DEATH OF COUNTY ENGINEER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20852, 7 October 1937, Page 6

DEATH OF COUNTY ENGINEER

TRIBUTES TO MR THOMAS BLACK The death of Mr Thomas Black, engineer of the Levels County Council, was referred to at yesterday’s meeting of the Council when a motion of sympathy was carried with Mrs Black and family and tributes were paid to Mr Black’s outstanding record of service. Expressing regret at the death of the engineer, the chairman (Mr T. B. Garrick) said that for 38 years Mr Black had been a devoted servant of the Council. He was appointed in October, 1899, and the best years of his life, were given in generous and willing service to the County. He took a great pride and interest in his work as engineer and always had the welfare of the County at heart. He was known personally and held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends in the County, and he would be greatly missed for his kindly and cheerful disposition, as well as for his engineering abilities. He had also won the respect and affection of all ills employees, who would regret the death of their good friend and chief. Mr Black’s record of service was unique, added the chairman. He first went about his duties on a push bicycle, and later was provided with a horse and trap. His next mode of transport was a motor cycle. Mr Black had built up the roads of the Comity from bush tracks, which were a decided contrast to the tar sealing of to-day. “I desire to place on record this Council’s appreciation of the loyal and faithful service given by our late engineer, and also to extend to his widow, Mrs Black, and the members of the family the very sincere condolence of the members of this Council in their great bereavement,” said Mr Garrick. Mr R. G. Cleland mentioned that Mr Black was the only engineer the Council ever had. Sympathy with the Council in the loss of its engineer was later expressed by Mr H. Sievwright, a member of a deputation. He said that Mr Black was held in high regard by the ratepayers of the County.