JOHNSONVILLE BUS STAFF

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 36, 11 August 1936, Page 4

JOHNSONVILLE BUS STAFF

The staff employed on Mr. S. A. Crichton's bus service between Johnsonville and Wellington, now taken over by the Eailway Department, was recently entertained at a supper at Mrs. Gardner's tearooms. The chairman of the Johnsonville Town Board (Mr. G. A. Lawrence) said that the service which Mr. Crichton had pioneered and carried on during the past twelve years had been one of the most efficient in New Zealand and one of the greatest factors in the progress of the district. In wishing Mr. and Mrs. Crichton every prosperity and happiness in the future, Mr. Lawrence said that it was pleasing to know that they were still to reside in the- district. Mr. F. Jacobs, representing the sports association, spoke in praise of Mr. Crichton's generosity in providing free passes to all members of the Rugby, boxing, and wrestling clubs, as well as other sports bodies. He knew that Mr. Crichton had also extended this privilege to the Plunket nurse and other good causes. On behalf of the start Mr. T. McCauley presented Mr. and Mrs. Crichton with a crystal cocktail set. The stall' had always found Mr. Crichton considerate in his dealings, he said, and they all felt regret at severing their connection with him. Mr. Crichton said that his late father, his brother, and he himself had been among the pioneers in-the passenger bus business, having their charabanc service in Palmerston North and "Wanranui many years ago. He recalled that Mr. C. L. Bishop and he had been the prime workers in the formation of the New Zealand Omnibus Proprietors' Association, and he paid special tribute to Mr. Bishop's work in.that connection. He made special reference to the loyalty of his staff, and said he was pleased that arrangements had been made for them to be taken over by the Railway Department. On behalf of the male members of the staff a presentation was made to Miss Curtin. There were vocal and instrumental items and dancing during the evening. Those present included Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Crichton, Mr. C. L. Bishop, Clerk of the Eastbourne Borough, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Lawrence, and Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. T. McCauley, Miss N. Curtin, Miss Dean, and Messrs. F. Jacobs, E. Ferryman D. Dacre, J. Gibbs, E. Chancy A Moore, E. Ruegg, T. S. Seward, H. Dingle, and A. E. Newrick..

Mr. A.'Orierson will be recommended by the Pctonc Borough' Council for election as representative of local bodies on the board of managers of the Hull Vnlley Memorial Technical College.