PUBLIC WORKS’ OFFICIAL FAREWELLED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 March 1939, Page 6

PUBLIC WORKS’ OFFICIAL FAREWELLED

MR N. MANSSEN THE GUEST OF NELSON BUSINESSMEN A number of Nelson businessmen met this morning at the Mia Mia tcaroooms to farewell Mr N. Manssen. Public Works overseer at Nelson for a number of years, who is leaving shortly on transfer to Auckland. Mr L. Baigent, who presided at the gathering, said that it was arranged by a number of Mr Manssen’s Nelson friends who felt they could not allow him to leave without expressing on some way their regret that he was leaving the district However, all realised that a man of Mr Manssen's initiative must eventually leave little Nelson for one of the larger centres. The hope was then expressed by Mr Baigent that when the time came for Mr Manssen to retire he would remember Nelson and perhaps return 1o make his home. Mr C. Stannard said he had had dealings with Mr Manssen over a number of years and had found he was always a clean sport on the playing field, and a clean sport in his work. The remarks of the previous speakers were endorsed by Messrs B. Holbrook. H. J. Flatt and J. H. Weblcy. Mr L. Baigent then presented Mr Manssen with a travelling rug. He Was sure it was not the value of the rug to which Mr Manseen would attach value but the spirit behind the gift. He wished both Mr and Mrs Manssen the best of health and luck in Auckland. In returning thanks for the gift and the expressions of regret at his departure. Mr Manssen said that the very happy relations between he and those present was due to the high standard of their work. He would be only too pleased to return to Nelson to retire; in fact that idea was already in the back of his mind. Following the speeches Mr Manssen was the guest of those present at morning tea.