FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5291, 25 June 1928, Page 3

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

MR. R. H. CAMERON HONOURED. APPRECIATION OF WORK. Settlers of .Turua and Netherton assembled on Thursday evening in the Turua Hall to bid farewell to Mr R. H. Cameron, county overseer and in. a,nd Mil’s Cameron. The f,unctook the form of a dance, .and the music was by the Turua orchestra under .Mrs Mules. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs A. H. Sutton and H. Owens, of Turua, and R. Morrison, of Netherton. Speaking on behalf of the (ratepayers of the district ,and members of the various sports bodies, Mr P. R. explained that Mr Cameron < had 1 arrived in the district five and a half years ago, ;a,t the commencement ■of the construction of the Turua bitu-men-bound roads. After the road loan had been authorised the ratepayers became concerned, as there was no man in the district with any knowledge of bitumen rodding work. The result was a deputation. to the County Council with ,a request that it appoint ' a bitumen expert. The request was granted, and eventually Mr Cameron arrived. His work had proved that the council. had made a very wise choice. On the completion of the bitumen work Mi- Cameiron’s knowledge of all branches of roadwork was utilised by the County. Council, and it had proved of inestimable benefit to ratepayers. Mr Cameron’s work would

long stand as a mo,nument to his sound knowledge, thoroughness;, and strict integrity. From all pa.rts of the county where Mr Cameron had been employed on construction work there came glowing expressions of appreciation. He was, also held in esteem and respect by the men who had worked unde" him, and though he was perhaps a hard boss, his fairness had earned and. held their respect. , Mr Cameron was a very keen follower of sport, and could always be found where the best matches were being played. • His knkowledge of Rugby had earned him the’ position as one of the selectors, of the Plains senior representatives. ' , ' Before calling on others speakers, Henry apologised for the absence of Mr H. Dent, President of the Hauraki Plains Rugby Union, and Crs. W. Madgwick and J. A.,, Reid. Later on Cr. Hicks apologised for the absence of Cr. A. L. Fisjher. ' Cr. J. C. Miller was the second speaker. He 'said) that Mr Cameron had proved: the right man in the right place, for there had been a lot of misunderstanding and suspicion of bitumen roads on account of the unstable foundations. Mr Cameron, with his wide knowledge and sound judgment, had .constructed roads which were thought would stand for years. As long as the roads remained Mr Cameron’s name would not be forgotten. The Public Works Department had said that bitumen roads L were not suitable for the Hauraki , Pls^jß '■ country, and had prohibited the council from having parts 'of the main highway bitumen-sealed. Thus the. Turua roads, had proved.' to be a demonstration, and he was sure the time would come when the Public Works Department would realise that bitumen roads, if properly constructed, would be a success. Mr F. Bashapi, county engineer, spoke on behalf of the councl’s staff, wishing Mr Cameron good luck, prosperity, and long life. As engineer, he had been closely .associated with him, seen his, good work and had learned of the respect in which he was held by all workmen under him. The speaker s:ajd he had known Mr Cameron for .a great many years, for he was the first man to take a jWontract under him when he arrived in New Zea,land 1 . "The anxiety : he had then caused'him was pow amply repaid by the .amount of trust which could be reposied in him. Mr Cameron jyould long be remembered in the Hauraki Plains. A presentation to Mr and Mrs Cameron of a welhfllled l wallet was then made by Mr P. R. Henry on behalf of those present, and to this Mr Cameron responded.