LATE MR. P. H. SMITH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 110, 12 May 1933, Page 4

LATE MR. P. H. SMITH

SERVICES TO POWER BOARD. CHAIRMAN’S APPRECIATION. “It is with great regret that we have to place on record the death of the late managing-secretary, Air. P. H. Smith,” said Air. F. Purnell, in his annual report to the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric-power Board yesterday morning. “Air. Smith’s services during tho construction period and since were outstanding. His ability, integrity and general excellence of character secured and retained the full confidence of all the members of the board. Tho present very happy stato of tho board’s finances is mainly due to the excellence of his work so faithfully carried out. “The position of managing-secretary was not continued. Air. G. A. Ammundsen, the accountant, was appointed acting-secretary for a period of six months, when ho was confirmed in that position. He has done really well, And has shown his ability in performing a great amount of work in addition to the complete supervision of his department.

“Tho resident-engineer, Air. H. Webb, now reports direct to tho board. His work has been of a very high standard and has continued to inspire full confidence. In practice, the division of responsibility, Air. Ammundson in charge of the office, and Air. Webb in charge of the engineering and technical side, has proved entirely satisfactory.

“ Wo also deeply regret having to record tho first fatal accident since the board commenced active operations, Air. D. 11. Worsley having lost his lifo by coming in contact with a wire fence ‘livened’ by a broken standard transmission line. Tho question of safety devices has always given the board and staff much concern and consideration. Air. Webb has worked out a device which is to bo installed at an early date to reduce very materially, if not prevent completely, such accidents in the future.”