MR G.H. MASON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12687, 8 July 1919, Page 4

MR G.H. MASON.

A FAREWELL PRESENTATION.

Mr G. H. Mason, -who has retired on superannuation from the position of Registrar of Canterbury College after forty-one years’ service with the board, was farewelled yesterday afternoon at the' College Hall by a gathering representative of the Board of Governors and the staffs of all the institutions administered by the board. Mr EL.D. Acland, chairman of the board, who presided, said that Mr Mason had not/ been an official but rather a. seventh'institution, and from the speaker’s experience as chairman he did not know how he could have got on without him. He was the go-be-tween of the treasury and the spending departments, and his loyal services were greatly appreciated- (Applause.) He had carried out his duties with the utmost integrity, and with the sole object 'of furthering the interests of Canterbury College. He had also given a great amount of energy to Rugby and its teaching, and probably no man was better known in the city in connection with sport. His popularity among the staff was shown by the fact that 116 persons connected with the college had subscribed towards a farewell presentation.

Mr Acland then asked Mr Mason’s acceptance of a gold watch and a travelling bag. and expressed the hope that Mr Mason would not altogether sever his connection with the college. Miss Gibson asked Mr Mason to accept for Mrs Mason a silver entree dish. She said that she had been registered by Mr Mason as a pupil at the Girls’ High School, and in the last twenty-one years as principal of the Girls Hipjh School she had received the utmost kindness from Mr Mason in connection with the work of the school. Mrs Mason had entered into all social functions connected with the college, and had given Mr Mason invaluable help_m his work. She hoped that they would long be spared to enioy their retirement together. (Applause.) . Dr Hight, in the absence from Christchurch of Professor Gahhatt, expressed the good wishes of the Professorial Board towards Mr Mason, and in eulogising his work wished him many years of pleasant retirement. He said'that f'h® students also would greatly regret the loss of Mr Mason, who had contributed greatly to make and maintain the college tradition, and to develop the spirit of harmgny without sacrificing the interests of the board or the staff. Professor R. J. Scott said that he had cancelled an important engagement and practically come out of bed to be present to say how much those connected with the Engineering School appreciated Mr Mason’s work. Owing to Mr Mason’s personality there had never been the slightest disagreement. Avoiding red tape and formal communicatiqns, he had carried out all business in the good old English way, by word of mouth, and he had never forgotten or gone back on anv promise. (Applause.) He regretted the loss of Mr Mason’s service while he was still in the prime of his activity, but in whatever walk of life he might choose he had the best wishes of the School °i f En ,gineering. He could not believe that Mr Mason could drift into any leisured retirement. Mr 0. E. Bevan Brown said that in his thirty-five years as head of the Boys’ High School he had seen several Registrars come and go. but at all times Mr Mason had been looked on as the backbone, and the reliable, permanent head of the college, and it was with the deepest regret that Mr Mason's retirement had been received. His uniform kindness and ability and helpfulness would never he forgotten. He had regarded the school with the touch of personal helpfulness, not as an official, but rather as a master. He had coached the first fifteen for the last two years, and he was glad to say that he had agreed to retain office as trustee of the Deans’ Memorial Scholarship. He wished Mr and Mrs Mason every happiness in the future. Mr F. G. Gurnsey, on behalf. of the staff of the School of Art, also wished Mr and Mrs Mason a pleasant retirement.

Mr J. C. Adams, speaking from an experience of nine years as chairman of the hoard, testified to the energy, ability and loyalty that Mr Mason had thrown into his work, and. the speaker declared that he would never have carried out his work but for Mr Mason’s instruction and advice. To him and to many others he had been a personal friend, and he desired to thank him for. the pleasant times they had spent together in work and play. Mr Mason, who was very heartily applauded, said that he had been greatly honoured by the kind remarks made. about him. He had tried to do his duty to the college without creating dissatisfaction in any quarter, and it was gratifying to know thg£ hq iin<J. succeeded In some measure. He thanked Miss Gribaon for her kind references to Mrs Mason, who had been unable to remain in Christchurch. Everybody knew the value of the help of a loyal wife, and he could testify to Mrs Mason’s whole-hearted assistance in his work. He specially thanked Mr Aeland and Mr Adams for their references, and the office staff for their loyal support. In particular he desired to thank Mr Evans for his very loyal co-operation over a period of many years. In conclusion, Mr Mason expressed the hope that his successor (Mr L. A. Stringer) would enjoy the confidence and courtesy that he" had always received.

Cheers _ were given for Mr Mason, with musical honours, and afternoon tea was served as a pleasant conclusion to the ceremony.

A Masterton business man informed a “ Daily Times ” reporter recently that the cost ’of carrying a case containing say, £SO worth of drapery, from Wellington to Masterton per motor lorry, will be about 30s. He considers this very reasonable, and is not worrying about the railway restrictions. On Thursday evening a “welcome home ” social was tendered to Corporal Harry, Marlow by the Burwood Patriotic Committee. Owing to the severe weather, there was only a small attendance. Mr H. Rowse, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, warmly welcomed the guest ’on behalf of the district- Corporal Marlow, in replying, thanked the committee for their kind welcome, and expressed his great pleasure at being home again. Songs were contributed by Mr W. Ward, of Fendalton, and dancing was enjoyed for the remainder of the evening. Mr Jones was the musician, and Mr J. Liggins was M.O.