FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 306, 22 September 1934, Page 8

FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE

Mr. J. Robertson Retires From P. & T. Service

At the General Post Office yesterday afternoon more than 600 officers representing many districts assembled to farewell Mr. John Robertson, who recently retired from the position of deputy director-general of the Post and Telegraph Department after 10 years’ service. Mrs. Robertson, Miss Robertson, and the wives of many senior officers were also present. Mrs. Robertson was presented with a bouquet and a silver entree dish, and Mr. Robertson a silver tea and coffee service and a wallet.

Mr. G. McNamara, director-general of the department, emphasised Mi - . Robertson’s devotion to duty during the whole of his service. Mr. Robertson had joined the service in Hastings, and in turn passed through the Wellington', Napier, Wakapuaka, and Wanganui telegraph offices, Wakapuaka in those days being regarded as the “Mecca” of telegraphists. In 1905 he was transferred to the accountant’s branch of the General Post Office, Wellington; tq the telegraph division of head office in 1907; and to the staff division in 1913. Later he became second assistant secretary and in 1926 first assistant secretary, holding the latter position until his retirement. In 1929 and again this year Mr. Robertson acted as head of the department for lengthy periods during the absence of Mr. McNamara at postal conferences. Mr. Robertson was conspicuous for his activities on the Appeal Board.

Mr. Plank, chief telegraph engineer, said Mr. Robertson had always worked harmoniously with the engineering branch. It had had the fullest cooperation from him an every respect.

Mr. Robertson thanked the officers, and said that whatever success he had achieved had been contributed to largely by those splendid men and women who had comprised the staffs of the division of head office durin.; the past twenty years. * '