TAIHAPE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9346, 15 January 1909, Page 6

TAIHAPE.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Onr Post Office has been re-graded and now ranks as a first grade. That being so a re-organising of the staff was fonnd necessary, and it was with great regret that residents were informed that Mr B. Boyne,, onr popnlar postmaster, who had been in charge for the last five years, bad been transferred to Woodville. Mr Boyne had made himself very popnlar by his unassuming and at all times obliging and capable manner, and, of course, it was out of the question that he should he allowed to depart from us without some form of recognition of his worth, and therefore a smoke concert was held in the Gretna Hall on Tuesday night. The gathering was very representative. The obair was taken by the Mayor, and with one exception all the Councillors were present. On the right of his Worship was the guest of the evening, on the left Mr Stevens, Inspector of Post Office Department, well supported by Taihape’s most prominent residents. The toast of “The King”' was given by the chairman, with musical honour. Mr Aldridge proposed “The Post and Telegraph Department,” coupled with the name of Mr Stevens, who replied very suitably, giving some very interesting experiences of early postal work in Bangitikei district. He also spoke very favourably of the ability and character of Mr Boyne as a postal officer. After other toasts' had been dealt with the Mayor {proposed the toast of the evening, and in a neat speech spoke of the respect in which Mr Boyne was held by everyone in the district, his courteous and obliging manner making him a favourite with all, and while regretting his removal from Taihape he trusted that It would be for his benefit, and also that his successor, Mr Owins, would he found as successful in the management of our postal affairs as Mr Boyne had been, and, as showing the esteem in which Mr Boyne was held by all, he aksed him to accept a handsome gold watch, and trusted it would always remind him of the friends in Taihape and the five years that he bad spent amongst the people in the district. He also 'asked him to accept for Mrs Boyne, a handsome silver cake# tray, and trusted that tray would always la full when they were visited by their Taihape friends. Mr Boyne suitably replied, stating that It was with regret that he was leaving and that he could never forget the kindness of the. people in Taihape. After several toasts had been given, viz., ‘‘Commercial Interests,” replied to by Messrs H. D. Bennett and W. Meg Leunau; the ‘‘Borough Council” replied to by the Mayor and Councillor Beban; “The Press” and “The Lad lea. ” The company sang ‘ ‘ Auld Lang Syne, ” and dispersed after a very pleasant evening at about 11.80 p.m. As showing the advancement in Postal Department business in Taihape, when Mr Boyne took charge five years ago, there were then three in tne office, and to-day there is a staff of 17.

Sergeant Beattie has been vex? active on the sly grog business and made another raid yesterday, securing another large .consignment ’of whisky of assorted brands, and his office is now more like a spirit merchant’s room than a police office. It is, therefore, to be expected that our respected S.M. will take a hand . in the business at the Oonrt sittings nest week.