'Top job by age of 35'

Press, 14 August 1976, Page 20

'Top job by age of 35'

If a person did not have a top job by the age of 35, it was unlikely that he or she ever would, said Mr R. H. Stewart, a Christchurch businessman and Honorary Consul for Malaysia m the South Island, at a presentation of awards to National Airways apprentices. Mr Stewart said he had always believed that the years from 15 to 25 were those in which one learned something, while the years from 15 to 35 were those when one gained experience in what one had learned. He told the apprentices that it was most important for them to apply themselves and to learn everything they could before they were 25. National Airways had a very high reputation for its safety record and the competence of its engineering facilities, a reputation which was recognised internationally, Mr Stewart said. He advised the. young men to study’ and learn everything they could from the airline. He was sure the years of tuition and the long hours of study would be highly regarded by their superiors in their early years as tradesmen.

As Honorary Consul for Malaysia in tire South Island, Mr Stewart said it was pleasing to know that several Malaysian apprentices were in training at the engineering headquarters. This indicated to him the close relationship existing between Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand, a relationship important to the future stability of thei countries of the Pacific basin, j Mr Stewart presented a; special prize on behalf of the: Malaysia High Commission toi New Zealand to an appren-! tice, Mr Leong Chong, and presented prizes to about 20 other apprentices. The Foley Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the best engineering apprentice for the year with more than 7000 hours of his contract completed, was presented to Mr G. L. Eban by the airline’s general manager and chief executive (Mr D. A. Patterson). Guests were welcomed by National Airways’ engineering manager (Mr A. J. Smaill). Before the presentation ceremony, the apprentices. their parents and friends were taken on a tour of the engineering headquarters.