heartfelt thanks for the beautiful pre- i sents they had been made; also for j the very kind things the speakers had j said about them. He had found Te ! Awamutu a very pleasant place to live I in, all the credit was not due to him. 1 They had to remember the help he had always received from his superiors, and the co-operation he had had from Constable Rushton and Constable Hooker. The police must have the co-operation of the citizens, and he could say that the people round here had always made things as easy as they could. He trusted they would extend the same assistance to his successor. Their departure was tinged with sorrow at the thought u± leaving so many and good friends.

The meeting closed with cheers for Mr and Mrs Doyle.