GIFTS FOR TROOPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 64, 15 March 1940, Page 9

GIFTS FOR TROOPS

NEW APPOINTMENT

OVERSEAS COMMISSIONER

MR. J. MELLING

It is reported that Mr. James Melling, Town Clerk of Auckland, has been appointed gift commissioner to represent the National Patriotic Fund Board with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas. It is understood that Mr. Melling will have the rank of major. He will have charge of all gifts dispatched by the board for the troops, and cash will be placed at his disposal so that he will be in a position to make urgent purchases on behalf of the board for the comfort and velfare of the men wherever they may be stationed. It is stated that the board desires that Mr. Melling shall go with the Second Echelon, and it is hoped that arrangements can be completed in time for this to be possible. No confirmation of the appointment has yet been announced. It is understood also that Mr. R. H. Nimmo, deputy chairman of the National Patriotic Council, who was originally recommended for the appointment, was unable to accept it on account of sickness in his family. Mr. Melling has had considerable administrative experience, which should enable him to carry out his new duties with success. He was born in Wigan, England, 62 years ago, and, after receiving private tuition, attended St. Michael's and All Angels' College at Wigan. He entered the service of the London and North Western Company as a cadet, serving with this company for 17 years, at the end of which period he came to New Zealand. MILITARY CAREER. At the age of 17 he began his military career as volunteer with the Manchester Regiment, with which he remained for four years, then transferring to the Lancashire Hussars. He came to New Zealand in 1909, and, on the outbreak of war, joined the 4th Waikato Squadron of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, in which he gained the rank of sergeant. He served in Egypt and on Gallipoli, where "he was severely wounded. After a long period in hospitals in England, he was invalided to New Zealand in 1916. Shortly after his return to the Dominion, Mr. Melling enfered the service of the Auckland City Council and became records and committee clerk in the Town Clerk's Department. He was j appointed Assistant Town Clerk in 1923, j and on the retirement of the Town Clerk, Mr. J. S. Bringham, in April, 1936, was appointed Town Clerk. j Mr. Melling is a Fellow of the! Chartered Institute of Secretaries of j England. A son. Second Lieutenant S. j Melling, with the sth Field Company, New Zealand Artillery, is proceeding overseas with the Second Echelon. j