PRESENTATION TO MR J. G. WARNER.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 898, 11 May 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR J. G. WARNER.

To indicate their esteem and regard for Mr J. G. Warner, a large number of railway employes, representing every department in that branch of the public service, as well as a numerous concourse of influential citizens, assembled at the White Hart Hotel at eight o'clock last evening, for the purpose of bidding " Good-bye " to Mr Warner, and at the same time presenting him with a purse of sovereigns, an illuminated address, and also a testimonial of a lasting character. Mr Warner lias been connected with the railway department; for several years. He wavS brought out from the old country under engagement to the Provincial Government as Railway Engineer, and during his residence here he has alike gained the respect and esteem of the staff under his supervision and the earnest regard, in a personal way, of a very large section of the public. Mr Packard proposed that Mr Hesketh be appointed as chairman. Mr J. S. Lane seconded the motion, which was carried bv acclamation.

Mr Hesketh, outside goods manager, said they were all aware ®f the object which had brought them together on this occasion. Two or three years ago Mr Warner had come amongst them a perfect stranger, and he had now a very large circle of friends. The fact of so many people being present that night spoke for itself as to the number of Mr Warner's friends. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] He Avas certain that. Mr Warner was appreciated, both by the people generally and the railway employes. Most people, in getting up to speak on an occasion of this kind, apologised, on the ground that they were not accustomed to public speaking. He (the chairman) did not intend to make a speech. They had met on this occasion to bid good-bye to a gentleman who was esteemed and respected by them all, and at the same time to present him with an illuminated address, a purse of sovereigns, and a handsome cigar case, with suitable inscription. Ho would ask their old friend Mr Knight to make the presentation. Mr James Knight, inspector of permanent way, said he felt very highly flattered at being called upon to make the presentation to Mr Warner. He felt quite unable to discharge the duty as it ought to bo done, but he would try to do his best. The address which had been prepared was signed by four hundred of the railway officials and was in the following terms : —" Presented to J. G. Warner, Esq., by the employe's of the Canterbury Railway, and friends, as a mark of esteem and respect." He had now great pleasure in presenting Mr Warner with this address, a purse of sovereigns, and a handsome cigar case, bearing the following inscription : —" Presented to J. G. Warner, Esq., late Railway Engineer, by the railway employes on the occasion of his leaving the Canterbury Railways." He had found Mr Warner to act an upright part on every occasion on which he had come into contact with him in the discharge of his duties, and Mr Warner was very Highly respected on the Canterbury Railways. Of one thing he (Mr Knight) was certain, namely, that Mr Warner carried away with him the respect and regard of every man connected with the Canterbury Railways. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] He therefore had great pleasure in making the presentation, feeling certain that everybody who contributed towards it had done so in the kindest and heartiest manner. [Loud cheers.] The Chairman then asked the Company to charge their glasses. The glasses being charged, Mr John Lawson, traffic manager, said— Gentlemen, —On behalf of the traffic contingent of subscribers, I have very great pleasure in presenting our very worthy friend, Mr Warner, with an assurance of the good wishes that he carries with him in leaving the service. I am quite convinced of this, that from my own personal knowledge, Mr Warner's departure is very deeply regretted by all the employes on the railway. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] T am confident that you all reciprocate that sentiment. [Cheers.] I don't think that Mr Warner has a single enemy in the service. [Loud cheers.] I am not much of a speaker, but on behalf of the traffic department I beg to wish Mr Wamer all health and happiness and prosperity in future. [Cheers.] The toast of Mr Warner's health was drank in flowing bumpers. Mr Warner, in rising to respond, was received with loud cheers. He said—Mr Knight, Mr Chairman, and gentlemen, I am sure you will believe me when I say that I find it a very difficult matter indeed, to use words sufficiently expressive of my feelings to you for the kindness you have shown me this evening. It has always been my endeavor, as it should be the endeavor of every public man, to try by his course of action to merit the esteem of those with whom he is brought in contact. [Hear, hear.] That has been my endeavor during the whole of the time 1 have been connected with the Canterbury Railways. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] You are no doubt aware that the position which I have held in the Government service was by no means a light one. [Hear, hear.] I must say that at times I had some very up-hill work to do, but it has always been my aim to carry out the work entrusted to me to the best of my ability; and in doing so, I have met with the hearty co-operation of thoso connected with my department. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] I think that they and I have carried out the work that was entrusted to us in such a manner as to merit the approbation of the people of this province. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] I hope, also, that the manner in which I have discharged ray duties has justified the choice of the Provincial Government when they selected mo from home to fill the position I have lately occupied. [Hear, hear, and loud and prolonged cheers.] Some three and a half years ago the railways were in a very different position to that in which they now are. At that time there were only fifty or sixty miles open ; at the present time there are 300 miles of line open in the province of Canterbury. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] I tec I convinced from the manner in which railway construction has been going on in this piovinee that a very largo income will be produced. There is no doubt whatever that in th' future t he railways will be a very source of income to New Zealand, and that they will fulfil all that it was intended they should. [Hear, hoar, and eheerc-.] I have no doubt as to the residt of the railway in this particular province of Canterbury. I say -: province," because it will ihvays bo t\Q province of Canterbury to me. | Cheers.] It was never anything eke. It jp one sour-o of pleasure to me to feel fch*.t 1 iave seen during my term of office the whoV if tin." Canterbury Railways constructed under the Public Work's policy. " [Cheers.] I don't Icnov. that 1 can 'say anything more, I hive even said more than I thought I could

on rising, and yet it is not one hundredth part of what 1 should like to say on an occasion like this. Could I only give expressio to my feelings, I should make you a vor eloquent speech indeed. I cannot sit do v " without expressing my hearty thanks torn, assistants, foremen, and staff generally, for th manner in which they always carried out th works entrusted to them in my charge [Hear, hear, and cheers.] However good :>. man may be in such a position, if he is not well supported by those under him, nothing will be done satisfactorily. Those who have worked under me have always discharged their duties most satisfactorily. Misunderstandings sometimes will arise amongst a large community of men, but I think I may say this, that although misunderstandings sometimes have arisen, they have always blown over, and the result has been satisfactory to all concerned. The relations between the staff and myself have always been of the most cordial character, and wherever I go I shall always carry with me the remembrance of the hearty aid I have always received from those who have worked with me. Wherever I go I shall never forget the kind feelings which have prompted this demonstration in my favor. I don't think I can say more than simply thank you again for the kind expression of esteem that you have displayed in my regard on this occasion. [Loud and prolonged cheers.] Captain McLellan, Harbor Master at Lyttelton, spoke of Mr Warner in highly eulogistic terms, and declared it to be his opinion that the loss of Mr Warner's services would be a public loss to Canterbury and the colony at large. [Hear, hear, and loud cheers.] Mr J. S. Lane, foreman painter at the railway, spoke also of Mr Warner in very high terms.

Mr J. Dickenson, locomotive running foreman, and Mr Scott, chief draughtsman, also made speeches, expressive of good will towards Mr Warner.

Several other speeches were made, and the proceedings were enlivened by a number of excellent songs. The address to Mr Warner, which was prepared by Mr B. Halltf, reflects great credit on that gentleman.