PRESENTATION TO MR W. PICKETT, LATE SUB-INSPECTOR ON THE WAIKAT0 RAILWAY,

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1536, 9 May 1882, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MR W. PICKETT, LATE SUB-INSPECTOR ON THE WAIKATO RAILWAY,

* _ Last evening as many of the employees on the Auckland- Waikato line as could lea«fe their posts met at Milne's Commercial Hotel, Hamilton, for the purpose of presenting Mr W. Pickett with an address, accompanied with a substantial purse of sovereigns. The address was beautifully illuminated, from the hands of Mr Slater, of Auckland, and ran as follows : — To Mr Wai. Pickltt. Di Ku Sir. — We, the undeisigned employees on the Auckland section desire to testify our appreciation of th.c kind and aff.ible manner in which jou have constantly acted to those under your charge whilst Sub-Ir.spector.. We iincerely regret th.it the Government should have dispensed with your services, and in absming you 1 ot our earnest desire for your futuie welfare, we beg your acceptance of the .iccomp.injing' purse as a mark ot our esteem. — We arc, Dear Sir, [Here follow 64 signatures,' comprising the whole of the employees under Mr Pickett's ch.ir^c] Mr Manners was elected chairman, and in making the presentation said, on behalf of himself and fellow-workman, they begged to testify to Mr Pickett their appreciation of his ' character. His behaviour fco them had always been gentlemanly, and as workmen they considered him tbeir ideal of what a subinspector should be ; for although he had frequently found fault, and probably with reason, he was on other occasions equally ready to give credit whei-e' credit 'was due. It was this marked feature that made it a pleasme to Avork under him — it was always, an incentive for every man to do his best. Pie trusted they would always meet witli men like Mr Pickett to work under. He might say a great deal more, but nothing could be said to add to their feelings ol respect for him and regret at his departure from amongst them. He now begged his acceptance of the testimonial and accompanying purse. Mr Pickett, in reply, said he could not express himself as he could wish, but felt sure they would all understand how much he appreciated their token of regard. As far as their work was concerned he had always striven to do his duty. He deeply felt the occasion that led to this, their kind and considerate token of their regard for him, which' he failed to be able to thank them sufficiently for ; but he trusted and believed that his dismissal was only an error of judgment, and that all would come right in ' time. He desired to express his thanks to those who were unable to be present, and assured them that he should never forget their kindness and hearty sympathy as evinced on all sides from them that night.