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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 8 (January 15, 1927)

Wellington District Notes — (contributed)

page 42

Wellington District Notes
(contributed)

Valedictory.

Mr. J. Scott, Foreman Boilermaker at Petone Workshops for the past nine years, recently retired on superannuation, having completed thirty-seven years service. After serving his apprenticeship in the Old Country, Mr. Scott came to New Zealand in 1885, working at his trade in Christchurch until he joined the Railway Department in 1890. He was stationed at East Town for twenty years, and was then transferred to Addington, being later (in 1918) transferred to Petone. In his younger days Mr. Scott was a noted sportsman, taking a very active part in sculling, rifle shooting, and fire brigades. On the eve of his retirement, Mr. Scott was met by his fellow workers and presented with a pair of field glasses for himself, and a solid silver teapot for Mrs. Scott. In making the presentation, Mr. A. E. Walworth, Workshops Manager, remarked that he had known Mr. Scott for twenty-seven years, and could say that he had always come up smiling after any difficulties he had met. The Department was losing a good officer and the staff a good friend. He wished Mr. Scott many years of good health in which to enjoy his well earned superannuation. Mr. W. H. Edwards, Secretary, Petone Branch, A.S.R.S., Mr. J. McDougall, Tradesmen's Association, and Mr. George Hogg also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Scott, who suitably responded.

* * * *

Moore's Hall, Johnsonville, was the seene of a very pleasant function on Thursday evening 11th Deer., when Mr. A. M. Beetham, Assistant Stationmaster, who is on transfer to Hamilton, was farewelled by a representative gathering of the Railway staff and local residents. Mr. F. Jacobs presided, and referred to the many good qualities and popularity of the departing guest. Mr. Alex Moore, speaking on behalf of the suburban residents, eulogised Mr. Beetham for the courteous manner in which he had served the public, and wished him all good luck and success in his new position. On behalf of the staff and friends Mr. Thompson, Stationmaster, presented Mr. Beetham with a solid leather suitcase suitably inscribed.

Several musical items were much appreciated.

Thorndon Reclamation Works.

In company with Mr. Morgan, Stationmaster, the writer recently visited the Reclamation at Thorndon, and was surprised at the progress that is being made. The sea wall, now nearing completion, is 3,879 feet in length. When the scheme is completed fully seventy acres will have been reclaimed from the sea. Of this area sixty acres will be used by the Railway Department for the new goods yards, etc. The magnitude of the work of building the sea wall may be gathered from the following facts: The estimated number of cubie yards of concrete necessary to completion amounts to 74,994. To date 72,852 yards have been deposited. The wall is constructed in water varying in depth from 28 feet to 55 feet, the base of the wall varying from nineteen feet to thirty feet, according to depth, tapering to four and a half feet at the top. Approximately 2,350,000 cubic yards of spoil will be required for filling in the area reclaimed, and to date 750,000 cubic yards have been pumped in, roughly one third of the total quantity necessary. If the present rate of progress is maintained the job should be completed in about three years time. Already a considerable area is awash and before long will be dry land. We can now look forward to the time when the new Wellington station and yards will be an accomplished fact.

General.

Messrs. A. N. Longton and James O'Neill, of the Wellington Goods Office staff, are still laid aside by sickness, but it is hoped that ere long they will be restored to their usual health. After five months absence on accident leave, the result of a motoring mishap, Mr. H. A. Steers, of the District Traffic Manager's Office staff, has now resumed duty.

* * * *

Mr. H. Valentine, Chief Accountant, and Mr. J. Baine, a member of the Accountant's staff, recently joined the ranks of the benedicts.

* * * *

The Training School continues to do its good work, and the results already achieved are quite apparent. This is particularly noticeable in the behaviour and manner of the boys who have passed through Mr. Bracefield's hands. The first clerical examinations will shortly be held, and the students are now preparing therefor.

Palmerston North Notes.

The Manawatu A. and P. Show proved a great success and was well patronised by the public. The slip in the Manawatu Gorge caused the Association and the Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa exhibitors a great deal of concern. The arrangements made by the Department, however, to convey the live stock and other exhibits via the Wairarapa line overcame the difficulty, and page 43 were much appreciated. Many complimentary remarks on the Department's action were passed by members of the Association. Mr. J. J. O'Shea, Stationmaster, was honoured at the official luncheon, and was also the recipient of a letter from the Secretary expressing the Association's very warm appreciation of the efforts put forth by the Management and the staff over a very trying period. The combined Government and Railway publicity exhibits, which were controlled by Messrs. Stewart and Fenton, and the Advertising exhibits in charge of Mr. Thompson, were of much interest and greatly admired by the many thousands of visitors. The staff has heard many complimentary references to the excellence of the exhibits, the photographical display in particular coming in for special mention.

* * * *

Mr. C. F. Cronin was recently transferred to Taihape. Prior to his departure he was met in the Stationmaster's office by the staff, and presented with a fountain pen. The presentation was made by Mr. O'Shea, Stationmaster, who spoke in laudatory terms of Mr. Cronin's services. Mr. Cronin suitably replied.

* * * *

At the time of writing Mr. O'Shea is off duty on sick leave, but is expected to be back in harness before long.