DEPARTING POSTMASTER

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1928, Page 10

DEPARTING POSTMASTER

MR. B. E. S. BRODIE ENTERTAINED. Mr. B. E. S. Brodie, Chief-Postmaster at New Plymouth, was tendered a farewell afternoon tea yesterday by the members of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce. Mr. J. McLeod, in apologising for the absence of the president, Mr. C. H. Weston, deplored the loss of such an eminent public officer as Mr. Brodie, who, during his sojourn in New Plymouth had been most helpful in Chamber of Commerce matters and had always been willing to look into any grievances. Mr. Brodie’s departure would be keenly felt by business and townspeople. Mr. Brodie, he said, was a man of unusual capacity, tact and honesty, and was highly esteemed by the public, being appreciated for his broadminded tolerance of petty grievances. Mr. McLeod said it was not Mr. Brodie's fault that the automatic exchange had not come into being, and that, during his stay in New Plymouth, he had done his duty with great honour to himself, and he would carry the best wishes with jjim to his new sphere of operations—Napier. Mr. P. E. Stainton endorsed Mr. McLeod’s eulogies. Mr. T. C. List spoke of the sympathy and promptitude with which Mr. Brodie had met any wishes of the Chamber of Commerce regarding improvements, and, whilst a member of that body he had been able to secure a first-hand view of public opinion. In losing Mr. Brodie New Plymouth was losing a good townsman and courteous public officer. . Mr. W. J. Penn said New Plymouth could be proud of its post office staff, and the staff reflected the qualities of their head, Mr. Brodie. In responding, Mr. Brodie touched on his coming to New Plymouth, when he had made it his object to cut out unnecessary “red tape” and pay careful attention to complaints. If the people realised tliat he had carried out these objects, he said, he felt that he had accomplished hie ideals. Regarding the automatic telephone, he stated that it was being kept in view and it would occasion no surprise to him if it eventuated in the near future. He appreciated the friendly spirit in which he had been met, and mentioned that in his nomadic career he had never met the equal of the sympathy and assistance that were extended to him in New Plymouth.