VALEDICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, 16 October 1917, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

JFARWELL SOCIAL TO MR. J TAYLOR, LOCOMOTIVE FOREMAN.

A large gathering of railway men and townspeople., assembled together last night to bid farewell to Mr J. Taylor, who leaves on Thursday on promotion to take charge of the Otago Locomotive District Mr. W. J. Munro presided and amongst, others present were Mr C. T. Jeffreys (District Engineer), Mr J, Currie (Inspector Permanent way), Mr. Donald (Acting Ptationmaster), Mr T. Street (Bridge Inspector). Apologies for absence were received from Mr G. Brownlee (District Traffic Manager), Mr E. W. Spooner (an old schoolmate of the guest), Mr G. Bowles (Loco Inspector), Mr H. Mercer (Stationmaster.) The proceedings opened with a silent toast to "Our Fallen Heroes" those present standing in silence for a few moments.

The toast of "The King" followed. The toast of "Our Boys at the Front" was proposed by Mr W. J. Munro, who mentioned, inter alia, that more than 200 railwaymen had, unfortunately, so far made the supreme sacrifice. From the Taihape Loco Staff of 100 members already 50 had gone to the front, all voluntarily This was a record to be proud Of. The railway members of the Dominion already numbered two V.C. 's aongst their number —Coptain W. J. Hardham and Corporal Andrew. • The toast of ,'Our Boys" was capably responded to by Mr Moloney, who considered that it was an honour in these times to be a New Zealander in view of the splendid achievement of the bovs.

The toast of the evening was proposed by Mr W. Crawford, who spoke of the straightforward character Mr. Taylor. He was honest and capable. He congratulated him on behalf of the Loco drivers on his promotion to Dunedin, one of the most important districts in the Dominion. It was considered by the drivers that the locomotives in the .district, from Taumarunui to Martou were as good as any in New Zealand. He asked Mr Taylor-.to accept on behalf of the railway, men pf Taumarunui, Ohakune,. and Taihapg, a handsome oak tray and hot, .water kettle, and for Mrs. Taylor a valuable gold brooch. ...,.,:,.- Mr C. J. Jeffreys, District. Engineer;, thanked the committee for the" opportunity of being present. He ...endorsed what the pervious speaker had said. In his dealings 'with Mr. Taylor as head of the Maintenance Branch, he had always found him a most capable and painstaking officer. Mr J. Currie, Inspector Permanent Way said he was sorry to lose a personal friend, but congratulated Mr Taylor on his promotion.

Mr A, Eussell, leading fitter, considered Mr Taylor was the ' ,whitest'' bosa they had served under, and the. fitting staff had nothing but good words for him.

Mr. Donald, Acting Stationmaster, apologised for the absence of Mr Mercer who was absent on holidays. As a traffic man he was sorry at losing Mr Taylor, as he had always worked amicably with the traffic branch. Mr Moloney, depot, chargeman, considered that Mr Taylor was the most capable locomotive foreman he" had worked under. As a practical engineer he was able to detect a fault and advise as to its correction immediately. The engines in the Taihape district were the heaviest and best in New Zealand. The Dunedin section was a heavy one, but he had no doubt it would be capably filled by Mr Taylor. Mr Herbert sai dthe good qualities of a man were generally discovered after Ms deatb, but those of Mr Taylor were fortunately discovered before that. He was always ready to listen to the grievances of the oldest or youngest member and rectify or advise. Mr Street, Bridge Inspector, as a personal friend of Mr Taylor's for 31 years, regretted bis departure, but eonratulateed him o r.his well-earned promotion.

Mcessrs Street. Bray, and Beban, personal friends of Mr Taylor, congratulated him on his promotion, but reretted Ms departure.

The toast was drunk with musical honours and cheers.

Mr J. Taylor, in responding,, thauked those present for the valuable gifts —not for their value, but for the spirit which prompted the act. Not the least for the gift of Mrs. Taylor, which showed a deal of thoughtfulness on the art of those who subscribed. He was pleased at his promotion, but sorry to part from his friends in Taihape. The two and a half years spent in Taihape were the best in his railway life. He had always endeavoured to hold the balance evenly between the Department and the staff, He had been assisted by a good staff, the running, fitting and clerical being equal to any in New Zealand. He concluded by thanking all members for their support and to the traffiie and Maintenance branches for the amicable . way in which they had worked together. (Prolonged applause.) . ... Other toasts honoured were the

''Railway Service" proposed by" Mj£ S. Beban, responded to by Mr C. T.Jeffreys, "Taihape and District," proV posed by Mr W. Herbert responded to by Mr J. Murray, "The * proposed by Mr W. Herbert responded' to by Mr. W. Munro. During the evening Mr H. Bright, of the fitting staff, who has severed his connection with the service, was presented with a pipe and tobacco pouch, by his friends. During the evening songs and recitations were rendered by Messrs. A. Burton, J. Murray, L. Lawler, S. Beban Moloney. The accompaniments were capably rendered by Mr W. Lang. A most enjoyable function concluded! with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and "God Save the King" followed by "Three Cheers for Mr Taylor.' '