RAILWAY GATHERING.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 995, 9 December 1910, Page 6

RAILWAY GATHERING.

A • POPULAR STATIONMASTER. There was a large gathering of railway officials at tho district traffic manager's office last evening. The occasion was to say good-bye to Mr. G. G. Aickin, who has occupied tho position of stationmaster at Lambton Station during the last ten years. Mr. S. F. Whitcoiube, District Traffic Manager, occupied the chair, and, in asking Air. Aickin to accept a handsome sideboard, a solid silver tobacco box, and a cigarette case, as a mark of esteem and regard from his fellow workers, made complimentary reference to the capable manner in which he had carried out the onerous duties of stationmaster. He also voiced tho deep sympathy of the staff with Mr. Aickin, who, . through illhealth, was compelled to retire on-super-annuation. During his 33 years' connection with the Railway Department, Mr. Aickin has held the positions of chief clerk ■at Auckland Goods Department, and stationmaster at Cambridge, Onehunga, New Plymouth, and Wellington. Messrs. A. H. Mellor, goods agent, E. Dawson, traffic inspector, A. H.-Hutch-ing?, acting-stationmastcr at Lambton, A. E. Pollock, stationmaster at Thorndon, G. Hellings, loco, foreman, and R. M. Isaacs all spoke of the cordial relationship which has existed between Mr. Aickin. and the officers of the Department. They also expressed the hope that he would be spared for many years to enjoy the rest obtained by his retirement from official duties. In reply, Mr. Aickin, who was visibly affected, spoke regretfully at leaving such pleasant associations, and expressed his keen appreciation of the kindness and sympathy which he had received from all who had been associated with him during his time in Wellington. He heartily thanked them for the valuable presents made, and stated that ho would value them highly, as they would pleasurably remind him of, happy, if strenuous, days. At the closo three hearty cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Aickin.