VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 73, 23 February 1945, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

SENIOR-DETECTIVE MEIKLEJOHN ■Members.of the Police Force of the Palmerston North district met at the city police station yesterday aiternoon to farewell Senior-Detective A. B. Meiklejolm, who is leaving the Force after close on 29 years’ service with it and 35 years in all in the 1 übltc Service. , ... Sergeant C. Mcßae, who presided, said that Mr Mciklejohn had been one of the most able and industrious servants the Police Department had ever had. qnd was now leaving the Force at his own request and with a most honourable name. It required courage to take over a business after 35 years in all in the Government’s service, but courage was a quality Mr Meiklejolm had never failed to display in the performance of his duty. He wished Mr Meiklejolm and his wife and ‘family every success in their venture. Sergeant J. Jackson said he regretted the departure of Mr Meiklejolm, and wished him a prosperous future. Constable O’Connell, on behalf of the suburban staff, Constable Gustavel, for the clerical staff, and Constable Waugh, for the city uniform branch, expressed their appreciation of' the assistance and advice they had always received from Mr Meiklejolm and extended best wishes for his success. Detective J. G. Long, on behalf of the detective staff, said that Mr Mciklejohn had been a chief under whom it had been a pleasure to servo. He was always ready to assist bis men in any way he could._ Detective F. X. Quin, Palmerston North rhember of the National Council of the Police Association, referred to Mr Meiklejohn’s efforts in 1936. which had been largely responsible for the formation of the association. Every member of the Force owed him a debt of gratitude. Constable J. A. Hall, secretary of the Palmerston North branch of the Police Association, said that Mr Mciklejohn had rendered the association great service as a delegate. Ho was a man of great moral courage and possessed an outlook wider than his own interest. With Mrs_ Meiklcjohn he had been a major factor in police social and patriotic activities, and his placo would bo difficult to fill. Sergeant Mcßae then presented Mr Meiklejolm with a wristlet watch on beJr.lf of his comrades in the Palmerston North police district. Mr Meiklejolm, in thanking members, said that to leave the Government service after 35 years required a great deal of thought, especially in his own case, when he would soon be due for promotion to commissioned rank. He. referred to the anomaly whereby his promotion would actually entail financial loss, and pointed out that the pay increase for subsequent promotions was ridiculously small. Ho had therefore decided to enter private life. His work for (he association had been a labour of love; his aim had always been to improve the efficiency, conditions and pay of the men. and in general to make them better policemen. While in Palmerston North he had had a most efficient and willing staff under him. He was leaving in a few hours for his new home at Mission Bay. Auckland, and rordially invited members to call on him there. Before concluding, he desired to express his appreciation of the discretion and vision of the Palmerston North Press, whose handling of comment on police’ enquiries had been a source of great satisfaction. Mr and hTrs Meiklejolm -left for Auck land last night.