BOROUGH ENGINEER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20259, 29 May 1940, Page 9

BOROUGH ENGINEER

DEPARTURE FOR CAMP LEAVING TO-MORROW TRIBUTE FROM COUNCIL An announcement was made at last, night’s meeting of the Gisborne Borough Council that the borough engineer, Mr. E. R. Thomas, was to leave to-morrow for the purpose of joining the military forces on Friday. In making this statement, the Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., took the opportunity of introducing to councillors Mr. G. E. Clapcott, who would be taking over the position of acting borough engineer during Mr. Thomas’ absence. Mr. Coleman added that lie had hoped it would be possible to keep Mr, Thomas for a further few months in order to attend to the water filtration matter, but he was sure councillors would not stand in Mr. Thomas’ way in going into camp this week. At present the situation was very grave, and the council would do wrong if it stood in the way of anyone going to help the Empire in this hour of trial. Entire Satisfaction Continuing, Mr. Coleman said he could speak not only ior the presem council but also for all previous councils, in saying that Mr. Thomas had given entire satisfaction, coming right up to the expectations of the council when he was appointed to the post. He hoped to see Mr. Thomas back agam in his old position as borough engineer before very long, for the council had undertaken to keep Mr. Thomas’ position open to him on his return. Cr. H. E. Maude added his tribute to Mr. Thomas, and said that, looking back, he found nothing but satisfaction. Mr. Maude added that he was a member of the council when Mr. Thomas was appointed, and he knew all councillors would agree with the high tribute paid by the Mayor. Cr. H. H. De Costa said he was also on the council when Mr. Thomas was appointed, and he knew the council nad done the right thing in selecting Mr. Thomas for the post. Mr. Thoma» had done his job faitnfully and none ot the councillors could say otherwise. Sincerity and Loyalty Cr. F. Tolerton, as one of the junior councillors, associated himself with me previous speakers, and said he had been associated with Mr. Thomas for the past 20 years. Cr. J. H. Hall said he had been impressed with the sincerity and loyalty which Mr. Thomas had shown. The Mayor said that if all councillors were to speak they could only repeat what had been said already, and Mr. Thomas would know that he was going away with the full confidence of the council.

In reply, Mr. Thomas thanked the Mayor and councillors for the assistance they had given him. A welcome was extended to Mr. Clapcott, to whom Mr. H. E. Maude assured the whole-hearted support of the council.

Mr. Clapcott was formerly borough engineer at Napier.