PAEROA FAREWELL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3228, 17 February 1943, Page 8

PAEROA FAREWELL

lems of the 'demobilised and returned serviceman and the manner of approach and assistance given to individual soldiers also to the Returned Services’ Association hy Mr Thomas in the difficult work of rehabilitation. Expressions were made wishing Mr and Mrs Thomas every happiness and every success in Wellington and to Mr Thomas in his new sphere where his extensive experience, world wide, would be invaluable in the promotion of New Zealand’s war production. Morning Tea Tray

A presentation was made to Mr and Mrs Thomas, Mrs Thomas- receiving a posy of flowers. Mr Thomas was asked to accept the gift of a morning tea tray, as a small token of appreciation from all members of the staff and friends.

Mr Thomas, in replying, expressed his appreciation for the very pleasant evening extended to Mrs Thomas and ■himself and stated that he had always endeavoured to do his utmost in his official capacity. It was very pleasing to him to hear that his services had been so greatly appreciated. To the servicemen he was known as “Tommy” and to many people and associates, admitted he was well-known as “Bowler Thomas.” His speech in reply revealed his sense of gratitude to the expressions given and the best of wishes extended to both Mrs Thomas and himself in their future work on transfer, to Wellington.

Special mention was made and greetings extended to Mr Thomas from Messrs A. and G. Price, Limited, and Messrs Chas Judd, Limited, of Thames, the Morrinsville Returned Services Association, Mrs A. H. Blackmore, president, W.W.S.A., and a letter was read from the Thames Hospital Board.

A very pleasant evening was concluded with two solos by Miss Violet Lanfcar and hearty expressions of goodwill to Mr and Mrs Thomas.

MR AND MRS H. N. THOMAS PRESENTATION MADE FUNCTION LAST THURSDAY A very pleasant event took place in Paeroa on the evening of February 11 in farewelling Mr and Mrs H. N. Thomas on his transfer on promotion to Wellington where his qualifications in engineering are to be fully utilised in the war effort. The room was tastefully decorated with zinnias and asters and a dainty buffet supper was served.

Mr R. W. Chappell; District Manpower Officer, extended a farewell and expressed the appreciation of Mr Thomas’ services, making reference to Mr Thomas’ excellent work as Placement Officer for the district from October, 1941, his further onerous duties covering manpower administration under the Industrial Manpower Emergency Regulations also rehabilitation administration of returned and demobilised servicemen. The decision of the Government to put the Placement Service in recess for the duration of the war gave Mr Thomas the opportunity to more fully concentrate on rehabilitation'work which he had carried out in a most efficient and capable manner. This work was one

with many, many problems, when the psychological aspect, the careful, friendly attitude, was one which called on Mr Thomas to the utmost extent. Mr Thomas was known as the guide, counsellor and friend of the returned servicemen in assisting them to return to civilian status. Good Wishes For Future

Mr M. J. Thomas, Public Works engineer and representative of the Public Service Commissioner, then spoke, endorsing the remarks Of the District Manpower Officer and also made reference to his happy contact in many matters with Mi' Thomas and problems arising when Mr Thomas was very sorely pressed owing to accommodation and extreme stress of work owing to war contingencies.

Mr G. L. Ching, Registrar of Social Security and War Pensions, made reference to the period when Mr Thomas lhad been attached to his department as Placement Officer and in the commencement of rehabilitation and manpower. >He extended his well wishes to Mr Thomas in his advancement and the work which he had done and expressed his goodwill for the future of Mr and Mrs Thomas in Wellington.

Mr L. C. Russell, chairman of the Returned Services’ Association, Te Aroha, thpn spoke regarding the prob-

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