VALEDICTORY

Grey River Argus, 10 June 1943, Page 6

VALEDICTORY

MR C. B. RAWLINS FAREWF.LLED Mr C. B. Rawlins, Inspector of Factories at Greymouth for the past five years, who leaves this week for Invercargill, was farewelled by representatives of employees and employers at a gathering at the Royal Hotel yesterday. Mr F. L. Turley (secretary of the Timber Workers’ Union) said that Mr Rawlins had given satisfaction to all parties. It was his job to give unbiased opinions and he had carried out that task’ pretty well. All were sorry that he was going away. On behalf of those present he presented Mr Rawlins with tvvo fireside chairs and a water jug and glasses for Mrs .Rawlins. Mr J. S. Robertson (president of the Saw<millers’ Association) said that his industry had had more to do with Mr Rawlins than most, and he had always got on amicably with him in disputes. Mr Rawlins would be missed in the district, and, the speaker hoped that his successor would follow in his footsteps. He wished Mr Rawlins the best of health and prosperity in his new home. Mr Blackie, for dredge employers, endorsed the remarks of the other speakers and wished Mr Rawlins everything that was good in his new home.

Mr J. E. Laing (secretary of the Dredgeworkers’ Union) referred to Mr Rawlins’ happy knack of getting to the root of new labour laws. He v/elcomed the new Inspector of Factories, Mr H. S. Hurle. and assured him of co-operation. Mr B. Casey (secretary, Hotelworkers’ Union) referred to the help Mr Rawlins had given him in his work as a union secretary. Mr W. Green (Drivers’ Union) said that Mr Rawlins was always willing to give help after his days’ work. Mr H. C. Moore (Master Bakers’ Assn.) said that he had always found Mr Rawlins helpful. He added his best wishes. Mr A. M. Carroll (secretary. Master Grocers’ Assn.) apologised for I the absence of other officials and wished Mr Rawlins the best in his new home. Mr J. Scorgie (Engineers’ Union) said that one of the best tributes was that representatives of both employers and unions had gathered to farewell an officer of the Labour Department. Mr F. G. Wilkins (Westland Master Builders’ Assn.) added his regret at the departure of Mr Rawlins and wished him God speed. Mr H. Clifford, of the Labour Department, said that Mr Rawlins was one of the finest men he had ever worked with. Others present included Messrs J. Finlay and Mitchell (Clerical Workers’ Union). Walton (Harbour Board employees) and M. J'. Fogarty (secretary of the Master Bakers’ and Master Butchers’ Association). Mr Hurle thanked those present for their welcome to him and added his best wishes to Mr Rawlins. The gathering spoke for itself and put the stamp on his work in the district. If the speaker could give the same satisfaction he would - be well satisfied. Mr Rawlins, returning thanks, remarked that, looking round, he saw 1 men who were not merely representatives of organisations but nearly all friends. Sometimes his decisions might not have seemed fair to one side or the other but he had always tried to do the right thing. Any success he had achieved would not have been possible but for the class of men he had had to deal with and his staff. An item was given by Mr Ray Bunt.