Mexborough and Swinton Times, March 17.
A Respected Colliery Official.
Tribute to Mr Vincent Rose at the Denaby.
40 Year´s Service.
And interesting ceremony took place at a gathering of officials and workmen of the Denaby and Cadeby Main Collieries, at the Officials Club, Denaby Main, on Saturday evening, when a presentation was made to Mr Vincent Rose on his retirement, after having served the company for 40 years, the last 33 of which were spent in the capacity of Enginewright.
A very happy gathering took place, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, and during the evening. Mr Rose was presented with a handsome mahogany timepiece, with Westminster chimes, which bore the following inscription:
“Presented to Mr V Rose by the officials and workmen of the Cadeby Main Colliery, as a mark of esteem and his retirement after completing 33 years service as Enginewright.”
Mr H Hulley, manager of the Cadeby Colliery, presided, and was supported by Mr E.T.Hardy (Chief Engineer), Mr W.Still (manager, Denaby), Mr Geo. Gregory (Traffic Manager), Mr W Wilkinson (under manager, Cadeby Colliery), Mr G.H.Milner (under manager, Denaby Main Colliery), Mr Arthur Thompson (blacksmith), and Mr W.Shacklock
The chairman apologised for the absence of Mr H.C.Harrison, agent of the Denaby and Cadeby Main Collieries, and also read a letter from Mr T.W.Casey, formerly, M.P.4. Attercliffe, who was a winder under Mr Rose at Cadeby, and all was one of Mr Rose´s oldest workmen, regretting his inability to attend. The letter referred to the service of Mr Rose and said that no colliery company could have a more faithful or more industry. A servant than he had been, and Mr Casey thought it was correct to say that Mr Rose had the utmost confidence of both officials and workmen. The Chairman also apologise for the absence of the managing director of the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries, Mr W.A.Chambers, who, but for his living out of the district, would have been glad to be present.
Continuing, the chairman said there was always a little sadness about gatherings of that description, because it meant “dropping a pilot.” They were parting with an old and respective servant of the company, and he did not know of any official of the company were being more respected than Mr Rose had been. There came a time, however, with everyone, when they had to slacken the range, and that time and now come for Mr Rose, and they were met that night to show him that they entertained a great respect for him and for the work he had done, not only for the colliery company, before the village.
During his time at Denaby, Mr Rose been interested in much social work in the place. Mr Rose had shown them how one could be a master, and also be a man. (Applause.) Mr Rose was one of the oldest residents of Denaby Main, and had seen it grow from small beginnings to his present position. His term of service as engine right – 33 years – was a large slice out of a man’s life, but nobody could have a better record than he had. What ever token of respect, they might render to him. They could not be half enough in return for the services rendered by Mr Rose, not only to the Company, but also to the workmen under him. They were very sorry the time, when he mustering tire, but there was one join retiring for him, and that was that he was retiring with honours. (Hear, hear). He was retiring not only with honours, but with the respect of every man and boy about the place, and that, to his mind was worth more than anything tangible they might give him. If a man and earn the respect of his fellow workmen and also visited masters, that was worth more than any presence he might receive. He was sure everybody would join with him in wishing Mr Rose the greatest happiness. While he lived his retirement amongst them in Denaby Main. (Applause.)
After several other tributes. Mr Rose was very cordially received on rising to respond, and said he felt that they were all workmen, and they had worked together. When he came to Denaby he thought he was coming to a place which was finished, but, as the years went on, developments took place, and Cadeby Colliery was started, and he was appointed enginewright 33 years ago. He made up his mind to do his duty to both men and masters, and he had tried to accomplish that was “. (Applause.) He knew he had said hard things at times, but one had to do that in order to be kind to some men (hear, hear). Young men had been brought up their, and had been trained at that colliery, were now holding very good positions today, and he believed it was a large measure due to their training received at Cadeby (applause.)
It gave him very great pleasure to thank them all that evening, not only for the present their given them, but for their presence there, which gave him much more satisfaction than the clock or the wallet. (Hear, hear). He did feel that he could go away with the respect of most of the men who had worked under him. He thanked everyone very heartily for the present and for their attendance that evening. (Applause.)
Mr W.Wells also spoke. Related many interesting details of the early history of Denaby Main. Mr hates Rosser (winder at Cadeby) spoke of his association with Mr Rose, extending over 40 years. A vote of thanks to the chairman and Mr Hardy for making a presentation, was passed on the motion of Mr Bert Mee
during the evening an excellent entertainment was given, consisting of piano solos, songs, recitations, and other numbers. The following took part: . Messrs L.Bashforth, T.S.Lamb, N.Davis, T.Allen, A.E. Berry, W.Moore and Chas. Simm
Violin solos were also given by Mr T Rushton and clarinet solos by Mr A. Thompson. A violin and PR no duet was also rendered by Messrs Rushton (violin) and T.Thornton (piano).
A most enjoyable time was spent.