RETIRING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6861, 3 July 1909, Page 10

RETIRING

COLONEL HUME'S LONG SERVICE APPKBCIATED. A lIANDSOME TESTIMONIAL. Colonel A. Hume, who for twenty-nine years has controlled the Prisons Department aid has now retired on superannuation, was the recirnent of a purse of sovereigns yesterday from the officers of the Department. The presentation was made by the Hon. Dr. Findluy (Attorney(ienoral and Minister of Justice), who referred in appreciative terms, to the long service of the recipient. He was formerly Commissioner of Police ami also in charge of prisons, and the duties were separated, not because of want of etliciency, but beca-use it was seen that the two departments were too important to bo conducted by one man. Colonel Hume had carried' out his duties most conscientiously, 'and he, hoped he would enjoy a happy retirement. 'The high esteem m which Colonel Hume was h-vld by the service was testified to by Messrs J. It. Blair and Joseph Latehmann, visiting justices at Wellington gaol, the former gaoler, Mr Armstrong, Mr S. Millington, who at present occupies tho position, and Mr Gollan, Clerk of the Prisons Department. In reply to tho feeling references of a highly complimentary nature, Colonel Ilitmo said ho came to the ■ colony m

1880, and it should be remembered in speaking of the present system that the Sosition in which, he found the Prisons • epartment was very bad. As for the recent changes, he had no feeling in regard to his retirement. When people arrived at his time of life it was only natural and proper that the Government ■should look around for a younger and more up-to-date man. He considered that the civil servants who were being retired on pensions owed a. great deal to the Government for the liberal superannuation scheme which wac provided for them. In the appointment of his successor the Government had made a record, for he had not heard a single criticism. Mir Waldegrave, who, as Under-Secretary of Justice, had been appointed to the head of the combined departments, was an officer of very long service, and one who possessed great ability and intelligence. Of Dr Hay, who held the title, of Inspector of Prisons, he knew from his qualities as Superintendent-of Asylums and also from his knowledge of criminology, that he was eminently fitted for .the position.