REPRESENTATIVE FAREWELL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23216, 1 June 1945, Page 4

REPRESENTATIVE FAREWELL

Mr T. McDonnell Work As Manpower Officer Appreciated Representatives of the South Canterbury Employers' Association, Trades Unions, the legal profession, the Social Security and National Service Departments, and the No. 108 Armed Forces Appeal Board were present at a gathering to bid farewell to Mr T. A. McDonnell, former District Manpower Officer, arranged by the Timaru Trades Council. Mr H. Badham, [Jresident of the Council, said that Mr McDonnell was well and favourably known to employers a id workers alike. He had been one of rr./ny selected to administer the manpower regulations. His Job had not always been a pleasant one but in his quiet, tactful manner he had done it well. During the four and a half years that Mr McDonnell had been In the National Service Department he had endeavoured to maintain cooperation between employers and workers imd retain sufficient skilled labour for essential Industries in Timaru. Mr Badham presented the guest with a wallet of notes with good wishes for success in Iris new position in Christchurch.

Mr G. S. Ray presented Mr McDonnell with a fruit bowl for his wife. Mr I. Wilby, speaking for the Social Security Department, recalled Mr McDonnell’s asociation with the Department. His loyalty, ability and tact had been an Inspiration to all who worked v Ith him. Messrs A. Shrimpton, C. Lawrence and F. A. Hilton also mentioned happy co-operation with Mr McDonnell.

Diplomacy Appreciated Mr W. A. Petrie said that the combing out of personnel for the fighting services had frequently created difficulties for employers in essential industries, but Mr McDonnell had always treated them fairly. His diplomacy had been appreciated. Mr A. D. Mcßae spoke in similar vein. Messrs J. Cooke, J. Foot, G. S. Rav, A. Morriss, J. Elder, w. Angland, S. tang and O. J. F. McKee also mentioned Mr McDonnell's impartial services and qualities as a popular civil servant and a worthy citizen.

The people of Timaru had pulled their weight with less friction than had citizens in some other centres of the Dominion, Mr McDonnell said in his reply. The skill and capacity of employers and workers here compared favourably with any other town, and he believed there was less waste of effort in Timaru than in many places. He paid a tribute to the depleted staffs in the Government Departments and local organisations who had done good work under difficult conditions, and to the skilled men in essential industries. He had pleasant memories of his association with members of the Armed Forces Appeal Board. Industrial Manpower Committee. Rehabilitation Department and other organisations. Mr McDonnell concluded. His job as District Manpower Officer had, in the main, been a pleasant one and he had tried to be fair in his relations with everyone.

Community singing was led by Mr A. Shrlmptor. and during the evening items were given by Messrs Shrimpton, C. Lawrence. I. Wilby and J. Edwards. Mr C. Parnell was the accompanist.