VALEDICTORY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5011, 9 August 1926, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

MR. IVILLIAM PUBLIC WORKS OFFICIAL. Mr William Dykes, who ha# been dredgemaster and overseer for the Public Works Department, was formally farewelled on Saturday afternoon. There was a, large gathering of the engineering, field, and clerical staffs assembled in the draughtingroom at the local office, where the resident engineer (Mr O. G. Thorntop) presided. Mr Thornton referred to the guest’s lang and meritorious* service in the Paeroa district.. In connectiop with the Waihou and Ohinemuri. Rivers Improvement Scheme Mr Dykes hqd rendered signal service tc| the department not only as the responsible officer in charge o!f the machinery, but as a,n organiser and controller of many gangs of men. His work in Paeroa would stand as a monument fbr all time. Mr Thornton said that their guest was, not only a capable and efficient officer, but was a, leader of men, and never failed to win their respect and confidence. Mr W, T. Power said that during tile past ten years his positioin as general foreman had brought him directly in touch with Mr Dykes, and he could not speak too highly of the esteem in which he was held. Every man on the job was genuinely sorry that Mr Dykes was leaving the district.

Mr Walter Smith spoke df hisi long association with their guest and added his quota of praise of Mr Dykes’ ability and impartiality. / Mt J. H. McDonald made eulogistic references to the ready assistance and kindly advice that could always be relied upon from Mr Dykes. The df the indoor staff greatly refretted his transfer to Wellington, but they wished him every success in his profession. On behajf of .the combined staff Mr .Thornton called upon Mr Dykes, to accept a leather suit-case and -a travelling rug as a slight token the, esteem in which he was held. Mr Dykes was also asked to accept a rug for Mrs Dykesv x together with hearty good wishes. ■

In responding, Mr Dykes, referred to his long Association with the, Paeroa office, which covered a period ot over fifteen years. Speaking reminiscently, he said that when he first came; to Paeroa the staff consisted of gineer, one chainman, and himself. His duties then were, to act as timekeeper, prepare all the contracts, keep track of the stores, and multitudinous other duties. Speaking of tile interest residents took in the rivers scheme, Mr Dyked referred to the construction of the Ngararahi canal and the lowering of tke level of the Waihou River, which were of the first enterprises, carried out. Considerable credit was, due to the Rt. HopJ. G. Coates, who had been responsible ‘for the introduction of the ■drag-line dredges, which had done wonderful work in connection with the scheme. In conclusion Mr Dykes said that he could not adequately thank the staff for their valued gifts and the eulogistic references accorded him. It would give him great pleasure -to convey the gift to Mrs Dykes, and on her behalf he thanked them all sincerely.

Mr Dykes, was afterwards the guest of the staff at a social hour spent at the Criterion Hotel, where a, lengthy toast-list was enthusiastically honoured. i. Mr Pykes has, been promoted to the posiitibn of assistant inspecting mechanical engineer !for the North Isla.nd, with headquarters at Wellington.