FORTY TEARS' SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 6

FORTY TEARS' SERVICE

i- RAILWAYMAN RETIRES

Prior to his retirement after forty years' service, Mr. W. E. Ahem, of the New Zealand Railways head office accountants' staff, was met yesterday by a lar^e gathering of members of the chief accountant's office and presented \yith a ivirjeless receiving set as a marlc of the esteem in which he is held.

Mr. H. Valentine, • Chief Accountant, who made the presentation, in wishing Mr. Aliern much happiness in his retirement, referred to the very capable manner in which the guest had carried out his responsible duties. He'possessed a sunny personality, and would be missed by all with whom he had come in contact.

These remarks were endorsed by Messrs. J<\ K. Porteous and W. Bishop (assistant cliio'f accountants), T. O'Connor, W. H. Siutmonds, J. Dayman, and J. H. Monteitjh (of the chief accountant's staff), Mr; R. Loe (superannuated-, member of Uip'i staff), and Messrs. G. T." Wilson and F. W. Aickin, of tho head office staff. Mr. Ail em, who feelingly responded, sin-' c.crely thanked all for the thoughtful present and expressions of goodwill. Ho referred in a reminiscent vein to : the growth of tho Department since he had joined tho service as a cadet. In the early days, prior to joining the Chief Accountant's staff (then numbering about twenty and located in the Government Buildings), he was booking clerk and later goods clerk at Lambton. He was one,? of the few remaining members of the Chief Accountant's staff located in the. Government Buildings. No member could leave such a large and efficient organisation without feeling a great deal of i'egret when the time for departure came, He 'much appreciated the kindness extended to him at all times.

Cheers for Mr. and Mis. Ahem conducted a very successful function.

Mr. Ahem has been actively connected with the Wellington liugby Football Union lor many years, and holds the office of vice-president of tho club.

fee, weighing down an aeroplane and changing the shape of its wings, is one of the greatest dangers encountered in aviation. The latest instrument developed for aeroplanes is n temperature-actuated switch which turns on a red light on tho instrument board at the critical tempernturg range between 26 degrees and 32 de-