PRESENTATION TO MR. W. R. MORRIS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 224, 9 June 1923, Page 8

PRESENTATION TO MR. W. R. MORRIS

RETIRING PHBT.IC SERVICE COMMISSIONER. ; Th». lately-retiring Public Service Comm’ssioner, Mr. W. R. Morris, was yesterday met bv ifhe administrative heads of the various Government Departments in the old Cabinet room, Government Buildings, and presented with a very fine Queen Mary crystal suite and a suitably engraved silver salver, as a token of their esteem. The presentation was made by Colonel J. J. Eason (Secretary to the Treasury), who expressed the great regret felt by the administrative officers at the severance of /i. long and highlyvalued official association. Mr. Morris, who for more than half a century had been a most devoted servant < f the State, was a disciple of progress, who courageously did his own thinking and stood by the verdict. In the last three years of his long and honourable service, Mr. Morris had filled during a troublous period, what was probably the most responsible and certainly the most criticised position in the Public Service. He had twice been n.moored bv the King, and it was not exaggerating to say that on his retirement he carried with him the warm regard of thousands of Public servants who regarded him as a guide, counseller. and friend, rather than the arbiter of the r official fate. He had at all times held the scales evenly, and his name would long continue to be associated with the Public Service of New Zealand. In addition to the consciousness that his life contained a full measure of services, Mr. Morris would have the gratifying knowledge that he had won the good will of all with whom he had been associated. On behailf of ,the administrative officers it was his privilege to express the hope that Mr. and Mrs. Morris would be long spared to enjoy the leisure which had been so well earned.

The Solicitor-General (Mr. McGrecor), and Dr. Valintine, Director of the Health Department, endorsed the sentiments expressed by Colonel Esson. The latter, who has had ihe longest service as a permanent head in the Service, spoke of the relief and assistance the Public Service Commissioner had afforded the departmental heads. In replying, Mr. Morris returned his deepest thanks for the presentation. He spoke of the happy recollections he possessed of over half a century’s service in the State employ, and as the result of that experience he had. no hesitation iffi expressing his very highest opinion of the capable manner m which the different Departments were now managed by their respective heads. New Zealand had reason to be proud of the calibre and ' standing of the heads of her Public Service and of the Service generally. His honest conviction also was that amongst those controlling affairs there was-the desire to run their Departments ns economically as poss’ble. Tim present he hnd just received would always be treasured bv him. Occasion was taken to offer a warm welcome and congratulations to the new Commissioner. Mr. P. D. N. Verschaffelt, and to assure him of the hearty co-ooeration of the heads of the Departments. Regret was also expressed at the retirement of' Mr. Montgomery from the control of the Customs Department, and of Mr. J. H. Richardson, lately in charge of the Government Insurance Department. ’