LONG SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1935, Page 11

LONG SERVICE.

POLICE OFFICER.

MR. J, W. HCLLIS FAREWELLhD

AUCKLAND PRESENTATIONS

Members of the uniform and detective branches of the Auckland Police Force met in the library at headquarters last night to farewell Inspector J. W, Hollis, who is on retiring leave after 39 years' service, eight of which were spent as inspector in this city. Superintendent S. Till presided and presented Mr. and Mrs. Hollis each with an easy chair from members of the uniform branch, while Sub-Inspector J. Sweeney, ou behalf of the detective staff, presented a china cabinet.

Mr. Till said Mr. Hollis had spent the best part of his life in the service of the police force, and to give up this work must mean a big break for him. He had met with varied experiences in his long career and had taken part in the investigation of many important cases. Most of his work had been in the detective branch, while his period of service as a commissioned officer in later years had also brought him into close touch with the work of the detective side of the- force. "Mr, Hollis is

retiring from the service with an unblemished record," said Mr. Till. "That is surely a great achievement. The duties of a police officer are most exacting and require a man who is capable and efficient to carry them out satisfactorily as Mr. Hollis has surely done." On behalf of the officers and men of Auckland, Mr. Till wished Mr. and Mrs. Hollis and their son long life, happiness and prosperity.

Respected by Citizens. Inspector R. R. J. Ward said he had not had the pleasure of wor-king on the same station as Inspector Hollis, but he had worked in Wellington and Wanganui where Mr. Hollis had formerly served. The "kindly expressions and inquiries that were always made concerning Mr. Hollis showed that he had been highly thought of and respected by citizens of those towns where he had previously served. The inspector had borne the brunt of many years of hard work, and as inspector in Auckland for eight years he had well filled one of the most difficult police positions in the Dominion. He was now leaving the force with the knowledge that he had done his duty well. Sub-Inspector Sweeney spoke of the assistance which Mr. Hollis had always given to junior members of the force, and the kindly consideration shown to all members of his staff. Detective-Sergeant A. G. MeHugh, Senior Sergeant Flanagan and Sergeant J. Claasen also spoke, the latter referring to Mr. Hollis' interest in sport and recreation and his readiness at all times to promote all forms of .sport and athletics among the police. '-

In replying, Mr. Hollis said it was certainly a big moment in his life to break his connection with the police force after almost 40 years' service. Still, he had no regrets, as he had made the police force his hobby and had done his best at all times. He was thankful for the strength and happiness that he still enjoyed since coming to Auckland in June of ISOli. He had joined 'the force as a young man, and hail continued until he was practically an old man. Mr. Hollis referred to the great changes that had occurred since he first joined the force in Auckland. He had seen the city grow from one of 60,000 inhabitants to its present size. After relating some of his experiences he concluded by thanking the members of the Auckland police district for the kind thoughts that had been expressed, and said he would always enjoy pleasant memories of the years gone by. The ceremony concluded "with the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and Hie giving of cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Hollis and their son.