POPULAR A. A. MAN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 43, 31 July 1939, Page 5

POPULAR A. A. MAN

FAREWELL TO MR V. WILSON USEFUL GIFTS PRESENTED The esteem in which Automobile Association Patrol V. Wilson has been held was shown by the large attendance of business men, local body representatives and friends in the County Chambers on Thursday, when, he Avas farewelled and presented with a gold wristlet watch, a fireside chair and a silver serviette ring for his small daughter. Mr Wilson ( after two years service in Whakatane, has been transferred to Auckland on promotion as assistant-engi-neer, and he takes up his new duties on Monday. The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, presided over the gathering of nearly thinty. He apologised for,the absence of Messrs Arres, Patterson, 'J. White, Gibberd and Darvill. Mr Wilson, said Mr Barr;v, had been here for some years. For vari_ ous reasons the Whakatane air seemed to agree with him, and he could not understand why Mr Wilson wanted to leave. However, he was going to well-merited promotion and he wished him every success. He hoped that Mr Wilson and his family would enjoy the best of health and prosperity. Mr A. J. Canning also regretted ''Vance's" departure. He had been, one of the most popular A.A. men in the district, with his tactful man. ner and real ability. Whakatanc's was Auckland's gain.

Mr L. H. BroAvn added his regrets. He was quite sure that before long the ''assistant'' Avould be from the description of his position, and he would be the "chief."* The Automobile Association, was a body second to none, but it Avas often forgotten that its success AA T as due to the human element, represented by such officers as Mr Wilson. Mr L. Buddie had had a good deal to do Avith Mr Wilson and he had found him helpful, courteous and obliging. He regretted his departure, and Avould go a step further than Mr Brown; he thought Mr Wilson AA'ould one day succeed Mr Champtaloup. Mr Barry then presented the fireside chair and Avaitch to Mr Wilson, and also handed OA'er the serA'iette ring AA'hich belonged to the ''Whakatane'' member of the Wilson, family. Mr Wilson agreed that it Avas at times like these that a popular variety of SAA r eet AA T i s required! He could not think of Avords to express his gratitude. He had simply done "h's job, and in that he had had the assistance and co-operation of all in the community. He thanked all for the beautiful gifts Avhich Avould surely bring back pleasant memories of Whakatane.