BUSINESS TRIBUTE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21064, 8 April 1943, Page 2

BUSINESS TRIBUTE

CHIEF POSTMASTER PRESENTATION MADE SERVICE TO COMMUNITY Business interests in Gisborne took the opportunity yesterday afternoon of combiping in order to honour the chief postmaster, Mr. A. M. Robertson, in his retirement, which commenced last week. The Mayor. Mr. N. 11. Bull, presided at the function, which was held in the social hall of the Masonic Hotel. There was a large attendance. Opening the function, the Mayor said that the object of the gathering was not only to bid farewell to Mr. Robertson, but to endeavour in some small way to express appreciation of the very fine work he had done in his official capacity. "When the " war came," said Mr. Bull, "it brought many new duties for Hie Post Office officials. One of these was the distribution of petrol. Anyone can understand the difficulties this entailed and it could only be done by such a man as Mr. Robertson in his position. He has not escaped criticism, but he has always stood on his own two feet. "I have had a lot. to do with Mr. Robertson,” continued Mr. Bull, "and I have never failed to receive the utmost kindness, courtesy and consideration. and although he* has retired as chief postmaster he thinks well enough of Gisborne to settle down here.” '

Mr. F. : Tolerton, on behalf of the Gisborne adVisbry committee of the Automobile Association (Auckland) and the Poverty Bay Turf Club, referred to the efficient manner in which Mr. Robertson had carried out hii;" duties, even in 'the war period. He did not think that : any vrian could have carried out his-.duties with more cum mon-sense Or - fairness. '

On behalf Of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. M-. J. White said that as a member hot 1 the ' chamber Mr. Robertson -had given' it much help and assistance. Mr. Robertson had had a most thankless job. but one thing which impressed him was his loyalty to ; his staff and friends. Sister Departments

The police inspector, Mr. D. A. MacLean, said that Government departments necessarily had extra duties to do in wartime and Mr. Robertson had tfery capably faced up to his increased responsibilities; The inspector also expressed his pleasure that such an excellent man as Mr. Arthur 1 Orr \Vould ffie replacing Mr. Robertson.' The slationmaster. Mr. J. W. Fergic, said that two- -Government departments like'the Post and Telegraph Department and the Railway Department must necessarily be thrown together, and whenever Mr. Robertson had been approached by the Railway Department .he had always met them. Mr. Fergie also wished Mr. and Mrs. Robertson every happiness. < On behalf of the Tyre Control Committee. Mr. A. 11. Collett expressed appreciation of - the opportunity to thank Mr: Robertson for his eo-opera-tion.

Mr. L. Miles, for the mercantile firms of Gisborne, endorsed the previous speakers' statements, and extended best wishes to Mr. arid Mrs. Robertson. ' 1 " i Representing Ihe Cook Hospital Board', Mr. J. H. Hall expressed sentimeitts similar to those of the other speakers. Mr. T. A. N. Corson, representing the oil -companies, thanked Mr. Robertson for his excellent co-opera-tion. and expressed his appreciation of the consideration extended to him by Mr. Robertson.' The new postmaster, Mr. A. Orr. briefly thanked the speakers who had spoken about him, and said he would do his best to fill Mr. Robertson’s place. The Mayor made a presentation of a cheque to Mr. Robertson, and also extended a welcome to Mr. Orr. Replying. Mr. -Robertson said that all the local bodies had been very kind to him, and he wished to convey his sincere'appreciation to them. Gisborne was a great district with an excellent climate, and he'knew that he and his wife and family would continue to enjoy living here.