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Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1926, Page 2

It is pleasing to note that the name of Frederick William Furkert appears among the list of those receiving New Year honors at the behest of his Mu jesty the King. Mr Furkert is a Coast hoy having been horn at Ross, and received the basis of his edn ation a the Hokitika District High School where he was a conspicuous scholar—and his name adorns the merit hoard in the vestibule of the school. Mr Furkert go! his chance in life in-the Public Wi rks Department and has risen tthe highest position in that Depart me nt being Engineer-in-Chiel and . also I'ndor Secretary to the Department. lie holds also tin position of Chairman of thto Alain Highway- Board. Mr Furkert while in the “field’’ was intimately connected with the deviation of the Main South Road at Mount Hercules. Aftei being transferred to (he North Island the work which brought, him most t< the fore was the completion of tit Main Trunk Railway between Wellington and Auckland, ahead of schedule time. It was during the period Sir William Hall Jones was Minister of Public Works, and there was tlie desire to have the line finished in onlc to lot traffic through for the visit of the American Fleet due at the time. Sir William fixed a date to fit in with the Visit, hut Mr Furkert managed to anticipate the fixture, and the line was ready for traffic Ahead of time greatly to the delight of the Minister. This achievement was probably the turning point in the professional career of M l'urkert. and lie lias continued a prominent public servant all through his career. It is well-known that lie is the trusted officer of the present Minister of Public Works, and exercises verv great influence in the direction of the public works policy of the Dominion. Such an achievement by a local product of Hie soil is to be remarked upon, and the further honor accorded to him now. it will lie agreed, lias been well-earned. Air Furkert has many years of useful •service yet before him. and he is to he complimented on building up so fine a. career, due to his'pains-taking ways at the outset, for lie is essentially a self-made man.