VALEDICTORY BANQUET.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 1, 4 December 1915, Page 7

VALEDICTORY BANQUET.

PRESENTATION TO MR C. T. MURRAY.

On Monday evening a well attended and enthusiastic gathering of officers of the Taranaki staff of the Public Works Department was held in the Foresters’ Hall, Regan Street, for the purpose of saying farewell to the late Resident Engineer (Mr G. T. Murray), who has left Taranaki to take lip a high position in the Head j Office, Wellington. Officers from .many remote parts of the district were [present.

I The proceedings, which took the 'shape, of a complimentary dinner, pre- ' sentation and smoke concert, were presided over by Mr H. Arthur (Chief j I Clerk), who, in a short speech, ex-| plained the occasion for the gathering, and read apologies from several officers unable to attend either throughi the remoteness of their position orl other exigencies connected with the, service. After partaking of a sumptuous dinner, a varied programme of toasts interspersed with songs and recitations was gone through. ; | After “The King,” .with the National Anthem, “Our Guest” was proposed by the chairman and responded to by Mr Dyson (assistant engineer), Mr Stromhbm, Mr R. Hill, and Mr P. G. Brennan, who .all voiced their regret at Mr Murray’s departure, their great j appreciation of his work in this district, and their good wishes for his future prosperity.

The toast, “Our Brothers at the Front,” was ably responded to by Capt. Fittall, who mentioned the present crisis in our Empire, what New Zealand, had done to help, and made special reference to the boys who had gone from the Public Works to assist in the defence of the Empire. “Our Fallen Heroes” was drunk in silence, whilst remembering Assistant Engineers Newton and Boyle, who fell whilst in action in different parts of

Europe. “Absent Friends” were remembered with musical honors.

“The Public Works Department” was proposed by Mr D. M. "W nson (Lands and Survey District Surveyor), who, in a facetious speech gave many inter-departmental reminiscences. This was replied to by Mr H. H. Sharp, the’ new Resident Engineer for the district. The presentation of an illuminated address was made by Mr C. H. Lawn (head draughtsman), who, in the course of his remarks to those present, said, “All were called together to do honor to the gentleman who for some fifteen years had supervised construction of this roads, and later, also the railways, of the province of Taranaki. All would regret that occasion should rise that Mr Murray should be removed Trom 1 their midst, but that regret Was seasoned with the great pleasure that this was a, worthy promotion and a recognition of successful work.” The speaker paid tribute to the great energy and executive ability of their guest; he had not spared himself in any way; his great zeal on behalf of the Department he served; his f air for efficiency., in his staff ; and his Wonderful patience in dealing with subordinates. Mr Lawn feelingly referred to the ten years seivice he had under Mr Murray, and regretted the breaking of such an association. Turning to Mr Murray personally, he said : “Mr Murray,'>6u a re now leaving Taranaki after fifteen years hard work. We, the membeis of the Public Works staff, cannot let you go without stating our admiiation of your' sterling qualities shown in the administration of the various posts held by you during that time. It is our desire that you should have some tangible token of the esteem and respect with which you are held in the minds of the staff; and we would ask you to receive at our hands, on behalf of the whole staff, here represented (and those who are unable to attend), this address, which we Hope

you will always look upon with warm recollections oi the time you spent in Taranaki, and as a memento of the

appreciation of the staff who had the good fortune to work under you.” The text of the address in as follows: “To G. T. Murray, Esq. “Dear ' sir,—The Members of the P.W. Staff in Taranaki District wish to express to you their great appreciation of the able manner in which you have administered the various offices held by you during the past fifteen years. We regret your departure from our midst, and regret that its necessity is caused by the present crisis in our Empire. “Since coming to Taranaki you have filled the several offices of District Road Surveyor, District Road Engineer and Resident Engineer ; you have always administered your various offices with fair-dealing and good fellowship to all, and by your energy, zeal, and high sense of duty have always set a fine example to the various officers whose good fortune it has been to work under you.

“We trust that your promotion will prove congenial, and that you may long be spared to enjoy the success vou deserve.

“Wishing you, with Mrs Murray and your family every happiness and prosperity. , “We remain, yours faithfully, F. S.

Dyson and P. Keller, for the engineers ; H. C. Strombom and R. Hill for the overseers ;H. Arthur and Tl. G. Hannah, for the clerks; C. H. Lawn for the draughtsmen.”

Mr Murray, on rising to;, reply, was received with great enthusiasm. He feelingly thanked the donors for their kindly remarks, and said :he appreciated their gift very greatly, also, he appreciated the services of the men who had worked under him, who, he said, had done their best to fulfil his wishes. In a long arid felicitous speech he gave many reminiscences of engineering life in the building of the roads and railways of Taranaki, and before sitting down* again'' 3 thanked those present for their kindly remarks, which he would long remember, and for their gift, which he would greatly prize.

The toast, “Kindred Departments,” was responded to by Messrs Bcere and A. F. of the Agriculture and Stock Departments, and the proceedings continued' with song and story until fairly late in the evening. Songs were sung by Messrs North, Potts, D. M. Wilson, Lawn and Magrath; recitations were given by Messrs A. F. Wilson (“Zealandiah Weeps”),: K Jones, H. H. Sharp, G. T. Murray, and J. W. Ennis. Bagpipe sections were giyen by Piper Mclntyre t (of .the staff), whilst a large ; number of others contributed tHiorfc stories and reminiscences galore. Mr Potts presided at the piano.

After the .toast tp, the new Resident Engineer (Mr H. H. Sharp) the gathering terminated with the singing\of “Auld Lang Syne” , , r f The catering fo r r the dinner and other arrangements were ably carried out by le ,f£ to be desired.

, The beautifully illuminated address Was 'the work of Mr Alf Lee, of the firm of McLeod and Slade, New Plymouth. Mr Murray morning for Wellington, where he is to take up the,..position- qf Staff Engineer in the Hfead. Office of the' Public Works Department. '