POPULAR POLICEMAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 August 1940, Page 4

POPULAR POLICEMAN

SERGEANT C. H. REARDON FAREWELLED GATHERING AT MASTERTON COURTHOUSE. TRIBUTE BY JUSTICES & OTHERS. “It is with mixed feelings that we have assembled this afternoon to say farewell to Sergeant C. H. Reardon,” stated Mr E. G. Eton, District Coroner, at a large and representative gathering in the Masterton Courthouse yesterday when justices of the peace and court officials met to make the presentation of a handsome chiming clock to Sergeant Reardon, who has been transferred to Wellington. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs S. L. P. Free. C. E. Grey, R. Judd. W. Kemp, W. H. Jackson, J. Donald, J. C. Ewington and Norman Lee, J's.P. Senior-Sergeant G. A. Doggett represented' the Wairarapa police. “I say mixed feelings, in that we are sorry to lose the services of such a splendid officer but at the same time Ave are pleased with his deserving promotion,” said Mr Eton. “All Avho have come into contact with Sergeant Reardon during his 15 years service witl the Police Force and his 5 years' sta; in Masterton will agree with these sen timents. He has always been a zea lous, dilligent officer and has that.Avor derful gift called ‘tact.’ He is a ma of marked ability and at the rate h has gained promotion we will not t' surprised to learn of his appointmei to the position of commissioner. V have already had onp from here. “ is my pleasant duty to offer you ai Mrs Reardon a token of our estee and we trust that you will have heal and prosperity in your new sphen stated Mr Eton.

“He Avas always a friend to the u fortunate lawbreaker,” observed Mr Krahagen. “Having known his grar father and father I do not wonder his promotion,” he said. Messrs A. Caselberg, A. D. Low a W. G. Lamb also endorsed the previc speakers’ remarks. Mr R. H. Whittaker, clerk of t court, paid a tribute to Sergeant Re; don's capabilities and Avished h. every success on behalf of the coi staff. In returning thanks Sergeant Res don thanked everyone on his own ai his Avife's behalf and expressed appr ciation to Messrs Whittaker, J. Co bishley, Fairbairn (court staff), ft Eton; the police and justices of tl peace. The guest of honour Avas accorde musical honours. POLICE TRIBUTE EFFICIENT AND OFFICER. Further evidence of Sergeant Reardon’s popularity was shown by the large attendance of representatives of the Wairarapa police force, traffic officers, Justice Department and all sections of the community, which taxed the capacity of the Masterton Police station at a farewell gathering last night. Many apologies for absence were received. In making the presentation of an oak barometer, Senior-Sergeant G. A. Doggett paid a warm tribute to Sergeant Reardon, stating that he had had many happy years of association with him and had always found him an efficient courteous, and tactful officer. “I also wish to express my personal thanks to Sergeant Reardon for his assistance to me,” added Senior-Sergeant Doggett. On behalf of the local force Detec-tive-Sergeant W. Kane congratulated Sergeant Reardon on his promotion and expressed regret at losing his services. Constables R. H. Hollis, R. Hill, R. J. Berry, N. Bach, F. Diggle and J. Fitzpatrick spoke in similar vein. Constables Gregor (Greytown) and Robertson (Carterton) referred to their association with Sergeant Reardon and added to the many tributes paid to the guest of honour. Traffic Officers W. G. Milne and J. McGregor, Messrs J. R. Fairbairn (Justice, Department), AV. H. King (P. arid T. Department); J. E. Broad, Alan Wardell (farming community); I. B. Knell. L. S. Nicol: W. White (Levin and Co.); and R. Coutts also spoke briefly. Mr W. H. Lindsey thanked Sergeant Reardon for his personal assistance to him and presented him with a fountain pen. Sergeant Reardon acknowledged the gifts and the sentiments expressed with them. OTHER FAREWELLS. Sergeant Reardon, who has been the guest at many farewell evenings this week was made the presentation of a tobacco pouch and a complete salad set at a gathering of the staff of Messrs Levin and Co. on Thursday evening. The presentation was made by Mr A. Scott, who wished the guest all future prosperity. Sergeant Reardon, accompanied by his wife and family will leave Masterton for his new duties on Monday morning.