HARBOUR’S LOSS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 276, 17 August 1932, Page 10

HARBOUR’S LOSS

Retirement of Manager HONOURED SERVICE Record of Mr. Marchbanks The presentation of a handsome cellarette was made by members of the Wellington Harbour Board to Mr. J. Marchbanks last evening on the occasion of his retirement from the position of general manager and chief engineer to the board. Warm tributes were paid to Mr. Marchbanks’s ability, both as an engineer and an administrator, and his unfailing courtesy at all times to those with whom he came in contact. The gathering, which took place in the board-room, was presided over by the chairman, Mr. C. J. B. Norwood. In addition to members of the board several ex-members were present, including the Minister of Marine, Hon. J. G. Cobbe. Mr. Norwood said that his experience of Mr. Marchbanks extended over a period of 14 years. During that time he had come to the conclusion that Mr. Marchbanks was respected by all, from the most modest worker to the highest official in the service, as well as by every member of the board. It was generally acknowledged that, in his calling Mr. Marchbanks had achieved great distinction. There could be no question that he enjoyed the greatest respect. His great quality, however, was that of administration. He hoped Mr. Marchbanks would enjoy a happy retirement. Retirement Regretted. Mr. C. M. Turrell said the board had been most fortunate in the men it had at the head of its affairs, especially in Mr. Marchbanks. The shipping interests had always had the greatest admiration for the ability displayed by Mr. Marchbanks in his conduct of the affairs of the board, and his fairness in dealing with the board’s customers. He personally regretted the loss by retirement of Mr. Marchbanks. On many occasions he had taken advantage of his sound advice. Mr. D. J. McGowan said that he had a good deal to thank Mr. Marchbanks for, particularly when he was first elected a member of the board 10 years ago. Mr. J. W. McEwan said that Mr. Marchbanks always had his finger on the pulse of the board’s business. A great deal of the success that had come to the board was due to the watchfulness of Mr. Marchbanks. Mr. Cobbe, who was a member of the board for nearly 18 years, said he had always been struck by the great ability of Mr. Marchbanks and the courtesy he had shown to everybody with whom he came in contact. The Thorndon reclamation and Pipitea Wharf were monuments to the work of Mr. Marchbanks. The Wellington Harbour Board and the city of Wellington had much to thank him for. Development of Province. It was pointed out by Mr. M. A. Eliott that Mr. Marchbanks had been associated with the two enterprises that had contributed more to the development of the Wellington province than anything else—the Manawatu railway and the Wellington Harbour Board. A great many of the harbour facilities that Wellington enjoyed were due to the professional ability of Mr. Marchbanks and his careful management of the board’s affairs. Further tributes to Mr. Marchbanks’s ability and his unfailing courtesy to board members were added by Mr, A. Fletcher, Mr. T. R. Barter, Mr. W. L. Fitzherbert, Mr. H. Morrison, and Mr. W. H. Price. Captain C. McArthur, Mr. G. Mitchell and Mr. T. Moss, ex-mem-bers of the board, also spoke appreciatively of Mr. Marchbanks’s work. The chairman then formally handed to Mr. Marchbanks the gift of the board. , Reply by Mr. Marchbanks. Loud applause greeted Mr. Marchbanks when he rose to reply. He thanked the chairman, Mr. Cobbe, members of the board and ex-members for the honour they had done him and for their very kind and flattering references to his work, which, he said, were far too complimentary. Any success attending his administration of the board’s affairs was very largely due to carrying out the policies of the various boards under which he had served, and to the support at all times given to him by them, and also to the loyal assistance of the very capable officers and staff of tne board. During the 23 years he had spent with the board he had enjoyed the work and felt honoured by having had the privilege of helping in the development of the port. Since 1921, when he was appointed general manager, he had endeavoured to get the costs of handling cargo down, and by better use of the labour required had been to some extent successful. The use of appliances which had been introduced, such as tractors and overhead cranes, had also had a bearing on the matter. The board was well served with its officers. Mr. Marchbanks cordially thanked the members of the board for their fine gift.