POPULAR POLICE OFFICER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 6, 22 January 1915, Page 3

POPULAR POLICE OFFICER

Sergeant Willcocks Fare-

welled

Public expression of appreciation of tbe efficient and able services rendered by Constable (now Sergeant) Willcocks during bis residence of close upon four years iu Pukekohe took the form last evening of a "smoker" hald in his honour at the Pukekohe Hotel, the occasion also being taken advantage of for giving the popular Sergeant a "send-off" on his t-ansfer on promotion to Wellington The Mayor, Mr C. K. Lawrie, presided, and the numerous guests present included Mr F. V. Frazer, S.M. Ihe toast of "The Magistracy" was proposed by the Mayor, and in reply Mr Frazer remarked that amid the multifarious schedule of duties which he, in common with his brother Magistrates, had to perform -uch a social gathering as that evening's came as a pleasing interlude. Magistrates were always in the public eye. Frequently they were blamed fur misdoings and occasionally patted on the back for some thing done by mistake. (Laughter).

Mr J. T. Hewson submitted "The Commercial and Agricultural Interests of Pukekohe," and Mr F. Perkins, in responding, alluded to the rapid development of the town during the last few years. He also mentioned that he had been acquainted with Sergeant Willcocks for nearly 20 years and had been pleased to see bis rise in the police force.— Messrs W. P. Endean and H. G. R. Mason also replied, both testifying on behalf of the legal profession to the courtesy and consideration they had always received from Sergeant Willcocks. Mr Ben Andrew proposed the health of "Tbe Justices," remarking that it was to the credit of tbe local J.P.'s that no decision of theirs had ever been criticised.—Messrs R. F. Webster and C. Roadley replied, the latter alluding to the great assistanc rendered tbe J.P.'s by Setgeant Willcocks in his capacity as Clerk of the Court The toast of "Our Guest" wa submitted by Mr A. B. Barter, J.P., who first stated that as lequired by the regulations the consent of the Commissioner of Police had been sought and obtained for a presentation to be made that evening to Sergeant Willcocks. As a constable, Mr Willcocks had shown great taet and good feeling, with the result that everything had run smoothly. (Applause). As Clerk of the Court, he had displayed marked ability, and Mr Frazer (their Magistrate) had remarked that he was one of the best Clerks of tbe Court he (the Magistrate) bad ever been associated with. He (Mr Barter) predicted tor Sergeant Willcocks rapid promotion, and tbe people of Pukekohe would watch with inteieat his career as he went on mounting the ladder. Mr Frazer, on behalf of the subscribers, then made A PRESENTATION to Sergeant Willcocks. The Magistrate remarked that it was an exceedingly pleasant duty that he had been requested to perform in asking Sergeant Willcocks to accept an illuminated tddress, accompanied by a gold watch chain and sovereign purse. He and Sergeant Willcocks bad botb been associated with Pukekohe for about the same length of time and their duties had naturally mingled one with the other. He bad found Sergeant Willcocks to be an officer of the intelligent, thoughtful and conscientious type—a man who with a head un his shoulders knew how to use it. tie had worked hard and studied, and by passing the highest possible examination he bad already qualified for promotion to tbe rank of Sub-Inspector. He had not been content to sit for tbe examinations necessary for promotion to Sergeant and Senior Sergeant, but had gone for the bigger hurdle, securing a high place on the list among tbe successful candidates. He (the Magistrate) had always admired the impartiality, fair and conscientious manner in which Sergeant Willcocks bad carried out bis duties aa a member of tbe Force. Further, he was able to sa> that intricate aa Court work was Sergeant Willcocks had never made a blunder in his capacity aa Clerk of tbe Court In going away from Pukekohe Sergeant Willcocks would carry with him tbe 7ery best wishes of tbe people of the Pukekohe district for long life, prosperity and happiness to himself and members of bis family and the presentation that night was a tanigble token of the esteem and regard in which he i was generally held.

lit Frazer then made the presentation. The illuminated address, which was the handiwork of Mr F. E. Simpson, was'framed with oak and bore views of the Courthouse, Post Office and Pukekohe Bill. The wording was as follows: TO SERGEANT WILLCOCKS. "On the eve of your departure from our district on promotion to a new sphere of labour we dasire to place on record our appreciation of the ability, tact and couiteay you have displayed in the execution of your duty. It has been widely recognised that in your capacity as Clerk

of the Court you have displayed special ability for carrying out the duties of that office, and your willingness at all times to afford information and advice

has been of very great assistance to and highly appeciated by the Justices and Legal Profession. The impartiality and tact you have displayed in the execution of your manifold duties as a Constable and your untiring energy «nd zeal will be gratefully remembered by the business community and residents of our town. Your devotion to duty and your unfailing courtesy has won for you the respect and esteem of the community, and we trust that this testimony may sustain you in the many trials and vexatious inseparable from your work aid which you are sure to meet in the discbarge of your duties. In conclusion, we wish vour-

self, Mrs Willcocks and family long life, happiness and prosperity in whatever sphere of life you may be placed, and

while congratulating- you ■on your wellrmerited. promotion to the rank of Sergeant, we trust

it will be but a stepping stone to still higher office in tbe near future." Signed. F. V. FRAZEK, M.A., LL.B., Stipendiary Magistrate. C. K. LAWRIE, Mayor. (On behalf of the Justices) R. F. WEBSTER, J.P. (On behalf of the Legal Profession) H. G. R. MASON. (On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce) FRANK PERKINS. (Secretary) F. E. SIMPSON. Pukekohe, January 21st, 1315. Th 3 toast having been honoured with marked enthusiasm, Serjeant Willcocks feelingly returned thanks. The preseutation made him, he said, would remind him of happy days he had ep?nt in Pukekobi. He was exceedingly sorry to leave the district, and of all the places where he had been stationed he had never had a better time than in Pukekohe. He had tried to do his duty and if bis efforts were appreciated he was satisfied. (Applause.) Other toasts followed, including "Tbe Press," proposed by Mr J. T. Stembridge; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr F. E. Simpson and replied Mr J. Paterson; "Our Military Forces," proposed by Mr Endean and responded to by Mr Thornell: "The Mayor," proposed by Mr F. Brown and "Our Host," proposed by Mr J. Roulston and responded to by Mr C. Clarke. During tbe evening light refreshments were partaken of and the musical programme was contributed to by Mesrss W. Jones, B. Andrew, Light, J. Roulston, Blake, A. Young, J. T. Hewson, F. Marshall and McKay, Mr E. Gilroy acting as accompanist. Mr Gribble gave a couple of recitation. The secretarial arrangements for the gathering were carried out by Mr F. E. Simpson with his characteristic thoroughness.