LANDS OFFICER FARE WELLED

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1933, Page 6

LANDS OFFICER FARE WELLED

DEPARTURE OF MR. W. D. ARMIT. PRESENTATION IN NEW PLYMOUTH. Mr. W. D. Armit, formerly commissioner of Crown Lands at New Plymouth, was farewelled by the Taranaki Land Board and the staff of the Lands and Survey Department yesterday prior to his departure on promotion. Tributes were paid to his excellent work both inside and outside the office and he was presented with a set of crystal ware and a steel-shafted golf club. Mr. J. A. Redman, chief cleric, referred to Mr. Armit’s long association with the New Plymouth staff, to which he had shown general kindness and courtesy. He was held in great esteem also outside the office in the many activities he was connected with. There would be general regret at Mr. Armit’s departure, not only among the staff but also among the settlers of Taranaki, many of whom had written letters expressing their feeling of loss. His intimate knowledge of the affairs of the department would make his departure a definite loss to the department. Messrs. C. J. Ryan, S. Blake, N. R. Cleland and H. A. Foreman, members of the Land Board, expressed similar sentiments. * < Mr. B. King, chief draughtsman, spoke on behalf of the technical staff, and Mr. T. V. Mackay, senior draughtsman, Mr. L. J. B. Grant, senior field inspector at Taumaruriui, and Mr. P. Keller, district engineer of the Public; Works Department, added their tributes, commenting on the co-operation Mr. Armit had always achieved with- his staff. Mr. Armit expressed sorrow at his departure from Taranaki, where he had seen so many changes since his early days there. He had seen great strides made in the past 10 years, he said. Referring to the staff and his hopes that those deserving of promotion would similarly secure it, Mr. Armit said he had always received the greatest help from the members of the department, the work of which was that of a team which pulled together. The Land Board members had always been very courteous and obliging. Mr. Armit at the same time extended a welcome to Mr. F. H. Waters, his successor, whom he had known as a cadet in the service.