Valedictory Function Given Mr. W. A. Calwell

Chronicle (Levin), 6 August 1949, Page 2

Valedictory Function Given Mr. W. A. Calwell

Prior to his departilre for Christchurch, Mr. W. A. Orwell, who served as police officer in Otaki for twelve years prior to his retirement in 1948, and who has served as a Justice of the Peace and coroner since retiring, .was on Thursday afternoon the recipient of a token of appreciation from his fellow J.P.'s. Following a pleajsing afternoon fcea served hy Mrs. P. R. Williams, Mr. S. T. O'Rourke, who presided, paid tribute to the services rendered to the community by the departing guest. He said that Mr. Calwell had always been a great help to those who had come into contact with him while exereising his official duties. It had been a pleasure to have been associated with Mr. Calwell, and he wished both Mr. and Mrs. Calwell a happy retirement. Mr. H. B. Edhouse said that Mr. Calwell had been a tower of strengbh throughout the community and would be greatly missed, especial'y by the large number who had had occasion to seek his sound advice.

Mr. W. McBeth endoi'sed the remarks of the previous speakers and added that it would be satisfactory to any who found themselves stranded in Christchurch to know that there was such a good provider of "free beds" as Mr. Calwell residing there. i Mr. H. J. Jepson stated that in i his opinion Mr. Calwell had seenj that the law had been upheld, but he had tried to adm:nister it by' keeping people out of gaol. At the same time, their guest had at all times ensured that justice had been done.

Mr. F. H. Critchly said that most would agree that it was a diificult part to play to be on the side :f adversity, and all would agree that Mr. Calwell had always been out to help the people and "put them right." His kind'y assistance had oeen much appreciated and he eongratulated him on making a success of his duty in all spheres while in Otaki. "Otaki is a great magnet and these good people,' Mr. and Mrs. Calwell, are sure to come back," said the speaker, adding that meantime the guest would find "many niches to fill" in Christchurch.

Mr. V. J. Cottle joined with obher speakers in thanking Mr. , Calwell for help freely given, . and in wishing him all the best for the future. "The temperament and make-up of the man is such that one always approached him secure in the knowledge that assistance would be forthcoming," continued Mr. Cottle. He hoped also "that the departing guest would soon get sick of the cold, miserable mornings experienced in Chrstchurch," and would then leturn to Goaki. Mr. J. ReLer remarked that the good work done by Mr. Calwell would be remembered for many a mng day, and wished him the very best.

Presentation Made. In asking Mr.. Calwell's acceptance of an inscribed eversharp pencil, Mr. O'Rourke, amid generous applause, suggested that when signing papers in his new home Mr. Calwell would ever be reminded of Otaki. Mr. O'Rourke concluded by officially welcoming Mr. Calwell's successors, Sergeant W. S. Hughes and Consi-able A. C. Hobbs. Mr. Hughes extended .thanks for the welcome and said that Mr. Calwell's name would remtain for ever on the good books of the Police Department. He knew he had been held in the highest esteem in Otaki and thanked him for his help as coroner. He regretted his association with Mr. Calwell was to end and joined with previous speakers in wishing him a happy retirement. Mr. Calwell saidi it} wiould be extremely hard for any man to have lived up| to the reputation he had been given j during the ceremony. He was glad, ; however, if he had helped in any : way. He considered it a signal hon- 1 our to be entertained by the Justices' Fellowship and would look back on the occasion with pleasure and pri-de. He expressed thanks

for the gift, which would remain a happy reminder of the good wishes offered a'so. He felt at times that he would have liked to stay on in Otaki, but for family re2sons he had to go south. "If things don't go on alright, as speakers have suggested, I can come back," concluded the speaker amid renewed applause.