SERVICE HONOURED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 5 July 1943, Page 1

SERVICE HONOURED

FAREWELL TO MR ARNOLD “We are assembled here to-day to honour and farewell one who for over 42 years has served this Department with credit to himself and his country,” said Mr J. W. flacdonald, Deputy Commissioner, in opening proceedings at a function held last week on the occasion of the retirement of Mr W. E. Arnold, Government Insurance Commissioner. The gathering was a most representative one, among those present being the Minister in Charge of the Department, the Hon. D. Wilson, the Public Service Commissioner, Mr J. H. Boyes, many departmental heads, and retired officers of the Department Mr Wilson stated that during the three years that he had been Minister in charge he had had the most pleasant and satisfactory relations with Mr Arnold. On numerous occasions they had discussed problems, and he had always found him most helpful. Mr Wilson quoted figures showing the marked progress made by the Department during Mr Arnold’s tenure of office extending over a period of some ten years. The number of policies in force had increased by 28,208, the total sum assured by £13,389.280, the annual income by £345,760, and the assets by £3,614,141. The new business written in 1942 amounted to £2,218,367, as against £1,088.445 in 1932. The amount paid in claims since the inception of the Department totalled £19,172,300. “That is a recital of progress." said Mr Wilson, “that is very creditable, not only to Mr Arnold but also to every member of the staff, and I want, as Minister in charge, and also on behalf of the Government, to congratulate everyone in the Department on the very splendid progress that has been made.” Turning to the Department’s investments, he mentioned that the sum invested in New Zealand Government securities was £3.618,532. and added that this figure was being increased to over £4,000,000 by the Department’s contribution of £400,000 to the Third Liberty Loan. The Department had invested £1,352,188 in war loans during the present warThat was an achievement which he considered the Department had every reason to be proud of. Mr Boyes, Public Service Commissioner, Mr Barltrop, on behalf of the retired officers of the Department, and other speakers paid tribute to Mr Arnold’s many sterling qualities. Mr Macdonald, in the course of his remarks, said: “In 1902 I followed Mr Arnold as a junior cadet, and now in a day or two I succeed him as Commissioner. Mr Arnold’s period of office through depression and war brought problems that were not always easy to solve. However, with his undoubted ability, he has guided the Department through most of the troubled waters, and he can now lay aside the cares of office in the knowledge that his job has beeD well done. He leaves the Department with the respect and good will of all the staff both inside and outside.” Mr Wilson, on behalf of the staff, then presented Mr Arnold with a parcel of war bonds and extended to him the best wishes of all that everv possible happiness be his in his retirement. In reply, Mr Arnold thanked the staff not only for their gift but also for their loyalty, their co-operation, and the manner in which they had cheerfully undertaken extra duties owing to the absence of so many officers on active service.