PRESENTATION TO MR RODIE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 910, 27 October 1910, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR RODIE.

A very representative gathering of townspeople assembled in Mr Perreau’s tea-rooms on Tuesday night for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr Rodie, late stationmaster, and to convey to him their appreciation of the courteous manner in which he had discharged his duties as stationmaster and wharfinger over a period of several years, and also to express their regret at his removal and to wish him prosperity in the future. The notification of Mr Rodie’s transfer vyas so sudden that it was found impossible to give him a public farewell prior to his departure, and a lime had to be arranged to suit his convenience aud the fixing of this date afforded very little time to arrange matters, A committee was appointed to purchase a suitable memento, and Mr Kellow acted as secretary. The present took the form of a handsome solid silver tea and coffee service.

The Mayor presided aud the guest of the evening, whose appearance was a signal for applause, was seated at his right. After the toast of “ the King ” had been disposed of, the Chairman proposed “the Guest” and in doing so referred to his personal connection with Mr Rodie whom he had always found courteous and gentlemanly. He stated that an old settler had informed him that Mr Rodie had been the most successful stationmaster that Foxton had ever had. He discharged his responsibilities in a most satisfactory manner, and he hoped his transfer meant promotion. They all regretted his departure, and would like to see him occupy a very high position in the service. Mr Rodie’s health was drunk with musical honours.

In making the presentation, Mr Hennessy said that the sentiments he desired to express concerning Mr Rodie came from the heart. As a shipping agent and business man he had come into close contact with Mr Rodie, and had their positions been reversed he would have been called a “snappy” official. Mr Rodie had had a good deal to pul up with, and had carried out his arduous dual duties in a manner which reflected the highest credit upon himself. He hoped Mr Rodie would have a good time in the future, and that when the Haibour Board were in possession of the port, and the status of the local railway was •■aised, that the Department would send Mr Rodie back to Foxton. He also expressed a few kindly words in reference to Mrs Rodie and family. Mr Rodie replied in terms characteristic of the man. He was pleased to know that the public appreciated his small efforts to carry out his duty. Had it not been for the co-operation of agents his work would have been more arduous. He would cherish the handsome present, and if any Foxton folk were passing his way he hoped they would drop in and see him —the kettle would always 'be on the hob and they would be treated to a cup of tea brewed in the handsome vessel, which had been presented to him. He would always remember the kindness of the Foxton people, and his residence amongst them. Mr Hornblow proposed the toast of the “ Railway Department.” He paid a high tribute to the service as a whole, which he had been informed was second to none, the wide world over. The public was a hard taskmaster, and often the official was looked upon as officious ioi simply doing his duty. The public often expected too much from officers and were very inconsiderate. Speaking as a newspaper man, he had no fault to find with the service, which had always treated him with courtesy and consideration. The Chairmain welcomed Mr Rodie’s successor and hoped the same relations as existed between Mr Rodie and the public would continue.—Mr Hardwick suitably acknowledged the kindly remarks and said he would do his level best to please everybody. The Secretary apologised for the unavoidable absence of a number of townspeople who conveyed kindly greetings to Mr Rodie.

Mr R. Me Murray proposed the toast of the “ Borough Council,” aud referred to the recent purchase of the gas works, aud the improved condition of the roads and footpaths. He also endorsed all the remarks which had been made about the guest of the evening. He said that when Mr Kodie was stationed at Takapau he had heard him referred to as a ” champion statioumaster.” The Mayor, in responding, said much work was donebyCounctllors which was not seen or possibly brought under the notice of the public. The Council was composed of a splendid set of men whom the ratepayers could safely trust. They had no axes to grind and if more work was not accomplished it was because funds would not permit. Mr Fraser, Town Clerk, also responded. He took the opportunity to add his mead of praise to the guest. Speaking of the gas purchase, he said that he did not know of any municipal gas works in the Dominion which was not a success. Perhaps the Council had }>paid enough for their whistle but in the years to come it would be seen that their action was justified. With the money at their disposal the Council had done well in respect tp roads and footways. He also eulogised the guest, Mr Signal proposed the toast of the “ Harbour Board.” He said since the Board had come into existence there had been a marked

improvement in the working of the port. Mr Henuessy, in replyjng, said his one ambition was to see the harbour placed on the same footing as others throughout the Dominion. If the money earned by the port was spent on improvements it would soon grow in importance. Negotiations were now pending between the Board and the Government for acquiring the wharf, which he hoped would be mutually satisfactory. He had come to the conclusion that there was a good deal of reason in the Minister’s argument against parting with the wharf. In order to meet the Government it would be necessary lor the Board to create a rating area. He did not think, however, that it would be necessary to call up a rate, because the Board, with the assistance ot a suction dredge, would be able to maintain the same depth of water on the bar at neap tides as obtained at spring tides. This would ensure a continuance of steamer service, the increased revenue from which should provide sufficient money to meet interest and sinking fund on a loan for the purchase of the wharf without calling up the rate. The decision of Parliament on the subject should be known at an early date. The Chairman incidentally remarked that the Railway Department were pushing on with the construction of the local railway verandah.

Dr Mandl proposed the toast of the “ Post and Telegraph Department.” The speaker said that in order to maintain a high state of efficiency iu this Important branch of the civil service, the Government should raise the salaries. Many capable men were lost to the service because they could do much better in other callings. Mr A. D. Clemett appropriately responded and touched on the advances made to meet growing requirements duriug recent years. Mr Kellow proposed the toast of the “ Chamber of Commerce.” He referred to the important functions such a body can discharge — particularly in a place like Foxtou, the centre of the hemp industry. A subject which should receive the urgent consideration of the Chamber was the Government’s hydro-electrical schemes. He hoped the Borough Council had not made a mistake in purchasing the gas works in view of the Makuri scheme coming into operation, because the latter would provide lighting and motive power for the whole district. —Dr Mandl, in replying, said the Chamber during the year had brought under public notice the importance of making Foxtou a port of entry for dutiable goods. He hoped this important adjunct to the port would be conceded by the Government at an early date. After the toast of the “ Mayor ” had been honoured and responded to, the assemblage joined hands aud sang “ Auld Lang Syne.” Duriug the evening songs were sung by Mr Preston, and a recitation by Mr Love.