RAILWAY GATHERING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1070, 1 March 1913, Page 3

RAILWAY GATHERING.

SMOKE CONCERT AND PRESENTATIONS.

A smoke concert was tendered to Mr T. Henderson by all branches ot the local railway service and friends, in Mr M. Perreau’s rooms last night, and he was presented with two beautifully upholstered easy chairs and a purse of sovereigns upon his retirement from the service Presentations were also made to Driver f Boden, who has been transferred to the Palmerston- Wanganui section, and to Cleaner Allerby, who has. been promoted to fireman and transferred to Palmerston. The chair was occupied by His Worship the Mayor (A. J. Gibbs Esq)., and among those present were Messrs Shaw (district locomotive foreman), Treweek (inspector of permanent way), and Stone (traffic inspector). Included among those present were also several prominent citizens and the gathering numbered about forty individuals. After justice bad been done to the good things supplied by Mr Perreau, the toast of "The King” was drunk to the accompaniment of the National Anthem. The Mayor, in proposing the toast of the guest of the evening, referred to his long personal acquaintance with Mr Henderson—a man who was held in the highest esteem, not only by men in the service, but by all with whom he was acquainted. He had been associated with Mr Henderson on committees and his tact and mature judgment was highly appreciated. In retiring from the service he was pleased to know that Foxton was not td lose Mr Henderson, and he was delighted to hear that he was going to serve his fellows as a representative citizen and he had no doubt that the residents would send him to the Council with a big majority. (Applause). He \ wished him and his good wife health and prosperity in the future and bad much pleasure on behalf of his fellow workers in all branches of the local railway service and friends in presenting him with two handsomely upholstered easy chairs and a purse of sovereigns. Mr Henderson’s health was drunk enthusiastically and with musical honours. In rising to respond, Mr Henderson was greeted with a round - of applause. He feelingly acknowledged the good feeling which had prompted the gifts. His connection with the Foxton section as ganger over a period of ten years had been the most pleasant time he had spent in the service. The men associated with him were loyal and faithful in the discharge ot their duty. At times he had been short in the temper but this fault had left no bad effects. Looking round at the gathering he was surprised to learn that he had so many loyal £riends--arid many had come from a distance at considerable inconvenience to do honour to him. . The service was linked up in such a way that co-operation was essential and he had always had the heartiest support from all. It was a pleasant thought to go out of the N service after a period of 36 years knowing that he had the hearty good wishes of his fellows. (Applause). The Mayor at this juncture read a telegram from Mr Rhodie, who regretted his inability to be present to do honour to Mr Henderson and containing some flattering references to the guest. Mr Daniell proposed the “ health of the visitors.” Mr Shaw (locomotive department) said he was pleased to be present to pay a tribute to their guest whom he had known for many years. He said in referring to him as “ a man ” he was paying him the highest compliment he could frame. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the splendid and representative gathering that night. He hoped that ( Mr and Mrs Henderson would enjoy that rest, which the chairs were emblematic that their long and faithful labours had earned for them.

Mr Treeweek (Inspector of permanent way) endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. Mr Henderson was not only “ a man ” but a ' white man.” The sendoff was fitting and he was truly worthy of a)l the good things that had been said about him. Mr Stone (traffic inspector) referred to Mr Henderson’s cheerful disposition while in the discharge of his duties. He regretted the severance of old hands from the, service—it was the breaking of another link in the chain of old associations, but he was pleased he was going to enjoy well-earned retirement. Mr Hornblow proposed the health of driver Boden, who he regretted to learn had been transferred at his own request to Palmerston. In referring to the immunity from accidents on the New Zealand Railways, he said this was due not only to .careful supervision but to the splendid type of men in charge of the locomotives. ; Service in the New Zealand Railways was always a sure passport to employment on the railways in other parts of the •world. The standard of efficiency, set in this country was unsurpassed In any other part of the world. Employees sometimes complained at the irksomeness of stringent regulations, but such were necessary in the interest of public • safety and made for proficiency in the service. Mr Boden was considered to be one of the most proficient drivers in the service and v his departure was much regretted by the local branch. His fellow employees did not intend to allow him to depart without some tangible expression of their esteem ans on

their behalf it gave him pleasure to present him with a complete smoker’s outfit. Mr Boden’s health was drunk with musical honours.

In reply, Mr Boden explained that he was perfectly satisfied with his work on the Foxton section. His duty was always at the front, but in respect to this change he had to follow where his better half led.

Still another presentation was made, and this time to Mr Allerby, cleaner, who has been transferred and promoted to the position of fireman, with headquarters at Palmerston. Mr White, on behalf of the local staff, expressed regret at the departure of Mr Allerby, although they were all pleased to know that bis removal meant promotion. They were all sorry to lose him because Mr Allerby was a jolly good fellow on and off duty. He presented him with a complete shaving outfit and Mr Allerby’s health was drunk enthusiastically-

The recipient, in a brief reply, said the presentation took him by surprise as he thought his presence there was to do honour to their old friend, Mr Henderson. He had not done anything to warrant such a handsome present. His three years in Foxton were full of pleasant memories, and although he was sorrj to part from them, he was pleased that his removal meant promotion and that’s what they were all looking for. In responding to the toast of the ‘ ‘ Locomotive Department, ’ ’ Mr Stone gave some very interesting information in regard to the rapid strides made in the traffic and freight departments in the North Island of late years, and said the way in which the heads had overcome obstacles in this connection was a credit to the department.

Mr Shaw also paid a tribute to the efficiency of the service. The officers were compelled to see that the regulations were complied with. - and although they may sometimes come into conflict with subordinates, the men were always treated fairly and discipline was necessary to efficiency. He paid a high tribute to the qualifications of Mr Boden, whom he had known for the past 28 years, and as a driver could hold his owu with anyone in the service. His place was being filled by Mr Findlay, a worthy and wellqualified successor, whom he could assure them would leave no cause for complaint. He said a few encouraging words to the younger members in the service and added that he never wished to have a better class of men under his supervision. In, replying to the toast of the "Traffic Department," Mr Daniell, local S.M., paid a tribute to the Foxton people, with whom he had got on very well. He thanked the departing officers, particularly Mr Henderson, for their hearty co-operation at all times aud extended a welcome to Messrs Ruscoe and Findlay, Messrs Henderson and Boden’s successors, and to Mr Tunnecliffe who replaces Mr Allerby. Mr Crowe also suitably acknowledged the toast. He referred to the guests honoured iu felicitous terms.

Other toasts proposed were : "The Ladies" (Messrs Bayliss aud Tim Ryan), "The Press” (Messrs Crowe aud Hornblow), and "The Chairman.”

During the evening the following contributed items Messrs Osborne, Poad, White, Daniell, Hornblow, Bayliss, Bodeu, Henderson, and the Chairman. Mr Collins presided at the piano. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Laug Syne” and three rousing cheers for the guests.