GOVERNMENT PRINTER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11224, 1 June 1922, Page 3

GOVERNMENT PRINTER

MR MARKS RETIRES MUSIC, SONGS, AND TOASTS AT FAREWELL. MOST ENJOYABLE SOCIAL. In the large hall of the Base Records Office at the back of the Government Buildings, a most successful and enjoyable social gathering was tendered by the staff of the Government Printing and Stationery Department to the Government Printer (Mr Marcus F. Marks), who is retiring on superannuation after many years in the public service. Mr H. B. Mason (president of *tlie Government Printing Office Association) presided, and the hall was crowded, some €OO employees in all being gathered together. Amongst those also present were the Minister-in-charge (the Hon. G. J. Andersen) and Messrs J. P. Firth, W. R. Morris (Public Service Commissioner), and P. Verschaffelt (Assistant Public Service Commissioner). Light refreshments were served, and an admirable programme of vocal and orchestral items was rendered by members of the staff. The programme included songs by Misses E. Higgins and M. Hux. ani Mr "W. Church, and a banjo duet by Messrs J. Farrell and H. Anderson.

The health of "The Minister-in-Charge" wag drunk with musical honours at the call of the chairman. The Minister suitably responded and then, on behalf of the staff, presented to Mr Mark* the following address, handsomely illuminated and beautifully bound in leather:— THE ADDRESS. "RESPEC’fTLNTD ESTEEM OF ALL.” "We, the member® of the- staff of the Government Printing and Stationery Department of the Dominion of New Zealand, desire to express our regret at your retirement from the Public Service, and to convey to you our appreciation of the kindly and sympathetic consideration you have accorded us while you have had control of this department. Particularly we shall remember the sympathy you have always shown to those in sickness and in. trouble. "Wo desire to express our thanks for the courtesy you have at all tiroes extended to those of the staff authorise*! to place before you matters important to its welfare, and for the prompt manner in which you have given your decisions. "We oh all always have very pleasant recollections of the enthusiastic interest you have manifested from time to time in otir recreations and social gatherimr*. "During your long association with the department, in which you have ehly filled various post Hon v from reader-boy lo Government Printer, you have gained thoreoTject and esteem of one and all. "While under your control the department passed through the most critical and strenuous • period •of Its existence, due to the many demands made noon the staff as the result of the Great War. Owing to your capable management and pound administration it was able to ©ome through that ordeal with credit. You may assuredly claim you are leaving the department in a condition to fully maintain the efficiency that has hitherto characterised it. "In conclusion, we extend to you our best wishes, and trust that the future may deal kindly with yon and your», and that health, happiness and prosperity may be yours in full measure. * SPEECH BY MINISTER.

GOVBRNOR-GENER A L'S APPRECIATION. In making the presentation and proposing the toast of Government Printer/* the Minister said that they were all there to do honour to their old friend. Mr Marcus Marks, who had not only been Government Printer, But was known throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand as one prominent in all good cause*. (Applause.) Th*. Minister read a message and appreciation from His Excellency the Governor (Viscount Jellicoe), and spoke in high terms of the services rendered to the public bv Mr Mario? as Gerornmerit Printer, as oupervioor of "BW salrd.” ami in other caoarritieo. He wished him Inti, life for the eniormetil nf Iris wnl 1-earned rest. f Applause.l Tf be bimcelf reuraiaed in office, added the Minister, be hoped t" see. when the present depression ceased, ear. in the course r-f a. year c '' so. tb-ee-enlnnr p-epti-er ri-osses installed in the Government Office and the best, possible work turned out. (Applause.)

• PROGRESS OP DPPARTMHNT. Speaking of the great progress made by the Printing Department;, the Minister said the turnover of the office in 1885, when Mr Marks returned to it from Australia, was £2i.000; in 1916. when Mr Marks took charge as Government Printer, it was -£112.575. and last year it was .£278,209. (Applause.) Under the new system of accounts, the Printing Office liad to bear a charge for land of JS6OOO. and the total capital value of the printing office was JE6500. The department had to pay rent on that, and still made a profit. (Applause.) TRIBUTES FROM STAFF. Messrs H. M. C. Robertson (of the clerical staff), J. Burns (overseers), and the chairman united in high tributes to Mr Marks, Mr Robertson saying that, thanks largely to the business ability of their retiring chief, the department had shown last year a credit balance of .£IO,OOO. AH the speakers wished both Mr Marks and his sister. Miss Marks, a very pleasant trip to the Old Country and a safe return to New Zealand. The toast was drunk with musical honours amid great enthusiasm. MR MARKS IN~~REPLY. Mr Marks feelingly replied, and said that he was especially pleased to see present a number of old comrades who had retired from the service. He deeply felt the honour that His Excellency discount Jelliooe had done him by sending the letter read by the Minister, but the credit for the good and prompt work, on which Lord Jellicoe complimented him, was due to the whole staff rafhor than to himself. He referred to the amicable relations that had always existed between the staff and himself, and thanked the speakers for their verv kind references to him. and the Indies for all tlie work they had put in in decorating the hall so gaily with bunting, etc. THE NEW GOVERNMENT PRINTER. In proposing the health of .the new Government Printer (Mr W. A. Skinner). Mr Marks gave him a few words of advice in regard to the management of the staff, and bespoke for him from the staff the same kind, courteous, and fair treatment that had always been accorded himself. The toast- was drnnk with musical honours, and Mr Skinner briefly replied, saying that he would as fer ns possible follow in the footsteps of his predecessor. "Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem brought tho proceedings to a close.