SIR JAMES GUNSON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19513, 17 December 1926, Page 14

SIR JAMES GUNSON.

A RESIGNATION DECLINED, TRIBUTE TO PATRIOTIC WORK. The services rendered by Sir James Gunson as president of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association, and as chairman of the executive committee of that body, were spoken of in highly appreciative terms at the meeting of the committee yesterday, when Sir James tendered his, resignation as president and chairman, in view of his approaching departure for EnglawL He was prevailed upon to withdraw the resignation and to accept 18 months' leave of absence, to cover the period of his absence, l In his written resignation Sir James said that in view of his projected absence from New Zealand he felt with great regret that it was his duty to resign his positions with the association. He expressed to his colleagues his thanks for their most generous, support, and the actual interest they had. taken in the work of the association. Mr, A. S. Bankart expressed the hope that Sir. James would have' a, pleasant holiday. There was, he said,, no man who wa,s more justly entitled to a change and a rest than Sir James, who in years past had taken the leading position in the administration and the various activities of the city, and could now look, back with satisfaction and pride on a decade of strenuous work, bringing with it the accomplishment of many desirable and lasting projects. Included in Sir James'' many and varied activities the Patriotic Association took no mean place, • and while in this direction his efforts might not be so widely known they were by no means less worthy. The association had done, and was doing a very great work, and Sir James Gunscn hacl been its leading light and spirit. The, members would miss him, although they were glad that fie was now able to take an extended holiday.. It was felt, however, that ha should withdraw his resignation and accept 18 months' leave of absence., . Sir James received the assurance that this was tha unanimous wish oif the committee, and he agreed to fall in with the suggestion. Mr A. G, Lunn remarked that the soldiers in the T.B. Shelters and the Evelyn Firth Home would receive) with pleasure the information that Sir James, who had taken a special interest in them, was not severing his connection with the association. It was decided to provide the president with the necessary credentials so that lie could represent the association as the occasion arose during his travels.