STAFF FAREWELL

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 74, 21 December 1937, Page 8

STAFF FAREWELL

P. & T. Director Of Accounts FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE Mr. Arthur Marshall, Director of Accounts, retired yesterday from the position of controller of the Post Ot'liee Savings Bank after 40 years’ service with the Post and Telegraph Department, and was farewelied by the staff at a gathering held at the Chief Post Office, Wellington. Mr. P. Cutforth, the assistant director, who presided, said that in Mr. Marshall the department hit'll no more loyal, efficient, and at: the same time popular officer. By ills ability and consideration he had won the esteem <if~all the officers serving under him. It had been part of Mr. Marshall's policy to encourage his controlling officers to exercise authority and to carry responsibility, and by that means he had earned their confidence and co-opera-tion. Mr. Marshall had left his mark upon the department, and his ■ name Avoid'd long be associated with all that counted for progress in his branch of the department. He wished Mr. Marshall a long, very happy, and useful retirement. Mr. G. McNamara, director-general of the department, said that Mr. Marshall’s career in the service had been unusual. De came from Belfast, outside of Christchurch, and it was interesting that, from that little "hole in the wall” he dug hrmsetf out and into the accountants’ branch within a year tfl his joining the service. The fact that he had an examination qualification was the cause of his transfer to head office, and within 13 years of joining the service he was appointed an assistant sectional clerk. The 'director-general referred to Mr. Marshall’s success in bookkeeping and accountancy examinations, and mentioned that he was a fellow of the Institute of Accountants. ‘‘To-day we are as up to date, and more up to date I should say, than most other Government departments, so far as our accounting is concerned,” said Mr. McNamara. "That, does not mean we are stopping now. No doubt some of these younger men will follow up Mr. Marshall’s lead and even improve upon it. Mr. McNamara referred to Mr. Marshall’s enthusiasm for his work, ins loyalty, au'd his clear-sightedness in any matters concerning accountancy, and wished him health and happiness in his retirement. Mr. Marshall was presented, on behalf of the staff, with an easy cha\r, a smoker’s outfit, and a standard electric lamp, together with a crystal vase and crystal tloat howl for Mrs. Marshall. Mr. Marshall thanked the speakers for the flattering remarks they had made about him, and expressed his thanks to the senior officers for the encouragement, they had given him throughout his career. If the remarks of Mr. Cutforth and Mr. McNamara were merited he said he thought they should be attributed not. so much to himself as to the staff as a whole, for they had all contributed to the success of the branch from the highest to the juniors. He thanked the staff for their presents and also expressed the thanks of Mrs. Marshall.