P. AND T. REUNION

Northern Advocate, 18 October 1933, Page 9

P. AND T. REUNION

NORTH AUCKLAND SECTION.

MEETING OF EMPLOYEES,

FIRST ANNUAL FUNCTION,

j The initial annual reunion of the North Auckland section of the Post laud Telegraph Employees-’ AssociaItion, hold in the Castilian Ballroom last night, was an outstanding success. There was a largo attendance, representative of most offices in the .district, and throughout the evening a very jolly atmosphere prevailed. The numerous compliments bestowed on the efficient service rendered by members of the association were heartily substantiated, and the various toasts were enthusiastically honoured. Mr I). McLennan, the genial chairman, did not allow a dull moment to intervene, and to liim, must be attributed, in a large measure; the success of the function.

Proceedings opened wdth the honouring of the Loyal toast, sponsored by Mr D. McLennan, secretary of the association, who then expressed a hearty welcome to all present, remarking that, although the North Auckland section was the baby of the association, it was hoped to make amends in other respects. Mr McLennan read apologies for non-attendance from Mr G. Levy, Mr G. 11. Morrish, and from several country centres.

The speaker went on to refer to recent legislation in Australia concerning reductions in taxation, and stated that one item comprised the remittance of cuts on the salaries of lower-paid public servants. He expressed pleasure at the proposed course of action and hoped that the North Auckland section, in also working to this end, ■would meet with success, Mr McLennan concluded by wishing all a most enjoyable evening, Mr C. V. Stringer, in proposing the toast of the Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association, thanked the gathering, on behalf of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce, for the welcome accorded. Mr Stringer went on to refer to the reciprocative assistance rendered the chamber, and felt sure that this happy state would continue.

In reply, Mr H. Brown, Dominion Organiser, congratulated the association on its worthy effort, and felt sure that any future recollections between members of the staff, of this, the first reunion, would be very happy. Mr Brown went on to refer to remarks made by well-known visitors to New Zealand complimenting the Post and Telegraph servants as being the most efficient organisation in the world and he whole-heartedly substantiated this statement.

The toast of the Post and Telegrah Department was sponsored by the Mayor, Mr W. Jones, who referred to the renovation of the local office and the switching over to the automatic type of telephone. Mr Jones said ho felt grieved that the men and women who did so much in this work had not been the recipients of wellmerited thanks. He went on to compliment the local staff on the most efficient service being rendered, and was high in his praise of the courteous attention unceasingly forthcoming. Mr A. Pellow, in reply, recounted experiences in the early days, and mentioned that it was only 28 years ago when toll calls were first instituted, yet today the progress made had resulted in direct communication being installed with England. He advised the younger members of the staff, although not at present favoured with many opportunities of promotion, to battle on, with the assurance that soon their position would improve.

The next toast was that of Kindred Associations, proposed by Mr W. J. Connuu, who referred to the harmonious co-operation existing between the respective divisions.

in reply, Mr J. W. Otway, on behalf of the Public Service, thanked the previous speakers for their kind remarks. Mr R. D. Kelly, on behalf of the New Zealand. Educational Institute, supplemented Mr Otway's words.

The toast of the ladies was proposed by Mr W. L. Mtelvor, Mr E. L Morgan fittingly responding. After Mr F. Thomas had sponsored the toast of the Press, Mr McLennan eulogistically referred to the services of the entertainers and the toast to them was enthusiastically honoured, Mr Ward responding appreciatively.

A very enjoyable function was brought to a close with the toast of the chairman, Mr Jones being proposer, and Air McLennan responding.

Dunn" ilio evening an excellent musieal programme was contributed to by the following artists, all of whose items were encored: —Songs, Messrs L. It. Le Ruez, Ken Ward, 0. Lawson, J. Tasleer and W. L. Mclvor; recitations, Wli* C. D. Dawson; cornet solos, Mr C. Just. Messrs K. Ward am] A. Purchase were accompanists.

Numbers by an orchestral band and spirited community singing under the leadership of Mr W. L. Mclvor, with Mr "Ward at the piano, were also thoroughly enjoyed.