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Speech by the Prime Minister
At the Railway Head Office Picnic

Farewell To Mr. Sterling

The Prime Minister, in his capacity as Minister of Railways, was in splendid form at the picnic in Maidstone Park held by the staffs of the Head Office.

And he certainly had a magnificent reception from the thousand happy friendly picnickers who crowded, under the trees of that delightful holiday ground, round the table from which the speeches were delivered and the prizes presented.

“I had thought,” said Mr. Coates, “of an ingenious plan for avoiding a speech on this occasion,” (laughter) “and I regret to find that my ingenuity has been misplaced and that it must now be directed to discover what to say.

“I am not going to deal with questions of salaries and wages. On those points I must keep as still as a dormouse.” (Laughter and applause). “Let us see,” he continued, “how we get on this year. It is really a question whether Mr. Valentine” (indicating the Chief Accountant) “can do anything out of the Railway returns, and I would advise you to get on to him.

“There is, however, one subject on which I feel called upon to address you and that is the imminent departure of Mr. Sterling of the Railway Board to take up work in a leading private commercial undertaking.

“There is, I assure you, not much pleasure for me in saying good bye to Mr. Sterling. He has done a great deal towards the progress and welfare of the Department.

“He has put his whole heart and soul into the problems of the Department with results which reflect extreme credit on himself, and I do not hesitate to say that the value of his work to the Department cannot be overstated. We all recognize that.” (Applause.)

Turning to Mr. Sterling, Mr. Coates continued: “One and all of us recognise your worth, that you are one of our outstanding men. We recognise the hand of the man in much of the good work of the Department.”

Mr. Coates then asked Mr. Sterling to say a few words, “not” he continued, “that we wish to intefere with the cigar merchant over there in the little tent in the corner.” (Loud laughter and great applause.)

Mr. Sterling, who was received with cheers, said:—

“Mr. Coates, Mr. Wynne, and ladies and gentlemen, I must say that when Mr. Coates invited me to accompany him to-day I had not the slightest idea that I would be landed for a speech. At the same time I am very pleased to take the opportunity afforded of saying a few words to you in connection with my approaching departure from amongst you.

“First I must say that it is a very hard thing after 25 years' association with gentlemen of the calibre of those belonging to the Railway Service, to sever connection with them.

“It would be idle and hypocritical for me to say that from the point of view of my personal relationships with the great body of the staff I had any pleasurable feelings in contemplating the change. It is really a great wrench. But I wish here to acknowledge gratefully the splendid assistance afforded me by the officers of the Department both high and low. The confidence I had in their whole-heartedness and loyal support gave me much encouragement to face the problems arising out of the new conditions surrounding the Department's operations in an endeavour to secure and retain to the Service its proper place in the country.

“New problems created mainly by competition have made it necessary to give greater service to the people, and to let the people know what the Department is doing and can do for them. These circumstnaces called for new ideas, which those associated with the Department under the old conditions in days gone by would have looked on with amazement. We had to put off the old coat and put on the new.” (Immense cheering and laughter at what was considered a happy and intentional play upon the Hon. Minister's name.) “I have never,” continued Mr. Sterling in humorously pleading not guilty to the implied accusation, “been guilty of a pun in my life and speaking seriously I assure you I am not in a very hilarious mood at present. I feel the break very much.

“For success it is necessary to get the team spirit. I will say that the men in the Department compare more than favourably with any other body of men, and given reasonable opportunity—and on this point too I may say it usually rests with each to make his own opportunity—I feel sure you will be able to pull the Department through the conditions with which it is at present faced. I have many indications of kindness among my fellow officers, and, while thanking them for their loyalty, would ask them to extend it to my successor, whoever he may be. I have never had any misgivings as to the ability of the Railway staff to do their job and to do it well, and given the spirit of teamwork, success to the Railways is assured. I thank you all and I will always retain my interest in the work of the Department. I won't say ‘Good-bye’ but Au Revoir.”'

This inspiring speech was concluded amidst tremendous applause. Cheers were then given for Mr. Coates and Mr. Sterling, with the hearty singing of “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.”