A THE POWER BOARD

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 68, Issue 5943, 15 May 1944, Page 3

A THE POWER BOARD

RETIREMENT OF MR J. G. SUTHERLAND f. LONG SERVICE ENDS I ¥ An intimation that he would not be Seeking re-election was made at Friday’s meeting of the Te Awamutu Electric Power Board by Mr J. G. Sutherland, who has been a member of the Board since its inception approximately twenty-five years ago. It was evident that the announcement caused a good deal of genuine regret, especially as Mr Sutherland advanced health reasons for his decision.

In stating his intention not to seek Te-elertion, Mr Sutherland expressed his Vl 4i'ks to the chairman, Mr J. T. Johnson, for his unfailing Appreciation, courtesy and goodwill. He paid a tribute to the chairman for his work in connection with the Board and went on to thank the members for their co-operation and assistance. He was retiring for health reasons. He was particularly pleased to find the younger members of the Board and those with local body experience on the Board. He thanked Mr McArthur for his ever-ready assistance and he asked that gentleman to convey to the staff his thanks for their assistance. He trusted the chairman would gc back as he was an able, occupant of the chair, and he wished all the members good Ijick. Mr Sutherland went on to deplore the matter that had arisen in connection with hospital rating and he assured the chairman and Mr Macky that he was with them in sticking to the old order. They must maintain the present hospital system, for the proposed change would lead to State control. The railways were not giving good service and the Government was the only one to fall down on the job in regards the power position. Reverting to the Board’s affairs, Mr Sutherland said the financial position was one to be proud of for it was in an excellent position and when peace came the Board would be able to help in rehabilitation and keep down costs in the future. “The Board is in a position to fulfil its obligations as well as anyone else,” concluded Mr Sutherland.

Mr E. H. Rhodes, in thanking Mr Sutherland for his kind words to the Board, said it was a blow to the Board to lose his services for he was one of the most experienced and able members.

Mr S. C. B. Macky, expressing his regret, said it was disturbing to see the number of old members dwindle away. Mr Sutherland had always co-operated with other members and he trusted he would soon be restored to health and would be able to come back to the Board at a future date.

Col. Matson added his expression of regret.

The chairman J. T. Johnson), in thanking Mr Sutherland for his remarks, said no one regretted the retirement more than himself. Mr Sutherland was one of the original members of the Board when it was formed approximately twenty - five years ago and even when the preliminary committee was working to set up the Board he served the district well. Over those years no member had given more time or assistance to the Board than had Mr Sutherland. He (the speaker) felt deeply at the decision and regretted that ill health was the reason.

The secretary-manager (Mr D. McArthur) said no one felt Mr Sutherland’s retirement more than he. The speaker had been associated with the Board for 245 years and even before that time he had known Mr Sutherland. In the early days of the Board he had been a great help and while Mr Sutherland had expressed his thanks to him (Mr McArthur) he felt that greater thanks were due to Mr Sutherland for the consideration he had always shown. Mr Sutherland had been a tower of strength and a great help and he thanked him too for his kindness both to himself and the staff.

Mr Sutherland has been chairman of the Finance Committee and deputychairman of the Board over a long period of years.