CONSTABLE THORNELL FAREWELLED.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 338, 14 December 1917, Page 3

CONSTABLE THORNELL FAREWELLED.

There was a large and representative assembly of citizens of Pukekohe at a smoker held last evening in the Premier Hall, Pukekohe, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Constab'e'Thornell, who is leaving p ukekohe to-morrow on promotion to Houhora, Mangonui County. Mr H. Dell (President of the Chamber of Commerce) was in the chair. In submitting the toast of " Our Guest" Mr Dell stated that the people of Pukekohe greatly admired Constable Thornell both as a man and in his public capacity and they wished him all suecess in his future career. Mr Cecil Koadley, speaking as a Justice of the Peace, remarked ihat he could testify that Constable Thornell had a sound knowledge of his duties a3 a member of the police force and he was moreover always large - hearted and sympathetic. He [Mr Roadley) predicted that Constable Thornell was destined to rise to a high position in the force. Messrs A. B Barter and C. K Lawrie J.P.'s added their tributes of recognition of Constable Thornell's tactful and courteous qualities and Mr Frank Perkins, speaking on behalf of the traders of the town, stated that the people of Pukekohe recognised Constable Thornell's transfer as a step to his further advancement and they would watch his career with interest. Mr H. Bullock and Lieut. Gibbon also supported the toast. The Mayor (Mr H. G. R. Mason) then stated that he had a very pleasant duty to perform, namely to ask Constable Thornell to accept for Mrs Thornell a purse of sovereign?, which had been subscribed for by the residents, the regulations not allowing Constable Thornell to receive a monetary present The Mayor stated that there was no occupation which called for more presence of mind and coolness on an emergency than was the case as connected with the police force Constable Thornell bad always been consistently tactful and sympathetic and the public apprec : ated the able and courteous manner in which he had discharged his duties in Pukekohe. The toast having been enthusiastically honoured, Constable Thornell expressed thanks for'the gift made to his wife and said he would always look back with pleasure to the three years he had spent in Pukekohe. He bad tried to do his duty and he was glad to think that it was recognised that he had not been unsuccessful.