Palmerston North

New Zealand Tablet, 1 December 1910, Page 1989

Palmerston North

A very pleasant, ceremony (says the Standard) took place at the Palmerston■ North Post Office on the afternoon of November 14, when the staff assembled in the mail-room to hid good-bye to the postmaster, Mr. W. T. Ward, who has been transferred; to Nelson, and also to make him a presentation as an appreciation of his labors and a token of the esteem and respect entertained for him by the staff. In making the presentation, which consisted of a handsome dressing-case, Mr. Chisholm, chief clerk, said that each and all deeply regretted Mr. Ward's removal from their midst, and whilst congratulating him on his well-earned promotion he (the speaker) had hoped that Mr. Ward would have been allowed to remain in charge of this very important office. There was something more than Mr. Ward's stay here—two and a half vears —which prompted the presentation of this gift, and that something was Mr. Ward's never-fading attention and courtesy to his staff. In conclusion, Mr. Chisholm said that never during his stay at this office had things worked so smoothly as under Mr. Ward's management as postmaster. In handing Mr. Ward the gift, Mr. Chisholm wished him every success in his new sphere. Messrs. Louisson (telephone exchange), Allan (telegraph), Ayling (money order), and Stevens (district inspector) also paid tributes to- Mr. Ward's work here. Mr. Ward, in reply, said he was at a loss for words to thank the staff and Mr. Chisholm for the very handsome present and the kind words said about him. He was extremely sorry to have to leave them, and during his two and a half years here he had. never seen a better-conducted office, or a better and more efficient staff. He Would leave Palmerston North with deep regr#t, but would look back with pride on the two and a half years he spent as postmaster in this town. A very pleasant ceremony took place at the St. Patrick's presbytery, when the Rev. Father Costello presented Miss Ward with a handsome silver tea and coffee service and tray on behalf of the - congregation in recognition of her services as organist at the church during the past two and a half years, and also as a token of the esteem in which she is held by all. On behalf of the committee of St. Patrick's parish Rev. Father Costello also presented Mr. Ward with a handsome pair of field glasses, at the same time eulogising that gentleman's capabilities as choirmaster. Whilst regretting Mr. and Miss Ward's departure from their midst, he congratulated Mr. Ward on his welldeserved promotion, and added, ' What is Palmerston's loss is Nelson's gain.' Mr. Ward suitably replied on behalf of his daughter and himself.

A number of the leading business men met in the postmaster's room, at the local post office, in order to say goodbye to Mr. W. T. Ward. The Mayor (Mr. J. A. Nash) stated that those present had felt they could not let Mr. Ward leave Palmerston North without expressing to him their appreciation at the manner in which he had conducted his duties so far as they concerned the public. The business people of this town recognised that Mr. Ward had at all times given every consideration' to matters placed before him; and Mr. Ward's unfailing courtesy had earned for himself the respect and esteem of all who came in contact with him. Not only had Mr. "Ward been a good officer in an important office, but he had been a good citizen, special reference being made to assistance rendered in musical circles by him and his family. The citizens of this town, while pleased to learn of his advancement, regretted Mr. Ward's departure. Mr. E. 0. Hurley having apologised for the absence of Mr. Haydon, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said that Mr. Ward's promotion would be a loss to Palmerston North. Messrs. J. M. Johnston, L. A. Abraham, R. S. Abraham, J. L. Barnicoat, R. McNab, W. Park, and H. Palmer also spoke in eulogistic terms of the manner in which Mr. Ward had conducted his duties, and regretted his departure. Mr. J. H. Stevens, one of the -inspectors in the department, stated that the manner in which Mr. Ward had carried out his duties had proved him to be efficient and capable. This was proved from the fact that during the time he had been in Palmerston North (two and a half years) there had not been any friction between him and the staff.

- In reply, Mr. Ward expressed surprise that so many citizens had come to wish him good-bye. This was quite unexpected by him. He sincerely thanked them for the kindly references made regarding himself and family. He had done his best to carry out his duties faithfully to the staff and to the public. It was very gratifying to know that he had given satisfaction, and he would leave Palmerstou North, with feelings of regret. Though his transfer meant promotion in status, he did not benefit financially.