A.M.P. DIRECTORATE

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 127, 31 May 1934, Page 13

A.M.P. DIRECTORATE

CHAIRMAN RETIRES

LONG SERVICE HONOURED

Approaching fifty years' service on the local board of directors of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, Mr. A. do B. Brandon has today retired from that position. He was appointed a director in August, 1888, and became deputy chairman in. May, 1903', and chairman of the board in 1918. Mr. Brandon's total unbroken period of service to the society amounts to nearly forty-six years. This, it is stated authoritatively, constitutes an absolute record of service as a director of' the A.M.P.

At the close of his final meeting with the New Zealand directors yesterday Mr. Brandon was presented by his colleagues with a handsome piece of plate on which their signatures had been inscribed. The presentation was made by Sir Harold Beauchamp, deputy chairman, on behalf of himself and the other local directors, Sir William Hunt, "Sir Alex. Roberts, and Mr. J. G. Duncan.

Sir Harold Beauchamp, in making the presentation, said:—"As this is the last occasion upon which our esteemed chairman will preside, it is fitting that reference should be made to his Jong connection with the society." Sir Harold referred to the chairman's unbroken period of almost forty-six'years' service, and the honour he had achieved of having created an absolute record as regards length of service on any board of the society. Now, owing to< his having attained an age when, according to the decision of the head office board, he must make room for a younger man, we are called upon .to say farewell," Sir Harold continued.

"Our hearts are filled with sadness at the thought of parting with one with whom most of us have been so closely and pleasantly associated for so many years. We can testify as to the ability and tact with which he has carried out his duties, more particularly during the trying times through which we have been passing in the course of the past five years; the principal board will, I am sure, endorse that statement.

"As one who has been associated with many boards, I have no hesitation in saying that my connection with the A.M.P. Society has been one of my most pleasant memories, ana that I ascribe to. the manner in which our weekly meetings have been conducted by our estimablo chairman." , Turning to Mr. Brandon the speaker said: "As a.memento of our esteem and regard we would ask you to accept this piece of plate, on which all of us have inscribed our names. We trust it will remind you of your long connection with the A.M.P. and of your friends, and, further, that you may be spared for many years to malce use* of it. May I conclude with a Maori phrase: 'Kia whiti tonu to ra ki runga kia oke,'— in English: 'May the sunshino of happiness ever shine upon you.' " The toast of Mr. Brandon's health was then duly honoured by all present including Mr. N. S. Falla, C.M.G. (who has been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Brandon's retirement) and the manager for New Zealand, Mr. C. M. Martin., - • '■

Mr. Brandon responded most feelingly, and in the course ,of his brief Temarks stated that the work that he had been able to perform in the society's interests during the long period of his directorate had been a source of considerable interest and,pleasure to himself. .. '

The growth of the society's business during.the forty-six years qf Mr. Brandon's eonnection r .with it as a director was instanced by the fact' that the' assets increased from £8,309,596 to £93,073,807. • -.-■••..