MR. W. R. NEWALL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 106, 31 October 1942, Page 8

MR. W. R. NEWALL

FAREWELL FUNCTION

Officers of the General Post Office assembled yesterday afternoon to farewell Mr. W. R. Newall, Deputy Director-General, who is retiring after 41 years' service. Mr. J. G. Young, Director-General, who apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Post-master-General (Mr. P. C. Webb), referred to Mr. Newall's distinguished career in the Department, particularly in the field of telecommunications and in his direction of the commercial branch. Mr. Newall had graduated naturally to the telegraph division, applying his administrative skill to the problems of the telephone branch which he had studied from so many angles. From there he became second I deputy, and finally Deputy Director- [ General. Mr. Newall was retiring at his own request. Fortunately, however, the Department was not losing his services entirely. He would carry on in an advisory capacity in connection with telecommunications. Officers of the service would share with him (Mr. Young) the very deep regret that Mr. Newall was leaving his present position, particularly at the present time. They all realised, however, that Mr. Newall was in need of some relief from official responsibilities. MANY QUALITIES. Mr. Newall's organising ability, thoroughness, and capacity for getting things done were well known throughout the service, and he would be remembered for his achievements in the Department for many years to come. Moreover, he had earned the esteem and admiration of his colleagues and would hold a high place in their affections in the future. Mr. Young, on behalf of the senior officers of the service throughout the Dominion, presented Mr. Newall with a radio gramophone for himself and a china cabinet for Mrs. Newall. In expressing thanks, Mr. Newall said he deeply regretted the circumstances which had caused him to relinquish his position, particularly at the present time when so many communication problems arising out of the war remained to be solved. He said that for many years he had followed with great keenness the growth of the telephone and the toll system of the Dominion, and like many others he looked forward to the time when these communication services would regain full impetus in growth by the removal of the present wartime restrictions. In the meantime, he hoped to be able, as a war effort, to help in some appreciable way in an advisory capacity.