WANGANUI COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS RETIRING THIS MONTH

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 September 1946, Page 4

WANGANUI COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS RETIRING THIS MONTH

Mr. J. E. Rundle, collector of customs at Wanganui since April, 1939, is to retire from the Public Service at the end of this month, on the completion of 42i years’ service. Commencing as a cadet at Napier in 1903, Mr Rundle served successively at Wellington, Christchurch, Greymouth, Wellington-again, then finally at. Wanganui when he was promoted collector.

“During his period here the Customs Department has passed through the busiest period in its history, and almost monthly new revenue records have been set, culminating in July with a total collection of £47,000. This extra work brought about by the advent of import licencing and the manifestations of sales tax, making the war years extremely strenuous for the staff.

The Customs Department, during the war, was the main avenue of connection between the Government and the control and movement of shipping. As local representative of the Marine Department and representative of the Admiralty in connection with war importations, it performed an onerous task. The nature of a customs collector's duties are such that he is on call 24 hours a day, and consequently Mr. Rundle's outside activities were, limited. A keen Rotarian, for the last three years he has been chairman, of the Fellowship Committee of the Wanganui Rotary Club. He has been a member of the vestry of Christ Church, and for 12 months was vicar's warden.

“The business people of Wanganui were easy tb get on with, and willingly carried out the advice given them in connection with the matters of the department'' commented Mr. Rundle yesterday on his period of service in Wanganui. This advice was based on knowledge gleaned over long experience, and was appreciated by the business people, who. like the Customs Department, have had their work increased by the security and national regulations introduced under the necessity of war.