PRESENTATION AT TE KUITI.
- • ❖ •• To Late Public Works Servants
On Thursday evening of last week a very enjoyable gathering took place in Mr Sims' boarding-house, 'l'e Kuiti, when some twe.ity servants of the Public Works Department assembled to make presentations and bid farewell to three of their fellowofficers (Messrs Sims, Barron and Williamson), who had recently resigned their positions. The health of " The King" was proposed by the Chairman. Mr T. Burd (Chairman) said the object of meeting that evening was to farewell Messrs Sims, Barron and Williamson, and wish them all good luck in the different spheres in which they had embarked. He referred to Mr Sims as being a very zealous officer, and one who ever ready and willing to assist his brother officers. Messrs Barron and Williamson, he said, always had the respect of those with whom they came in contact, and since they had left the Department the settlers on all sides spoke highly of them. On behalf of himself and fellow-officers of the Department he had much pleasure in making the presentation, and handed Mr Sims an illuminated address and a silver flask, suitably inscribed, Mr Barron an illuminated address and portmanteau, and Mr Williamson an illuminated address and cutlery. Mr Kirkby referred to Mr Sims as a most agreeable man to work with, and being as lie was a great office mate of Mr Sims' he could speak feelingly. He also spoke highly of Messrs Barron and Williamson, and fully endorsed what the Chairman had said about these gentlemen, and, in conclusion, wished them long life and happiness. Mr M. Forsyth, Bridge Inspector, referred to the three late officers as all being loyal to their department, and trusted they would all do well in their future walks of life. Mr W. M. Bankart said he was sorry that the Chief of the Department (Mr Hursthousc) was unable to be present to assist in the farewelling of three capable officers. He went on to explain how necessary it was to have good, solid men 011 the clerical staff, and referred to Mr Sims as a kind and courteous officer, and one who was always ready to assist his fellow-workers, as w r ell as being a very loyal servant to the Department. He referred to Messrs Barron and Williamson as being both " good doers " and capable officers, and remarked that the Roads Department had lost three real good fellows. He was pleased to join with the others in wishing them long life and prosperity in the future. Mr Sims thanked the various speakers for their kind remarks, and said he was not aware until that evening that he was such a " jolly good fellow." The flattering remarks that had come from the speakers made it almost impossible for him to respond. He went on to detail how, when Ihe was in distress, the Roads Department had assisted him, and wished to thank Mr Forsyth in particular. He had a lot to thank Mr Burd for, and said it was impossible to find a better master. He had now, however, launched out on his own behalf, and was pleased to be able to tell his comrades that he was making a success of his business. —(Applause). Mr Barron said he wanted to say a lot but was, unfortunately, not a public speaker, and therefore was unable to do so. He thanked the donors for the handsome presentation, and said he would treasure it very much and always remember the very pleasant time spent in the Roads Department. Mr Williamson also thanked those present for the handsome and valuable presentation, and wished to endorse the remarks made by the different speakers as to IN||; Sims' good qualities. 'He had a lot to thank AJr Sims and Mr Burd for, and it was undoubtedly through the assistance received from these gentlemen that had made him so successful. The " Roads Department " was then proposed by Mr Sims, to which Ivfr T. Burd sqitably responded, remarking that he always tried to do his best, and treated those under him as he would like to be treated himself. Mr W. M. Bankart proposed the health of "Our Chief—Mr C. W. Hursthousc." The chief of a department had to contend with a lot and, undoubtedly, the prosperity of the country depended, to a great extent, on the Roads Department, The blame was often put on to chiefs, when really it was on account of a shortage of funds in Wellington. The main thing, he said, was being loyal to ourselves, officers and department. Mr Smyth proposed " The Clerical Staff," aj}d "^' as responded to by Mesers Turner and MeNaught. Mr N. C. Matthew then read verses by Lionel Terry. "The health of " The Ladies " was proposed bv Mr Archer and responded to by Mr W. Turner. In responding to "The Field Staff," 3VI j- Wort|png):o]i sajcj they hail a good deal to thank the clerical staff for. Each individual settler thinks the road that passes his property the only one of any practical use. They bad often to spend £5 where £IOO was necessary, and it often caused them a good deal of work and trouble. The "Field Staff" bad to "buck" at everything, but they had some very capable men, and he for one, was proud to belong to the Civil Service of the Dominion. Mr Kirkby proposed " The Press,' Mr Bankart "The Chairman," and Mr Forsyth "The Host and Hostess." During t|iC evening sOngs : \yei.e rendered by Messrs Blird, O: and ,W. Turner; ; Seyntour, ;Uid Arclier, ; ancj Mr j. W. IJeiet' gave several' piamv forte selection's^ The singing of " Aiild Lang Svne '■ conclude n'tyost enjovaple eyeing.
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King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 62, 27 December 1907, Page 2
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945PRESENTATION AT TE KUITI. King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 62, 27 December 1907, Page 2
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