MANAGER RETIRES

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 9

MANAGER RETIRES

A.M.P. SOCIETY FAREWELL

MR G. E. A. WILKES HONOURED District manager of the Hamilton office of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, Mr G. E. A. Wilkes, was farewelled this week, upon his retirement. A large number of the society’s representatives gathered with the office staff and several visitors, including the Mayor of Hamilton, Mr H. D. Caro. Mr W. H. Coltman, of Invercargill, who has been appointed to succeed Mr Wilkes in Hamilton, commented on the efficiency and faithful service which had been given by Mr Wilkes over the past years. Mr Wilkes joined the service in November, 1893, in Napier, and three years later, on being appointed to the staff, was transferred to Wellington, where he gained a wide experience. He was later appointed as District Manager in Greymouth, and in September, 1920, he was promoted to the District Managership in Hamilton. Under his leadership during the past 19 years the Hamilton office has made unrivalled progress, having grown from a comparatively small office with a total sum of £700,000 to one of the largest of the society’s district offices in Australasia. Mr Coltman also pointed out that the society’s confidence in the Hamilton district was exemplified by the fact that during Mr Wilkes’ term of office as dis-trict-manager the sum of approximately £300,000 had been invested in securities in the district. Presentation Made On behalf of the manager for New Zealand, the executive officers at Wellington, fellow district managers and departmental officers, Mr Coltman then presented Mr Wilkes with a wristlet watch and also a cheque from the society. Mr H. Miller, of the Hamilton staff, commented on the goodwill that Mr Wilkes had secured from all those with whom he had worked during the past years. On behalf of the staff, superintendents and agents, Mr Miller then asked Mr Wilkes to accept a pair of fireside chairs, wishing him at the same time a lengthy and pleasant period of retirement. Opportunity was also taken to extend to Mr Coltman a hearty welcome. In reply Mr Wilkes stated that when he was first appointed as district manager in Hamilton only two district offices were smaller than the Hamilton office. Today, however, the position was reversed, and only two district offices in New Zealand were larger