PRESENTATIONS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5220, 23 December 1927, Page 2

PRESENTATIONS.

c FUNCTIONS AT PAEROA. The concluding days of the year 1927 will long be remembered at the Paeroa office of the Public Works Department. After a strenuous year of work some thirty members of the engineering and clerical staffs assembled in the draughtipg-iopm on Thursday afternoon to wish each other the compliments of the season. The district engineer (Mr O. G. Thornton) presided, and referred to the fact that before the New Year was entered upon several of the officers of the local office would be transferred. Referring to the departure of Mr C. S- Ryan, who is under transfer to Whangarei, Mr Thornton said that they were sorry to lose him from their midst. During the time Mr Ryan had been at Paeroa he had done bis work efficiently and without complaint. The staff had been called upon to undertake extra duties, occasioned by the department’s scheme of relief .works, and Mr Ryan had shouldered the increased work cheerfully and had given of his best service. H s transfer to Whangarei was a stepping stone in the service, and judging by the way he had performed his tasks while at Paeroa his future in the department should be a brilliant one. Not only had he “bucked into his job,” but his good-natured and cheerful disposition had made .him deservedly popular. Mr J. A. Wilkinson, chief clerk, also referred eulogistically to the work of Mr Ryan, and stated that he had shown ability above the average. What was Paeroa’s loss would be Whangarei’s gain, and he was sorry to lose him and wished him continued success and good luck.

In calling upon Mr 'Ryan to accept a solid leather suit-case Mr Thornton said that it had been the unanimous wish that he should,be given some small memento of his colleagues’ regard and esteem. The speaker counselled Mr Ryan to push on with aminations and all would be well, and he would have little diffculty in reaching the top of the tree. A presentation was also made to Miss R. Hamilton, who was leaving the service. Eulogistic references were accorded her, and she was wished the best of gopd luck for the future.

. The recipients were heartily applauded, and “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was sung.

In thanking Mr Thornton for hiskind references and the staff for their handsome presentation Mr Ryan said that he was very sorry to be leaving Paeroa, and the three years he had spent here were among some of the happiest in his life. Mr Ryan also thanked the staff on behalf of Miss Hamilton. Reference was made to the departure from Paeroa of I Mr J- W. J. Park, who had been overseer on the Waihi-, Whangamata relief works, and to Mr V. J. Murphy, who had looked after the Omahu Track work. Both jobs were nearing an end, and Mr Thornton said that he could not pay too high a tribute to the officers concerned. Their work, both in the field and in the office, had been of a high standard, and had been performed with creditIn conclusion Mr Thornton wished them all the compliments of the season, and heaps of good fortune during 1928. Messrs Park and Murphy suitably responded, and Mr Wilkinson extended seasonal greetings to Mr Thornton, his wife, and family.

A complimentary social, evening was tendered to Miss, Annie Morland at the Parish Hall on Wednesday night. The happy function, which was arranged by the-Paerpa Ladies’ Hockey Club on account of Miss Morland’s approaching marriage, was largely attended. With dancing, the evening passed all too quickly. At the supper adjournment th© club’s president called upon Misis Morland to accept a canteen of cutlery with the club’s good wishes for good health, prosperity, and happ’ness in the future. Reference was made to the fact that in addition to being an active player on the field, their guest had been secretary of the club during the last four seasons. By her courtesy and good sportsmanship MisS Morland was deservedly popular, and her services would be keenly .missed by the club. Following the presentation the gathering sang “ For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” with cheers for their guest.

A presentation of a set ofl silver afternoon teaspoons and forks was m.ade to Miss, Clarice Taylor by the Sisters of St. Mary’s Cqnvent, Paeroa, on Monday afternoon. Reference was made to the good work Miss Taylor had dope during the year, and particularly in assisting to train the pupils of the Convent for the concert which was held recently. Seasonal greetings and good wishes for her future happiness were also expressed.