SECOND SUCCESS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22315, 28 April 1947, Page 2

SECOND SUCCESS

WIREMEN’S EXAM MEDAL TO GISBORNE PRESENTATION FUNCTION In the recent practical examination for electrical wiremen at Gisborne apprentice. W. H. Sellman, topped the list of New Zealand candidates and won the gold medal awarded by the CableMakers’ Association annually for superior skill in practical work. This was the second Gisborne success within a few years, and the presentation of the medal was made the occasion of a special gathering of members of the New Zealand Institute of Electricians held in Gisborne on Saturday evening. The function took the f "m of a social, at which were present members of the New Zealand council of the institute and representatives of a number of Dominion centres. The Gisborne branch of the institute was warmly congratulated on the organisation of the function, which was the first of its kind and which brought together practically all the members of the trade in Gisborne* who gave a warm welcome to the visitors.

Included among the latter were Mr. Martin Smith. Hawera. founder of the institute and its first president and life member; Mr. Forbes Gilmore, a past president and now patron of the Manawatu branch, Mr. W. B. Alexander, president of the Wanganui branch; Mr. D. McKenzie Aire, president of the Hutt Valley branch; Mr. C. Hands. Napier, a member of the national council: Mr. G. E. Wilson, representing the Tauranga branch; and Mr. S. Cowley, national secretary of the institute. The function was presided over by Mr. H. Boddington. president of the Gisborne branch. The Wellington branch was represented by Mr. F. W. Stace, editor of the Electrical Journal. The Ladder of Success

Prior to the presentation of the gold medal to Mr. Sellman, Mr, F. Matthewson. patron of the Gisborne branch, spoke briefly and referred to the satisfaction with which all connected with the electrical trade regarded the second district success in the annual examinations. Mr. Matthewson mentioned that 10 of 11 Gisborne candidates who had entered the examination had passed, and he felt spoke well for the good work of their instructors.

In congratulating the 1947 gold medallist, he also congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Sellman, parents of the winner, and stated that Mr. Sellman, sen., was one of the oldest and most respected members of the P.B. Electric-Power Board staff.

In making the presentation, Mr. Gilmore spoke in the highest terms of Mr. W. H. Sellman’s performance, and stated that this young man had his foot on the first rung of the ladder of success. His further progress would require hard work, but he was on the way and doubtless would achieve a high degree of success in the future. Mr. Gilmore added that he had seen one outstanding Gisborne lad, Mr. Geoffrey Cuthbert, made a big name for himself in electrical engineering, and he had little doubt that young Mr. Sellman would prove as brilliant as he gained experience. He had an obligation not to let down the Gisborne branch of his instructors. Mr. Gilmore read a number of messages of congratulation from various members and branches of the institute, including the New Zealand president, Mr. E. Salvesen, Christchurch. The messages also included one from the Cable-Makers’ Association.

Secured Over 90 per cent of Marks

Following the presentation, the recipient made a brief and modest acknowledgment, expressing his belief that the examination paper must have suited him particularly well, although all the Gisborne candidates had done well with it. He offered them his good wishes, and acknowledged his indebtedness to a number of people in his instruction, concluding with an assurance that he would do his best not to let down the Gisborne branch. f On behalf of the national council, Mr. Hands extended congratulations to Mr. Sellman, who had received over 90 per cent of marks for his examination work; and also congratulated Gisborne on having provided a second winner in the national competition. Mr. F. R. Ball, chairman of the P.B. Electric-Power Board, also joined in the congratulations, and commented upon the success of the function. The institute was doing excellent work, he said, in ylacing the industry on a high plane of technical and practical efficiency.

The satisfaction with which he and Mrs. Sellman regarded their son’s success, said Mr. Douglas Sellman, was understandable; but they realised that the lad had owed a great deal to his instructors at technical school, in the Post and Telegraph Department where he had worked nreviously. and in the trade, and from officers of the P.B. ElectricPower Board. Mr. Sellman added a word of appreciation of the fact that the Cable-Makers’ Association in London, amidst all its own difficulties, had found time to send an air-mail letter to his son, encouraging him and congratulating him on his success. Dancing filled the intervals in the programme, and the gathering heard several delightful solo items by Miss M. Gilmore .and Messrs. W. Turbitt and A. H. Purcell. Mrs. J. Elliott provided music for the dancing.