VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 808, 5 February 1910, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

Mr R. Dobson, who has for the past three years lu-1 i the position of engine driver on the P'oxtonPalruerston North section of the New Zealand Railways, was, on December 28th last, retired under the Government's superannuation system, and iutends leaving Foxtou shortly. His fellow employees on the line between Foxton and Palraerstou North did not desire to let Mr Dobson leave the district without in some way showing the esteem in which they held him, and on Thursday evening last tendered ’him a complimentary smoke concert and presentation at the Manawatn Hotel. Practically all the railway employees between Foxton and Palmerston North who were able to get away were present, and the chair was taken by Mr J. A. Rodie, our local stationmaster, and on his right was seated the guest of the evening- „ , . After the cravings of the innerman had been satisfied, a lengthy toast list was got through.

In proposing the toast of “Our Guest,” the chairman referred to Mr Dobson’s many good qualities. He said he had known Mr Dob«on for the past 25 years, and had always found him most upright and straight forward. He was a thoroughly capable driver, and by his retirement the Department was losing one of its best men. He spoke in glowing terms of Mr Dobson’s work while in Foxtou, and ou behalf of the railway employees between Foxton aud Palmerston North, asked him to accept a small present as a slight token of the esteem in which he was held by his fellow employees. He expressed the hope that Mr and Mrs Dobson would enjoy long and prosperous lives. The presentation took the form of two handsomely upholstered easy chairs.

Several other speakers also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Dobson, and expressed regret at his departure. Mr Dobson, on rising to reply, was received with applause. He said he was taken comnletelj 7 by surprise, and was rather in a fix to make a suitable reply, and was a far better hand at shunting than speechifying. On behalf of Mrs Dobson and himself, he thanked them most heartily for the handsome present, which he greatly appreciated and would always treasure. He said that the three years he had spent on the Foxton - Palmerston line had been one of the most enjoyable periods of his career on the railways. He concluded by extending a hearty invitation to all to call on him whenever they visited the place in which he decided to settle.

Mr J. Gavey apologised for the absence of a representative from Palmerston North. It had previously been arranged to send one down, but'at the last moment circumstances had prevented his attendance. They, however, asked Mr Dobson to accept a framed diploma from the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, of which he was one of the oldest members, and acted as delegate tor the Wellington district at the Society’s first conference. Mr Dobson suitably replied.

During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs Cook, Henderson, Bayliss and Bowden, and a solo on a single-atring fiddle was played by Mr Simmons. Mr Cochran officiated at the piano.

The proceedings, which were of a most congenial nature throughout, were brought to a close by the singing of “ Auld Tang Syne ” and “ God Save the King.”