Ex-railroad men signally honored

Presentation made to D. J. Quinlan and A. S. Burton at banquet

The employees of the Allandale Division of the Canadian National Railways, with a number of former employees and friends, gathered at the railway restaurant on Saturday evening to do honor to two popular fellow workers who have retired. Mr. D. J. Quinlan, chief dispatcher, after over half a century with the railway, retires on pension, while Mr. A. S. Burton, dispatcher, owing to impairment to his hearing, was forced to give up after 36 years service.

About two hundred sat down at the banquet table, presided over by Superintendent W. B. Way. On his right was D. J. Quinlan, guest of the evening, with his two sons, Father Quinlan, of Rochester, and Mr. Horace Quinlan, of Ottawa, also Mr. A. S. Burton, while on the left sat Mr. W. T. Moodie, general superintendent of the Northern Division. During the evening presentations were made to Mr. Quinlan and to Mr. Burton, the former being the recipient of a handsome grandfather clock, and the latter of a library floor lamp.

Mr. Way, in his genial way, said that all roads led to Allandale on this occasion and he wished to extend a hearty welcome to all who had come to do honor to two old-time fellow employees. Here only a short time, he was associated with Mr. Quinlan for a year, but he found him capable, efficient and loyal, and at all times anxious to co-operate with the employees. Mr. Burton had a clear record also.

On behalf of the conductors of the division, Mr. Chas. McNiven conveyed to Mr. Quinlan and Mr. Burton the appreciation of the men for the co-operation received at all times and the splendid service given in the movement of trains. He believed that every man should have something to take up his leisure time other than a profession, to develop mind and body. All realize that Mr. Quinlan had done much, particular for education, and no one can ever measure the contribution Mr. and Mrs. Quinlan have made through their sons. All regretted the retirement of Mr. Burton, but he with his good wife were also adding their contribution to the finer things of life.

Mr. A. H. Goodall [Dispatcher, Allandale Division] then read a handsomely bound address to Mr. Quinlan, while the presentation of the clock was made by Mr. W. J. Little [Assistant Superintendent, Allandale Division].

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Mr. Quinlan, in replying, said he was under orders not to make an address as he was under a doctor's care; he was just to sit quiet and look pretty. He just brought his two boys with him to show them the friends their father had on the Allandale Division. He appreciated very much the gift and also the kind remarks made. He was surprised to see the large number present, and assured all that he would always cherish this manifestation of his fellow employees.

Father Quinlan was asked to speak and said it was an unexpected pleasure. He wished to voice the appreciation of the family for the tangible tribute to their father, who had served with the railway for over half a century. "A nation must be built on the appreciation of the little things of life", and that spirt was very manifest among the railway men. The spirit of service was the dominant thing on the Canadian National, and that should be the dominant thing in all over lives. It was a great source of gratitude to his father and family to have this tribute of appreciation. There were but few of the old guard of 1880 left, but the younger men have joined in the spirit of appreciation. The thing most worthwhile in life, after all, was the spirit of friendship.

Mr. Horace Quinlan wished to convey the appreciation of the family for the honor done his father.

An address was read to Mr. A. S. Burton by M. W. J. Little, and the floor lamp presented by A. H. Goodall.

Mr. Burton said he was deeply touched by the honor done him. He valued the friendship and goodwill of his fellow employees after an unbroken period of 26 years as dispatcher and 36 years' service. Though retired, he still considered himself as belonging to the great family of the National Railway. During all the years he had received nothing but kindness from all, and any fraternal society could not compare to that existing among the railway employees. Several amusing incidents were related by Mr. Burton, showing the fine spirit and friendship on the railroad.

Telegrams and letters expressing good wishes were read from former officials and co-workers, Messrs. Weegar, Buller, Duff, Tebo and Tom. Mr. Trent, now at Thornbury, sent a box of McIntosh apples, which were greatly enjoyed.

Expressions of goodwill were voiced for the dispatchers by Mr. F. J. D. Norman, the engineers by Mr. Royce, the conductors by W. J. Riddell, the telegraphers by Mr. Buchanan, Stayner, and Mr. Haroie, Washago, who amused the gathering with a Russian song. Mr. Galbraith spoke for the track men.

His Worship Mayor McGuaig brought greetings from the town, emphasizing the spirit of the service which was so dominant on the Canadian National to-day. Mr. Quinlan and Mr. Burton would still find scope for service among their fellow men. A few years ago the town of Barrie was much concerned about the future of Allandale as a division point, but things are not so bad. Today there was not an empty house in Allandale or in Barrie, which showed that the town was at least holding its own.

Mr. W. J. Piggott, now superintendent of the London Division, but a former Allandale man, who came to Allandale from Lindsay, said that no line produced a better class of men than those two single track lines. The old guard of 1892 was now getting small. D. J. Quinlan at all times gave wonderful support to all then men. He recalled that he had taught Mr. Burton the rudiments of dispatching and regretted that he was now compelled to give up.

Mr. W. T. Moodie, general superintendent for the Northern District, paid high tribute to dispatchers in general and to Mr. Quinlan in particular. He had never got so much sound advice as from Mr. Quinlan. It was too bad that the railroad was to lose so valuable an employee. To Mr. Quinlan and Mr. Burton he wished the best of health and happiness in the years ahead.

Mr. J. W. Neill, the new dispatcher at Allandle, was introduced and in reply said that he had met Mr. Quinlan 26 years ago when a night operator at Georgetown, and always since found him anxious to co-operate in every way. To his fellow employees on the Allandale Division Mr. Neill looked for co-operation, and he was sure that would be given.

Railways: C.N.Rys.

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