CITY OFFICIAL'S TOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22403, 27 April 1936, Page 12

CITY OFFICIAL'S TOUR

MR. J. MELLING HONOURED LARGE GATHERING OF STAFF, There was a record gathering of members of the City Council staff at the concert chamber on Friday afternoon to say farewell to the town clerk designate, Mr. J. 'Melling. who leaves bv the Aora'ngi to-morrow on a six months' tour abroad. The Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, presided, and, in addition to about 100 members of the Town Hall and other staffs, those present included? members of the City Council and Mr.j. 11. H. Watkins, engineer-secretary td s the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board.

Mr. Davis said the gathering in itself expressed the goodwill of the entire Town Hall staff toward Mr., Melling. He joined Avith the council'in wishing Mr. and ■ Mrs. Melling a; pleasant voyage, a thoroughly enjovabla trip while abroad, and a safe return. In making presentations to Mr.| Mellir.g on behalf of the staff, the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, said be could speak on behalf of all present in expressing the wish that Mr. Melling might derive the greatest benefit fronil his tour, both from a business anclj health point of view. They felt that they could not let him go without taking some memento which would express their goodwill and kindly feeling, toward him.

The presents included a solid silver cigarette case with the City Arms in gold and coloured enamels, a silver cigarette lighter, a silver-mounted, travelling flask with monogram, & suitable diary for recording Mr. Mel-, ling's impressions abroad, and a handsome leather handbag for Mrs. Melling* The deputy-mayor, Mr. B. Martin,said that, while the members of thecouncil added their congratulations and 'good wishes, they probably had a selfish motive in asking Mr. Melling to make this trip, as they knew that he would bring back information that would be of benefit to the council and to the citizens generally. Other speakers were the chairman of the Works Committee, Mr. A. Ros* ser, the city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler, and other heads of departments. The Mayor then asked, those, present to join him in drinking to the health and future prosperity of Mr. and Mrs. Melling. Replying, Mr. Melling said that thii* was the second occasion on which M r \ Davis had called the staff together in liappy reunion since taking up t"® Mayoralty, and on their behalf h®, wished to thank Mr. Davis tor his kindly interest in them. JMr. Melling expressed his appreciation of the remarks made by the various speakers and his thanks for the gifts.