FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 87, 11 March 1935, Page 2

FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE.

POLICE OFFICER RETIRES

Marking the completion of 40 years’ service in the Police Foi'ce, SeniorSergeant Whitohouse, who has been stationed in Palmerston North for the past seven years, will enter upon three months’ leave as from Monday, the holidav marking his retirement from the ‘force. The opportunity was taken, yesterday afternoon, by his fellow members of the foi'ce in the city and country districts to bid him f-ii’e-well, when Inspector S. Rawle asked Senior-Sergeant to accept a handsome eight-day Westminster chiming clock as a token of the esteem in which he is held. The inspector stated that it was 40 years to the day since the Senioi-Ser-geant had joined the Police Foi'ce after having seived in the New Zealand Artillery for two years. No doubt like many others, Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse had joined with a light heart, feeling that he was furnishing himself with a life-long work. That he had carried out his task with every ability was evidenced by the position he had attained; his service had been of considerable value. During all the time he had known the Senior-Sergeant he had realised that lie was a man above the average and one capable of carrying out his duties in any department. He had believed in observing the spirit, rather than the letter of the law, which was a very desirable attribute in an executive officer. On behalf of his fellow members Inspector Rawle then asked Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse to accept the clock as a reminder of his happy association with the other members of the force stationed in the district. Affixed to the woodwork of the base of the clock was a silver plate which bore the inscription : “To Senior-Sergeant E. J. Whitehouse from the Police Force and friends on the occasion of his retirement from the Force.” Senior-Detective Quirke stated that lie regretted the Senior-Sergeant’s retirement, for he had always proved to be a good comrade. He wished the retiring officer every success and happiness in the future. Sergeant Culloty, in conveying apologies for absence on behalf of several members attached to outlying stations, stated that Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse had always been a kind and considerate officer and it had been a pleasure to work with him. Constable J. F. R. Fischer‘(Ashhurst) and Inspector Harvey, who recently retired from the service, also paid tributes to the retiring officer. In acknowledging the tributes. Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse remarked that after a period of 40 years’ service it would be a wrench to leave. However, he was still active in mind and body and lie did not think he would keeyx still in his new life. He thanked them for the handsome gift. Proceedings were concluded by the singing of musical honours.