THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1922, Page 5

THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

PROMOTION OF MR. J. J. O’SHEA. PRESENTATION FROM STAFF. A farewell was tendered to Mr. J. J. O'Shea last evening, prior to his transference from New Plymouth, where he has occupied in turn the positions of head goods clerk and stationmaster for the past six years, to Palmerston North, where he has been appointed stationmaster. Mr. Andrew Steven (head goods clerk) presided over a large attendance of railwaymen and other colleagues of the departing guest. After the loyal toast had been drunk, the chairman proposed the toast of “Our Guest,” saying that he did so with considerable diffidence and with mixed feelings: regret at losing such a staunch friend and fine man as Mr. O’Shea, and pleasure at congratulating him on his richly-earned promotion. The speaker assured Mr. O’Shea that he carried with him to Palmerston North the verj- best wishes of the New Plymouth staff. In Mr. O’Shea the railwaymen recognised their best friendone to whom they could come with any little grievance or suggestion and always be. sure of a fair and impartial hearing. Mr. O'Shea had held many responsible positions in the railway department, continued Mr. Steven, and was an ideal superior officer. As chief clerk in the goods shed, and as stationmaster, he had seen the town grow, and in that time the railway traffic at this end had developed wonderfully. Whilst this increase was taking place, Mr. O’Shea had given every satisfaction. Mr. Steven then presented Mr. O’Shea with a portmaneau, umbrella, and a gold-mounted fountain-pen, as a slight recognition of the esteem of the staff. Messrs. E. Guthrie, J. Duffin, W. W. Thomson, and J. Lash added their congratulations to the guest, and paid a tribute to his sterling qualities. Mr. on rising to respond, was greeted with enthusiastic applause. He said he hardly knew how to express his thanks for the honor done him and the congratulations extended, but he assured them that it was with very deep regret that he was leaving New Plymouth. He had had a very happy time among the staff here, and any success he had attained was chiefly due to the very excellent and loyal staff he had. He had been in a good many places in New Zealand, but he could say, without fear of contradiction, that the New Plymouth staff was second to none. Concluding, Mr. O’Shea expressed thanks for the presentation and kind words. He had always tried to do his best for the men, the department, and the general public. A short toast-list was subsequently honored, whilst an enjoyable musical and elocutionary programme was contributed to by Messrs. J. Rennie, P. O’Connor, F. Hooker, C. W. Badhain, W. Johnson, and P. Tunbridge.