POPULAR RAILWAY OFFICERS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 19 April 1901, Page 4

POPULAR RAILWAY OFFICERS.

In the Railway department of New Zealand there exists a “ bond of friendship” among officials that tells of harmony and a working together for general advancement and convenience of the public. W ith such a feeling existing it is little wonder that when an officer such as Mr Butts is transfered from one Station to another, some expression of good will should be made by his fellow officers with whom he had worked so harmoniously. Hence it w r as no surprise to see a large gathering assembled at the Eailway station and subsequently at the Oilmen Hotel last night to spend a social jlvening, and to express their appreciation of vi i- ijutts as an officer, an acquaintance and friend. A very large gathering of Railway employees assembled at the Railway Station last evening to bid good-bye to Mr Butts, foreman of the workshops; and also to present him with an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns. Mr Crombie, the traffic manager, made the presentation, and referred in eulogistic terms to the high esteem in which Mr Butts was held by all branches of the Department, and also to the admirable manner ho had performed his duties.

Mr. Butts, in replying, thanked all for the manner they had assisted him in carrying out his duties, and also for their address and purse, which ho would cherish and, moreover, help to remind him of the pleasant time he spent here. Tne following is the address: — “ Gr. O. D. Butts, Esq., “ Workshop Foreman, “ N.Z. Railways, Greymouth. “ Dear Sir, —We, the fellow employees of the Westland Section of the New Zealand Railways, have real pleasure in ■presenting you with this address as a token of our recognition of the valuable services rendered by you to us and the service generally. “In the position you have occupied you have commanded the esteem and respect of all with whom you have been brought in contact. “ While expressing our sincere regret at your departure we congratulate you on your promotion. “ We trust that the future may bring you many years of happiness and prosperity.”

The address was beautifully illuminated and framed, having a picture of the Greymouth Railway Station at the top and an excellent photograph of Mr. Butts at the bottom, and was written and illuminated in Mr. Bennie's best style. The assemblage then adjourned to the Gilmer Hotel, where, in the dining room, Mr Oxenham had a capital bill-of-fare ready, which received due attention. Mr Crombie, district traffic manager, occupied the chair ; Mr Guthrie, of the locomotive department, the vice. ( The Chairman proposed “The King,” a verse of the National Anthem being sung. Mr Crombie in proposing the health of “ Our Guest,” said, although he had not been in Greymouth very long, he at once noticed that Mr Butts was a most capable, affable, honest and straightforward gentleman, who had thorough control of his department. Mr Butts being a young man, there was nothing to stop him from rising to the top of the ladder and holding the principal position in the New Zealand Railways. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm and musical honors," after which Mr Stark sang “The Skipper.” Mr Butts in replying thanked his fellow workmen for their great kindness to him. He was proud to see such a largo number present. When he came to Greymouth 10 yeais ago there were only 20 men era ployed in the workshops. Now there were upwards of (JO. and the mileage had increased from 8 to 113 miles. He would always remember the kindness of his Greymouth workmen. (Applause). Mr Crombie gave a humorous Scottish recitation.

Mr J. Brisbane proposed the toast of “Locomotive and Workshop Department,” and referred in complimentary terms to Mr Butts’ management. The toast was warmly received and ably responded to by Messrs MeMeekin and Guthrie. Song. “ Off to the Eio Grande,” by Mr Spindeler. Song, “I musn’t say anything wrong,” by Mr J Skeats. Mr Dunford proposed the toast of the “Maintenanee Department” and regretted that so many of the staff were compelled to be absent owing to the wash-out at Otira, otherwise they would have been present in force to give Mr Batts a hearty-send-off. Song by Mr Parkinson, “It was Beautiful.” Mr Hillery, in responding, thanked those present for the way they had drunk the toast, and said the Maintenance Department had a difficult undertaking in keeping this section in repairs, owing to the frequent floods, etc. Bong by Mr Guthrie, “Au Eevoir,” Mr Butts proposed the health of the Traffic Manager, and regretted he was leaving just as Mr Crombie was taking charge. He knew that he would give the utmost satisfaction, and prove to bo the right man in the right place. Song by Mr Moss, “Sammy, my old pal, Sam.” Mr Crombie, in responding, said he intended as Traffic Manager to study the interests of the public and the department, and try to further their interest in every particular. He desired to give every facility to the public. He had arrived here as a “paragon from Dunedin,” and it was supposed ho would give people whatever they asked for. Ha would do his duty, and ho hoped that justice would bo done to one and alb He was pleased that he had such a capable staff under him, and he trusted the best feeling would exist. Mr Rogers proposed “ The L tdios, ” and Messrs North and Guthrie responded. Recitation by Mr Barry. Song, “ The Admiral’s Broom,” by Mr Stark. “ The Press ” was proposed by Mr. Clark and responded to by Mr Kerr. Mr Chambers proposed the health of the Chairman.

“ Auld Lang Syne ” brought to a close one of the happiest gatherings over hold in Greymouth.