A POPULAR ENGINE DRIVER.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1919, Page 8

A POPULAR ENGINE DRIVER.

RETIRES ON SUPERANNUATION. Taranaki railway men foregathered iu the sapper room of the Masonic Hall, Robe Street, on Saturday evening, in order to do honor to one of tlieir number, Mr. Jacol) Mander, one of the most familiar figures on the footplate of locomotives in Taranaki during the past quarter of a century, who is retiring on superannuation. The function took the form of a smoke concert, presided over by Mr. W. W. Thomson, and the large attendance, which included some members from as far away as Hawera, was an eloquent testimony to the deserved popularity of the guest. Apologies were also received from Messrs. Beck, Winters and McLean.

A short toast list was discussed, inter- ] spersfid with vocal items. The usual loyal toast, proposed by the chairman, was followed by "Returned Soldiers," proposed by Guard Dan Bowie, and responded to by Messrs Weale, Ettershanks and Oliver; "Railway Societies," proposed by Mr. Garcia, and responded to by Messrs. O'Shea (Railway Officers' Institute), Mack (Engine Drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association), and Reed (A.S.R.S.), some of the speakers stressing the njed for a working agreement between the societies.

The chairman, in proposing the health, of Mr. Jacob Mander, remarked that lie had known him for the past 22 or 23 years, and could not wißh for a better mate anywhere, particularly in times of stress. Mr Mander could handle men splendidly, and if he had the opportunities when young that the present generation now had, he would before this have been a member of the First Division. He also paid a tribute to Mrs. Mander, Who was always a good friend in time | o£, sickness. In concluding, lie expressed

theMiope that Mr. Mander would long enjoy his retirement, and was pleased that he was not leaving New Plymouth. Mr. J. Trevalla, loco, foreman, said that he had known Mr. Mander for 38 years —in days when cleaners received 3s 6d per day, and thought they were well paid. lie also paid a tribute to Mr. Mander's splendid qualities, and, amidst applause, presented him, on behalf of his fellow workers, with a handsome silver tea service, suitably inscribed. Messrs. McNeill (Hawera), D. Bowie, Barnes (guards), Weale, Donohue, Mack (loco, staff), Doran, S. G. Smith, M.P.,

Gray {platelayers), Matheson and others also paid their tributes. Mr. Mander, who was received with great, applause, in thanking his fellowworkers for their handsome present, said that his policy had always been to treat others as he wished to be treated himself. He had always endeavored to do his best in the face of any difficulty that might occur. Mr. Mack then presented Mr. J. Doran, who has left the service to enter the trade, with a kit of carpenters' tools. Various speakers spoke nf Mr. Doran's good qualities as a workmate anil a man, and wished him success in his new venture. Mr. Doran thanked them for their useful gift. Mr. Barnes proposed "The Parliament of New Zealand." and Mr. S. 0 Smith, M.P., spoke of the work of the coming session, which promised to be of an important nature. He outlined various proposals which would be for the betterment of the service. Other toasts were "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. Bateman and responded to by Messrs Oliver and Ettershanks; "''The Visitors." proposed by Mr. Donohue and responded to by Messrs. McNeill, McDonald, and Klmes; and "The Chairman," proposed by Mr. Mander. During the evening, vocal items were contributed by Messrs. Francis, Martis, Ettershanks, Wan-en, Venn, Tunbridgs, Oliver, Bowie and Doran. Mr. Tunbridge played the. accompaniments.