VALEDICTORY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5013, 13 August 1926, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MR. W. J. STAUNTON.

A POPULAR RAILWAY OFFICIAL.

Mr and Mrs W. J. Staunton were the recipients of further presentations this morning. A laj'ge gathering of the local nailway staff assembled in the stationmaster’s office to formally take leave of Mr Staunton.

iOii behalf of the staff the stationmaster (Mr W. P. Payne) called on Mr Staunton to accept a case containing a gold-mounted fountain pen, and a gold Eversharp pencil. Mr Payne referred to the amicable relations that had always prevailed among the staff during the 8% years that Mr Sta.untqn had been chief clerk at Paeroa. It was with genuine regret that they were losing their old friejid and co-worker, and earnest good wishes were expressed for his future welfare and success. Messrs W. R. Wilson ('loco. department), T. Williams (traffic), G. Morrison (mechanical), A. A. Baker (clerical), and Mrs Turton (refreshment rooms) spoke in eulogistic terms of the departing guest and expressed regret that he was leaving their midst.

On behalf of the. business people Mr F. E. Fhatt also added his, quota of appreciation of Mr Staunton’s services. The speaker said that the department had set a high standard for their officers, ,to attain, and undoubtedly Mr Staunton had reached the ideal and bad carried qut his duties, very efficiently. His courteousness of manner a,nd willingness at all times to meet the wishes of the public had won him a large number of friends. While congratulating Mr Staunton on his xell-deserved promotion, regret was felt that he was, being transferred from Paeroa.

Mr Stauntofti, was also- asked to accept a, tortoise-shell manicure, set for Mrs, Staunton from the staff. In acknowledging the gifts Mr Staunton thanked the staff for their eulogistic and kind references, and affS'O the gifts, which he and Mrs, Staunton would prize highly. He said that he had always tried to do his duty a.s he saw it to the best qf his ability. He paid a tribute to the loyal co-operation that he had always received from his fellow-workers, and expressed genuine regret that his promotion necessitated his removal from Paeroa, where he believed he had made many stauhen friends and Spent a great many happy times. A large crowd later assembled oh the platform, and Mr and Mrs Staunton, who left for their new home at Te Kuiti by the express, were given a rousing- send-off.