Rosewood History

Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld.1909 – 1954), Thursday 15 June 1939, page 6

EFFICIENT RAILWAY OFFICER.
Mr. Jerry Sloane Farewelled.
Rosewood People’s Appreciation.

ROSEWOOD, June 14.
Mr. Jerry Sloane, who for the last 15 years has been associated with the clerical branch of the Rosewood Railway Station, and who has received promotion and transfer to Roma-street Station, was honoured by a representative gathering of town and country residents in the Rosewood Farmers’ Hall last night. Cr. A. J. Loveday (Chairman of the Rosewood Shire Council) presided and the function took the form of a smoke concert. 

After the loyal toast had been honoured the Chairman expressed pleasure at the large number present to honour Mr. Sloane, who had been in the service of the Railway Department at Rosewood for nearly 16 years. Mr. Sloane’s cheery nature and courteous manner, he said, were appreciated by all who had had dealings with him. None had given better service to the department. He was sorry they were losing Mr. Sloane, but was pleased to congratulate him on his promotion. 

Rev. Father O’Rourke said he had known “Jerry” for 14 years, and was sorry that he was leaving. It was always a pleasure to approach Mr. Sloane at the railway station, and though they were glad that he had received promotion, the people of the district would miss him very much. He commended Mr. Sloane for his interest in the children. Father O’Rourke expressed best wishes to Mr. Sloane and his wife, and hoped often to see them back at Rosewood. 

Mr. E. Ashwood, on behalf of Mr. Sloane’s fellow employees at the rallway station, expressed regret at his departure, remarking that he had worked with him for five and a half years. He had never worked with a better man. 

Mr. S. Trewick, on behalf of the coal owners of the district, referred to the good nature of their guest, and said that all would miss him at Rosewood. He wished Mr. Sloane the best of luck, and hoped his promotion would be only a step to another one. 

Mr. E. O’Sullivan, on behalf of the Rosewood A. and H. Association, said he had known “Jerry” all his life. Mr. Sloane had been a silent worker in the interests of the A. and H. Association, he said, and had been in charge of the dog section for many years. He was sorry they were losing him, and he wished him every successin his new position. 

DESERVED PROMOTION.
Mr. A. Capern, on behalf of the business community, said they could ill afford to lose people of the calibre of Mr. Slbane. They congratulated him on his promotion, and considered he really deserved it. The speaker expressed thanks for the many courtesies extended to the people by Mr. Sloane, and said that everyone had a good word for “Jerry.” He wished him and his wife everything of the best in Brisbane. 

Mr. W. McGeary said he he had known Mr. Sloane for a long time and had come in contact with him for a number of years in his official capacity. He always had found him a very effcient officer, and very obliging. He was sorry Mr. Sloane was going away, and wished him and his wife the best. 

Dr. R. Wallace said Mr. Sloane had been a capable officer, and was always courteous and obliging. Apart from his duties as an official of the railway, Mr. Sloane had proved himself a very good townsman. Mr. Sloane, he said, had been honorary auditor of the Golf Club, and on behalf of the club he expressed appreciation of his services, and wished him the best of everything. 

Mr. J. Dale said that many in the district would miss Mr. Sloane, who had earned the high esteem of residents. He would always greet one cheerfully no matter how busy he was. Rosewood was fortunate to have had him so long. 

Cr. C. Murphy (Deputy Chairman of the Rosewood Shire Council) on behalf of the farming community, said they were always thankful to “Jerry”‘ for his assistance. It was always a pleasure to go to him. It was with a tinge of regret that they farewelled him, as he was a member of one of the most respected families of the district whose name would always be associated with the town as long as Rosewood was Rosewood. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Sloane all the best for the future. 

Mr. G. Dale said he was pleased to be present to pay a tribute to his esteemed friend Jerry Sloane. No-one was more sorry than he that Mr. Sloane was going away. He hoped Mr. Sloane would have a long and useful life am a railway emnloyee. 

WORK FOR DIGGERS.
Mr. N. F. Coote paid a tribute to Mr. Sloane’ for the assistance that he had rendered to the Returned Soldiers’ League as President of the Rosewood sub-branch. He had been a power of strength to the returned soldiers’ movement. He had pulled the League together in the district, and had been responsible for the sub-branch’s being able to contributeits quota to the upkeep of “Kingsholme.” He had recently resigned the presidency of the local sub-branch, but at the request of members had consented to remain in office for his full term. Mr. Sloane had done a lot for the Diggers who passed through the town. 

Eulogistic references to the gtest oif honour were also made by Messrs. H. D. Hollis and E. Fraser. 

On behalf of the people, Cr. Loveday presented Mr. Sloane with a thermos vacuum jug as a slight token of their appreciation, and expressed best wishes to Mr. Sloane and his wife. Musical honours were accorded Mr. Sloane. 

Mr. Sloane briefly responded, expressing thanks for the gift and good wishes. The courtesies attributed to him by the speakers also were given by all members of the staff at the Rosewood railway station. On behalf of Mrs. Sloane also, he expressed warm thanks. 

Other toasts honoured were: “The Artists,” proposed by Mr. A. Street and “The Caterers” by Mr. J. Davis. Toasts to the Chairman, proposed by Dr. Wallace, also the organisers, were honoured. 

Solos were sung by Messrs. A. Sellars, M. Murphy, and E. Wright Community singing, under the conductorship of Mr. S. Yarrow, was enjoyed. Mr. N. F. Coote was pianist. 

Mr. Sloane severed his connection with the Rosewood railway station yesterday, and has started his annual holidays, on the completion of which he will begin duty at Roma-street.