WELL-EARNED REST

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10964, 28 July 1921, Page 3

WELL-EARNED REST

POPULAR OFFICER RETIRES DEPARTMENTAL PRESENTATION TO MR T. W. KIRK. VALUABLE WORK EULOGISED. There was a representative gathering or officers of the Agricultural Department yesterday afternoon, in the office cl the department to bid farewell to Mr T. W. Kirk, who has.retired on superannuation from the position of Director of the Horticultural Division. The Hon. W. Nosworthy (Minister for Agriculture) piesided, and among others present were S<t Walter Buchanan, Dr C. J. Reake© (lbTector-General of Agriculture), Messrs F S. Pope (Assistant Director of. Agriculture). and J. A. Campbell (Director oL the Horticultural Division). MINISTER’S EULOfeY. A RECORD OF PROGRESS. The Minister said that they were met there that afternoon to show in some 6rnall measure the appreciation of th e long and -valued services that Mr Kirk had rendered to the Agricultural Department, and the work ’he had • accomplished in the interests of the Dominion. From 1874 to 1891 (17 years) Mr Kirk was assistant to the late Sir James Hector on the Museum staff, and he joined the Department of Agriculture soon after its . inception, Mr J. D. Ritchie being then Secretary for Agriculture. Mr Krik assisted in the general administration of the department, and cairied on most of the early scientific work; much of it in »his private laboratory at night. He founded the biological section of the department, also its system© of publications, and supervised if-r horticultural activities. .In 1901 he wa* appointed biologist to the department, without a material change of duties. and in 1905 he was given chaise of tio department’s extensive display at the Christchurch Exhibition. In 1909, owing to the growth of the department's horticultural work, he was appointed director, of the horticultural division, Mr Cockayne being given charge of the biology section and an editor was appointed to look after all departmental publications. Mr Kirk had retained the position of Director of Horticulture from then onwards, .until ‘his retirement on June 30th last, and) his total service exceeded 46 years. Mr Nosworthy. added that Mr Kirk had assisted in a large measure the growth of the primary products of the Dominion, and deserved tile united thanks or the community for. the long and excellent service he had rendered to his country. He was leaving the department to take the wellearned rest that he waa entitled to, and .he and Mrs Kirk carried with them the sincere and heartfelt wishes of every member of the staff that they would enjoy long life and happiness. On behalf of the staff he had pleasure in presenting Mr Kirk with a silver salva and jug, together with a cheque, as a slight token of remembrance and esteem in which, he was held. {Applause.) "EXCELLENT SERVICE-TO--DO--MINION."

Dr Reakes said that he appreciated to the highest the excellent services that Mr Kirk hatt given, not only to the department but to the Dominion. ,It had been a pleasure to be associated with Mr Kirk, who was a gentleman who was ever ready and anxious to do his best in the interests of the Dominion. **~Mr -Kirk had' joined the department when" its "etaff consisted of three persons, and had been instrumental in its development. It was Largely due to his efforts that the department had been built up to the sphere tf usefulness and importance that it held to-day in the development oL.ihe Dominion s primary products. As Director of Horticulture he had given splendid service, and had assisted with valued advice whenever it was required. He wished Mr and Mrs Kirk everything that was good, and trusted that they would enjoy their retirement to its fullest measure. (Applause.) Sir Waiter Buchanan, Messrs F. S. lope* and J. A. Campbell/ also added their eulogy of the ’Services “find thV esteem m which Mr Kirk was held by every member of the department. MR KIRK'S RESPONSE. ASSIST THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES. Mr Kirk, who was received with applause, said there were occasions when it was impossible for a person,to convey in mere words the feelings that possessed! for the kindness that had been shown him, and the present was one of! these occasions. Ag the Minister had stated, he had joined the department almost from its inception, and when the staff was so small that it was called to carry out duties that were now done by experts. In those days the export cf agricultural products was valued at thousands of pounds, and to-day they,' amounted to many millions. The agri-j cultural department had no doubt assisted in the development of the primary products of the Dominion, and when the department was formed the Government' ot the day was lavish in its expenditure more especiaHy in regard to the dairy industry, and the country was now reaping the benefit of that expenditure. B* trusted that the Hon. Mr Nosworthy would be able to expend large sums in the development of the primary indus- : tries, hut he did not know where the money was coming from. Mr Nosworthy: That is the trouble. A VALUABLE STAFF. Continuing, Mr Kirk said that whila not wishing to cast any reflection on any Government department, he was confident that there could not be found a better staff than that of the Agricultural Department. They were all ladies and gentlemen. He felt sad at leaving the department, but in the interests of progress a change was necessary, and The time had arrived when he knew that he must give place to young and more energetic men. In Mr Campbell the department had a director of horticulture who would be bard to beat, and one who would give the utmost satisfaction in every respect. In again thanking the members of the staff for the kindness that had been shown him, Mr Kirk said that it was a great pleasure to him to* know that he was leaving th© service with* the esteem and good wishes of the mem- ? bers of the staff . (Applause.) ' Ch f ere * or Mrs an d Mr Kirk concluded! the function.