PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT MONAGHAN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5052, 2 June 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT MONAGHAN.

A very interesting ceremony took place at the]«>lice station yesterday, viz.,the presentation to Sir. Monaghan of the testimonial to which we alluded in yesterday's issue. The whole of the Wellington city force were present, and a few of the friends of Mr. Monaghan. Mr. Fraser, police clerk, spoke for the force. Mr. Phaser said : Mr. Monaghan, your comrades are desirous before taking leave of you to mark their sense of the esteem in which you are held by them. It is needless for me to remark on the length of time you have been in the force, and likewise the value of your extensive services. These are already known, and have been borne ample witness to heretofore, and will continue to be regarded, X have no doubt, in the distant future. Your great abilities as a police officer are unquestionable, whilst your worth as a private friend is also widely known. On behalf of your comrades, I have sincere pleasure in presenting you with this watch and chain as a souvenir of their esteem, and to express a wish that you may live long to wear it. I may also be permitted to state that an illuminated address is in course of preparation, and when it is completed it will be transmitted to you. Mr. Fraser then read the address, as follows :—“ To M. Monaghan, senior Sergeant, Wellington Police Force.—Sir, —On your retirement from this force we take the opportunity of expressing our regret at your departure, and to beg your acceptance of the accompanying watch and chain as a souvenir of our esteem and regard, and in recognition of your abilities as a police officer, and your worth as a private friend. Wishing you every success and happiness in your future career, we are, &e., Chas. Fraser, J. Doran (for selves and comrades.”

A. handsome gold watch and chain were then handed to Mr. Monaghan. The watch, which was purchased from the well-known jeweller, Mr. B. Cohen, at whose establishment the inscription was beautifully engraved, bore the following inscription :—“ Presented to M. Monaghan, late Senior Sergeant, Wellington police force, on his retiring from the service, as a mark of esteem. Ist June, 1877.” Mr. Monaghan, in reply, said ; X regret having to leave the force, and X also regret having to part with my old acquaintances and friends ; but I think it is better for me to do so now than to retain office under the new order of things about to be established, and which I might probably not care much about. I shall merely return you my thanks for your kindness, and I shall always remember it with gratitude. (Applause.) Mr. Bakek, Clerk of the Resident Magistrate’s Court, proposed “ The Health of Sergeant Monaghan,” Xfe said he had known Sergeant Monaghan for twelve years in connection with the force, and if the whole of New Zealand were searched from one end to the other a better man could not be found to fill the position Sergeant Monaghan had just vacated. Mr. Baker was sure all would join with him in drinking Sergeant Monaghan’s health, and wishing him prosperity. He hoped the late sergeant’s successor would be equal to him. No man in the force could look back upon Sergeant Monaghan’s career and say he had ever done a single unkind or unjust action. His kindness both to officers and men had been unvarying. Mr. MoVaghan briefly and in suitable terms expressed his acknowledgments of the compliment paid to him. The company shortly afterwards took leave of Mr. Monaghan, and then dispersed.