POSTMASTER RETIRES

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1927, Page 1

POSTMASTER RETIRES

AKTEII .11 YEARS OF SERVICE

Mr IT. 0. F. Coles, postmaster at Hokitika for the past six years went on leave for six weeks to-day, after which lie retires from the service on superannuation after 41 years of service. In addition to the office of postmaster. Air Coles has ably filled the office of Collector of Customs, Registrar of Electors and Returning Officer, and many other duties.

The staff of the Hokitika Post and Telegraph office took the occasion last evening to farewell their chief, and the gathering proved a distinctly successful and enjoyable one. Ihe gathering took place at the commodious residence of Airs H. Al. Coni son, on Gibson Quay, kindly placed at their disposal for the occasion. There was gathered an assemblage of over sixty persons, including Messrs F. J. Shanks (Chief Inspector of the P. and T. Department), and J). AEcJntosli (Chief Postmaster at Greymouth) and Afrs Mclntosh, the whole of the staff of the Post and Telegraph office, and a representative gathering of friends of Mr and Airs Coles.

Air J. Hums (supervisor of the local office) wus'in charge of the proceedings which passed off very happily. During the evening a number of toasts were honoured, and songs and musical items were given by Misses .Lynn and Davidson, Mrs Houston, Messrs Kocsing and Stopforth. A very dainty supper was provided and done full justice to. The toast list included “The King,” together with “ The Duke and Duchess of York,” “ The Post and Telegraph Department,” proposed by Air D. J. Evans (in the course of which he referred in glowing terms to the very happy manlier in which Air Coles had carried out his duties as postmaster at Hokitika) and responded to by Alessrs Mclntosh and Shanks.

The toast of the evening “ Afr and Airs Coles,” was proposed by Mr D. Mclntosh, who paid a very fine tribute to the life work of Air Coles as a member of the Post and Telegraph Department, stating he had proved a very efficient and capable officer, giving of his. best to the Department, the general public, and the staff under him. Very much regret was expressed at Air l oles leaving the service, while still in the prime of life and the hope was expressed that Air and ATrs Coles and family would he long spared to enjoy the fruits of the long service ably carried out by the retiring officer. Ou behalf of the staff acceptance was asked of a set of howls in appreciation of the splendid relations that had at all times existed among them. “ For Ik’s A Jolly Good Fellow ” was then heartily sung.

Mr F. J. Shanks supported the remarks of the proposer, also voicing appreciation of the splendid service given by Mr Coles, and the very successful manner in which he had carried out the duties of the office, making the speaker’s visits of inspection very formal an In- minal. He also paid a strong personal tribute to Air Coles and wished him, Airs Coles and family a happy future.

Mr Pratt (supervisor at Greymouth) also joined in congratulating Mr Coles in his lengthy record ol splendid service as an officer of the department. ITe had proved a very capable and efficient officer and he trusted his days would he long and happy ones. Mr J. Burns (supervisor at Hokitika) said it was with deep feelings that ho said good-bye to Mr Coles. He had found him a splendid officer, capable and scrupulous to the smallest detail in all matters that affected the public, the Department and the officers under his charge. No words of his could adequately express his high appreciation and the goodwill that members of the staff lelt for Mr Coles, who had. so ably filled the position of postmaster here for the past six years, lie deeply regretted the severance of tin l very pleasant relations that had always existed and trusted Mr and Mrs Coles would spend many happy years in their well-earned retirement. Mi- Burns read a number of telegrams from former officers of the local office extending good wishes. Mr Coles on rising to reply was heartily received and he was visibly affected. He thanked the speakers sincerely for their generous references to himself and family, and thanked the staff for their gift and the whole-heart cd support they had always given him. References were made to his earlier days of service and to his first days in I lokitika, occasion . being taken to thank Mr Bvans for much information and assistance given after his arrival, and Mr Houston for much information in reference to customs affairs and ninny others of assistance always so freely given. The parting from a lifelong service was always a wrench, but the wrench had been considerably softened l,y the kindness of tie* staff and so many friends. ITe deeply appreciated their expressions of goodwill and desired to thank them very heartily. The toasts of “ The Visitors” was proposed by Mr Telfer, tlie Rev. TCnowles-Smith responding in a happy manner. Mr Burns then proposing the toast of “Our Hostess. Mrs Coulson,” which was received with special heartiness, Mr M. Houston replying on her behalf. The singing of the National Anthem at 11.30 p.m. brought a very happy evening to a close.