LOSS TO COMMUNITY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 151, 29 June 1932, Page 6

LOSS TO COMMUNITY

POWER BOARD PAYS TRIBUTE SERVICES OF MR P. H. SMITH To deal with one or two urgent routine matters arising out of the passing of the managing-secretary, Mr P. H. Smith, a special meeting of the Wan ganui-Rangitikei Electric-Power Board was held on Saturday afternoon. Before dealing with the business, the members paid a sterling tribute to the lato managing-secretary, both as an officer and as a man. The chairman, Mr F. Purnell, stated that in his capacity he had been brought into close contact with Mr Smith and had soon realised that not only was he a very efficient officer, but ■hat Jio possessed a wonderfully sympathetic understanding of human nature, and was ever ready to do a service for anyone. The speaker added that for some time he had regarded it a privilege 10 bo able to include Mr Smith as one of his best friends. Mt Hope Gibbous foeHngly endorsed all that the chairman had said, adding that Mr Smith had possessed a charming personality that drew all men to him. Mr Gibbons concluded by saying that he, too, had now lost one of his most valued friends. Mr A. E. Halligan, in adding his tribute, emphasised the loss to the community, particularly that part of it where Mr Smith had lived. He had

been regarded there as a friend of everybody, and his sound advice, freely sought by them all, was ever graciously given. Mr W. 8. Glenn considered that the late managing-secretary’o outstanding ability was evidenced bf the efficient organisation he had built up, adding that this would stand a monument for all time to the memory of the board’s first executive officer. Messrs John Morrison, H. McAlanaway, and W. Morrison all endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, after wntc.n tne .’olioring resolution was carried in silence; — That this meeting places on record its very deepest sympathy with the family of its managing-secretary, . Mr P. H. Smith, who, since his ap pointment on lanuury 17, 1924, has been so very largely responsible for the successful policy and administration of the board. His outstanding integrity and ability and the great enthuisasm ho showed in carrying out his duties, not only made him an invaluable officer of the board, but also earned him the personal friendship and goodwill of every member. That the chairman be asked to convoy to Mrs Snut'i and the. mem bers of the family the board’s deep sympathy with hn in their sad irreparab. *, bereii ’emunt.