PRESENTATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22400, 22 April 1936, Page 14

PRESENTATIONS

On his retirement from the staff of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, after six and a-half years' service, Mr. Elliott Purdom received a presentation of books from his co-workers. The director, Mr Gilbert Archev, in making the presentation, referred to Mr. Purdom's long and honourable service as a soldier and to the high - esteem in which lie had been held by all during his years at the museum. Mr. Arohoy expressed the regret of the staff that ilihealth had Compelled him to resign. Mr. Purdom served in the South African War with the Roj'al Horse Artillery, and after coming to the Dominion joined the New Zealand Permanent Staff. In the Great War he was with the Auckland Mounted Rifles in Egypt and Gallipoli, and later with the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. He resigned from the permanent staff in 1929, after 34 years as a soldier. Representatives of local bodies, sports associations, and schools, together with a large number of parishioners and many visiting priests, assembled at To Aroha on Monday evening to bid farewell to the Rev. Father Sheely, who after many years' service in the Te Aroha district is being transferred to Tokomaru Bay. A number of speakers paid tribute to Father Sheely's work and popularity. On behalf of the parishioners Mr. J. J. Shall lie presented the guest of honour with a wallet. The Te Aroha Cricket Club made Father Sheely the gift of a cricket bat, and tihe school children presented him with a fountain pen.