FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 April 1921, Page 4

FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE.

RAILWAYMAN’S RECORD. RETIREMENT OF MR. J. W. RIDDOCK After forty years’ service in the railway department Mr. J. W. Riddock, who has been foreman at the New Plymouth goods sheds for the past uineteen years, retired ou superannuation as from yesterday, and will shortly make a holiday trip to Australia accompanied by Mrs. Riddock. Last night Mr. Riddock was the guest at a smoke concert attended by railwaymen and representatives of business firms, and was the recipient of presentations. Mr. M. Healy presided. In proposing the toast of “Our Guest,” the chairman said there were not many men who had put in forty such strenuous years as Mr. Riddock, or who had done better work. He was a »good citizen, and one of the best fitted to occupy the position he held, being well adapted, for the work. The business people would feel Mr. Riddock’s departure as a distinct loss. They recognised the good work accomplished and all wished him and Mrs. Riddock all possible happiness in the future.

The toast was drunk with musical honerrs.

Mr J. J. O’Shea (stationmaster) said Mr. Riddock had endeared himself to every employee in the sheds. Speaking personally he said he regretted very much that the time had come for Mr. Riddock’s retirement. He had been a capable, conscientious and trustworthy man, and 19 years ago was specially selected for the work at New Plymouth after having filled responsible positions in Invercargill and Dunedin. At that time the situation in New Plymouth needed special handling in view of much congestion, and all would agree the department had made a wise choice. As illustrating the growth of trade in New Plymouth Mr. O’Shea said that whereas 19 years ago their maximum was about 700 tons of goods a fortnight, now it was often 3000 tons a week, itnd if coal was also counted there would be some weelcs when the trade would be in the vicinity of five or eix thousand tons. Only those who intimately associated with Mr. Riddock had any idea of what he had to contend with In the isorting, handling and despatching of goods. Few of .the public were acquainted with the nature of the work. He had given his whole time to the service of the State and the lengthy hours worked by this officer could be guaged by the fact that at one period of his service there were** 1100 hours overtime due to him. The reward was a slight increase in his annual leave. As a token of appreciation from railwaymen Mr. G’Shea handed to Mr. Riddock a suit case, and a gold wristlet watch for Mrs. Riddock, and on behalf of business people the chairman presented the guest with a pair of binoculars. A number of employees in the goods shed, business men, and representatives of the carrying firms spoke in highly complimentary terms of Mr. Riddock in his capacity as foreman. In returning thanks, Mr. Riddock said it was very gratifying to hear the remarks passed by the various speakers, but he thought if it had not been for the assistance of the carriers and business men affairs would not have been carried on so well. In regard to his future movements Mr. Riddock indicated that he would possibly again take up residence in New Plymouth on returning to New Zealand.

The evening was occupied with a lengthy toast list and a number of musical items.