40 YEARS’ SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 5 April 1940, Page 6

40 YEARS’ SERVICE

RETIREMENT OF MR H. M. O’DONNELL FAREWELL FUNCTION A large and representative gathering of officers of the Public Works Department took place at the local office to farewell Mr H. M. O’Donnell. Chief Clerk, who has retired after the completion of 40 years’ service with the Department. Among those who attended the gathering was Mr A. J. Baker, Assistant Engineer-in-Chief, who spoke of the large volume of work being performed in District offices. Mr Baker complimented Mr O’Donnell on his long and meritorious service and stated that Head office took a keen interest in the work and welfare of all members pf

• the Department’s staff. Mr T. A. Johnston, District Engineer, in paying tribute to Mr O’Donnell’s energy and wonderful knowledge of Departmental practice, referred to his able assistance in many matters directly affecting the Engineers. Mr Johnston also referred to Mr O’Donnell's past service, in a number of districts and to his keen interest in athletics. In pipesenting Mr O’Donnell with a travelling rug and cheque, and also a fountain pen set for Mrs O’Donnell, as a small token of goodwill and appreciation from the staff in the Nelson district, Mr Johnston conveyed the best wishes of all for a happy and lengthy period of retirement Speeches were also made by Mr Meadowcroft, Resident Engineer. Mr Keeble, Chief Draughtsman, Mr Piper, District Storekeeper, and Mr Corlett on , behalf of the accounts staff, i Mr O’Donnell suitably responded and intimated that he would be happy to j continue any assistance he could give to members of the staff in their duties. ■ Messages of congratulations were re- . |reived from members of the railway staff j at Aniseed, and staffs at Blenheim, Blue ‘ J Hill, Murchison and Takaka. |! Mr O’Donnell was also the recipient I j of a small token of esteem from his fel- * i low chief clerks and members of Head - j Office staff while attending a conference of chief clerks in Wellington last month, j The opportunity was taken to welcome Mr A. A. Williamson who succeeds Mr O’Donnell as Chief Clerk. Mr Johnston referred to the wide experience gained by Mr Williamson in various branches in Head Office and in District offices in both the North and South Islands. Mr Williamson was on the staff of the Nelson office from 1913 to 1915 when he represented local clubs in football, hockey, and rowing. He ♦•"’minated his * service with the local office to proceed overseas with the New Zealand Artillery.