RECENT RETIREMENTS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 160, 2 April 1931, Page 11

RECENT RETIREMENTS

Govermnent Officials SEVERAL PRESENTATIONS After 40 years’ service, Mr. J. W. McLean, assistant postmaster at Wellington, has retired on superannuation. At a large gathering in the G.P.O. on Tuesday regret was expressed at losing such an able officer, and many references were made as to his fine personal qualities. Mr. J. M. McLean, chief postmaster, who presided, in presenting the retiring officer with a token of esteem, said that Mr. McLean had a very varied experience. He joined the department at Dargaville in 1891 as a junior, and was appointed a cadet at Dargaville a few years later. He was transferred to Auckland in 1903, and spent about twelve years in the Auckland telegraph office. In 1921 he received promotion to the position of postmaster, Tauniarunui; in 1925, to Masterton, and in 1928 to the position of relieving chief postmaster. A few months later the present position of assistant postmaster became vacant, and Mr. McLean was appointed to it. “I have known Mr. McLean long enough to appreciate the very fine qualities he possesses,” he said. “Three characteristics are outstanding. The first is loyalty; the second, dignity ; and the third, courtesy—loyalty to the department and to his fellow-controlling officers, dignity in all circumstances, and courtesy on all occasions. Those arc qualities that a good mauy of us envy Mr. McLean. Presenting the retiring officer with a cheque from the staff and a letter of appreciation from the head of the department, he wished Mr. and Mrs.' McLean every happiness over many years. Mr. A. P. Bennett Mr. A. P. Bennett, who has been Chief Inspector of the Post and Telegraph Department for some years past, retired yesterday after having completed forty years’ service. . He joined the department at Masterton, and was employed subsequently in the chief post offices at Napier, Palmerston North and Westport, and in the telegraph office in Wellington. In 1904, Mr. Bennett took up duty in the Dannevirkq Post Office, and in 1915 be was appointed to a controlling position at Rotorua. In 1916 he was transferred to the secretary’s office at Wellington, and for the next nine years was employed it) the staff division. In 1923 Mr. Bennett was appointed to the senior position in the staff division, and he occupied that position for three years. In 1926 be was appointed chief inspector, and his services in that capacity have been most valuable to the department. Before Mr. Bennett ceased duty yesterday. he was met by a representative gathering of post and telegraph officers, and a case of cutlery and eases of pipes were presented to him by Mr. G. McNamara, secretary of the department, on behalf of senior officers throughout the Dominion. Mr, McNamara made eulogistic reference to the efficient manner in which Mr. Bennett had served the department throughout bis career. Mr. E. Phillips Turner Mr. E. Phillips Turner, who has retired on superannuation from the position of Director of Forestry, was farewelled on Tuesday by the officers of the department, and was the recipient of a radio set from his official confreres, and a cheque from the Timber Growers' Association. In making the presentations, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister in Charge of the Forestry Department, said that, Mr. Phillips Turner was an enthusiast in his work, and that accounted for his successful career in his special branch of the Public Service.

Short addresses expressing appreciation of the valuable work done by Mr. Phillips Turner, and of his uniform courtesy, were made by Mr. P. Verschaffelt, Public Service Commissioner; Dr. Cockayne, honorary botanist of the Forestry Department: Mr. A. Leigh Hunt, president of the New Zealand Forestry League; and Mr. A. D. McGavOck. who succeeds Mr. Turner as Director of Forestry. Dr. Cockayne mentioned that Mr. Turner and himself had laid out the boundaries of the Tongariro National Park. Mr. 11. R. van Borssum Mr. IT. R. van Borssum, after 31 years’ service in lhe Government Printing Office, and for 17 years in charge of the printing of lhe “New Zealand Gazette,’’ has retired on superannuation. Ho wias presented on Tuesday by his fellow-crafts-men with a well-filled wallet. In making the presentation. Mr. M. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, expressed appreciation of the valuable service rendered by Mr. van Borssum. Mr. A. Shelton Mr. A. Shelton, chief postmaster at Palmerston North, who retired from the Service ou Tuesday on superannuation after 40 years’ service with the Post and Telegraph Department, was farewelled by members of the staff of the chief post office, states a Special Service message. After eulogistic references bad J 1 ®o’’ 0 ’’ made to Mr. Shelton, Mr. F. G. Kind, senior supervisor of the telegraphic branch, presented him with a silver cake tray nnd a case of pipes on behalf of the staff. Mr. F. W. Furby, of the bead olhee, who has been appointed to succeed Mr. Shelton, was also present at the gathering. _____